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Empowering families: Join our Webinar Series on childhood cancer and sickle cell disease. Expert insights, personal stories & valuable topics. Register now for upcoming webinars! WEBINAR SERIES SERIES ASK's webinar series provides information and support to families to help them navigate the childhood cancer & blood disorder journey. Hear from guest experts as well as parents, teens, and young adults who shared their lived experiences. Previous Webinars ASK Us About: Class In-Services ASK Us About: Positivity More Videos

Connect and build community through ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation. From family gatherings to program events for patients, survivors and siblings of all ages, find support, connection and understanding. COMMUNITY & CONNECTION CONNECTION Cancer treatment and survivorship can feel very isolating. Social connection with others who understand the unique challenges along the childhood cancer journey is helpful for the whole family. Our goal is to build opportunities for community and connection among ASK kids, siblings, parents and caregivers. See our most popular opportunities for community & connection below, and explore our Program Events to learn more about all the different types of events we offer throughout the year! ASK Program Events Summer Camp Every summer we host camp in Richmond and Fredericksburg. ASK’s Summer Camp is a day camp experience for ASK kids and their siblings. We understand and accommodate the range of emotional, physical, and developmental challenges that can follow cancer treatment. We do crafts, play games, tell stories, and talk openly and confidently about the cancer experience. We also welcome guests from around our community for interactive activities and learning opportunities. Younger kids can meet older kids who are survivors, too. Best of all, they make friends. Retreats ASK holds retreats throughout the year; two for middle school and high school survivors and one for young adult cancer survivors (YACS) . Held at local camps and conference centers, the retreats include team-building activities, games, wellness topics and connection with peers. Holiday Cheer Our annual Holiday Party is a tradition that every ASK family loves. Families come out to celebrate the season, meet up with friends, and remember all of the fun events we have enjoyed throughout the year. Everyone loves stopping for a photo with Santa, eating snacks, dancing to music, and leaving with a special present to start the holiday season off right! For families with children in active treatment who cannot attend our Holiday Party, we provide private 1-on-1 visits with Santa at the ASK Family Center for maximum safety and comfort. Parent & Caregiver Socials We hold quarterly Parent & Caregiver Socials in our ASK Family Center. These even ts provide a chance for parents to connect in a safe space, share experiences, and lend a listening ear! Each social includes a fun activity to enjoy as they meet other parents navigating life after a cancer diagnosis. We als o provide quarterly Parent Night Out events to allow parents a chance to get out and enjoy a night to themselves. Sibling Socials Often when one child in a family has a complex medical diagnosis siblings feel left out. We offer special events just for siblings to come together and play laser tag, go horseback riding, or enjoy a glow party! These events make the sibling the focus of attention and bring them together with other kids in their same situation, cancer affects all members of a family. ASK Family Center Opened in May 2021, the Family Center is ASK’s colorful, kid-friendly “home base.” It’s a meeting place for fun events. It’s a safe space for parents and caregivers to gather to tell their stories. It’s a big, open room with movable furniture for kids to play after their homework is done. It’s where we want you to gather and feel at home. It’s where we work, learn, and play! Take a Tour "Your retreats are such a beautiful part of my year. It's our annual family reunion. We get to check in on each other, support each other, and welcome new people that need our community." - Young Adult Can cer Survivor

Browse our video library for answers to your most common questions (and questions you didn't know you had!) as you navigate your childhood cancer journey – from the moment of diagnosis, through treatment, and into survivorship. VIDEO LIBRARY LIBRARY Browse our video library for answers to your most common questions (and questions you didn't know you had!) as you navigate your childhood cancer journey – from the moment of diagnosis, through treatment, and into survivorship. ASK a Nurse Family Support Community Support Survivorship Support Educational Support ASK a Nurse Have a question about the treatment process? Our nurses in the ASK Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU have an answer. Emla Cream and Port Access How do I apply emla cream to my child’s port before it is accessed? Neutropenia What is “neutropenia” and what does it mean for my child? Blood Counts What do my child's blood counts mean, and why are they like that? Making Appointments How do I make a follow-up appointment at clinic? High Temperature What do I do if my child has a fever? Provider On Call What do I do if I need to reach a doctor or nurse when the clinic is closed? Procedure Days What do I do if I need to reach a doctor or nurse when the clinic is closed? Chemotherapy Days What can I expect when my child has an appointment for chemotherapy at clinic? Blood Count Days What can I expect when my child has an appointment for blood counts? Family Support Hear from the ASK psychosocial team and learn how to best support your entire family as your child goes through treatment, as well as how ASK is here to support you. Intro to ASK Family Support Programs Kim, ASK’s Family Support Manager, is often the first person you will hear from after your child’s diagnosis. She helps our families with gift cards and other support services to lighten the load. Parenting a Child in Treatment: An Overview Learn about the mental health support ASK offers to all our parents and families as their child goes through treatment. How Parents Cope It is important for parents of children in treatment to seek healthy coping mechanisms. Coping does not look the same for everyone and can change over time. Parenting Your Preschooler or Elementary School Age Child in Treatment Effectively parenting a child with a chronic or life-threatening illness will look differently depending on the age of the child. Parenting Your Teen in Treatment Parenting a teen, who is defining their identity and becoming more independent, comes with different challenges when diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Parenting the Sibling of a Child in Treatment Make sure to set aside time for the siblings in your family and include them in the routine of taking care of their ill sibling. Social & Emotional Issues During Treatment A childhood cancer diagnosis brings up many uncomfortable emotions in your child and family. It can disrupt social structures like school and friendships. These are all normal responses to an abnormal childhood experience. Relapse If your child's cancer returns, your child and family can experience strong emotions as a result. Grief & Bereavement Support Grief is unique to each family and family member. You may feel angry and alone. Our chaplain can be with you as you grieve. Community Support Just as there is strength in numbers, there’s strength in finding your sense of community as you navigate the changes and emotions that come with childhood cancer treatment. Communicating Your Child's Diagnosis It is helpful to have a plan for what information you will be sharing with friends and family and how you will be sharing it. Learn about options available, including online forums. Handling the “What Ifs” of Childhood Cancer It is easy to feel overwhelmed by all the “what ifs,” but it is important to remember the people and resources that can help you stay in the present moment. Grief, Anger, Guilt and Exhaustion When a life-changing crisis like childhood cancer strikes, grief, anger, and guilt are all natural – but often lead to exhaustion. There are resources to help you through. Finding Your Way Over the Course of Childhood Cancer Treatment Your family’s lifestyle and outside activities will ebb and flow as your child goes through treatment. Each phase comes with certain guidelines and accommodations. Relaxing Again After Cancer Treatments End Finding your way post-treatment when you no longer need to be in a state of constant vigilance takes time and self-care. It should not be a cause of anxiety itself. ASK Us About: Positivity In this webinar, we discuss how to approach challenging behaviors and situations with positivity, and strategies to respond thoughtfully when emotions are high. Presenter, ASK Education Support Navigator, Lisa Meares, brings a wealth of experience in this area as a former social emotional special education teacher. ASK Us About: Coping with Emotions and Anxiety In this webinar, we cover what is happening in the brain and body when we experience anxiety, tips for coping with anxiety and stress, and when to seek additional help. Survivorship Support Transitioning into survivorship after cancer treatment comes with its own set of emotional, cognitive, and physical challenges. We are here to help you understand and overcome them. Transitioning to Survivorship While it can be difficult to leave behind the team of doctors and nurses who treated your child, there are important reasons to transition your child's care to the survivorship team. Late Effects of Pediatric Cancer Treatment The health care team at the survivorship clinic can identify and address physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and vocational late side effects from pediatric cancer treatment. The Importance of Long-Term Survivorship Care and Support As pediatric cancer treatment improves and more children are surviving into adulthood, it is important to stay connected to a multi-disciplinary health care team who can follow their health. Psychological Care for Survivors Mental health support services are an important part of survivorship care to navigate the challenges of post-treatment life. Social & Emotional Issues in Survivorship Social and emotional challenges are common for pediatric cancer survivors and their families. The survivorship clinic team can help and offer additional resources. What’s a “Normal Life” After Childhood Cancer Treatment? Families may have to redefine their goals and accept changes after pediatric cancer treatment has ended. ASK Us About: Returning to Normalcy In this webinar, we discuss the small steps you can take to help find normalcy and develop routines for children and teens who have been diagnosed with and treated for cancer. Educational Support Learn about the long-lasting effects of cancer treatment on your child’s ability to learn, and what ASK can do to make their education and the steps after high school a little easier. Recognizing Cognitive Late Effects in Education It may be difficult to assess if cognitive late effects are affecting a child's ability to learn, but assessments and recommendations by an educational consultant, along with the ASK Education Toolkit , can help. Educational & Vocational Issues in Survivorship Attending survivorship clinic appointments allows staff to address emerging educational and vocational issues, as well as alert you to upcoming social opportunities. ASK Us About: Educational Plans (504/IEP) In this webinar, we discuss the types of support and accommodations your child can receive to help them be more successful in school. We talk about the child study process, as well as the differences between a 504 plan and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). ASK Us About: Class In-Services When a child goes back to school during or after treatment, classmates have a lot of questions. A class in-service presentation can help answer all these questions and more. An in-service helps classmates feel more comfortable and shares ideas on how to be a helpful friend.

Learn about ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation's mission of making life better through supportive resources and programs for families and children fighting cancer in Virginia. ABOUT ASK Assistance, Support and Kindness since 1975. ASK Mission Making Life Better for Children with Cancer and their Families Vision To serve as a leading source of support for children with cancer Our Guiding Principles We believe in children and families first Be ethical Be mission driven Be responsible stewards of resources Be an open and collaborative community partner Be proactive as well as responsive Be creative and innovative Be compassionate at all times You’re in good hands. ASK has been helping families in Central Virginia for almost 50 years. Our History Our team is ready to provide care and support every step of the way. Our People Every single dollar you give stays here to help families in our community. Our Financials ASK is making life better! But you don't have to take our word for it. Check out what our kids and families have to say about how ASK has made their cancer journey a little easier. Where We Help ASK is proud to support children and their families across Virginia in their cancer journey. Home Base/Primary Office: ASK Family Center 5211 W. Broad St., Ste 100 Richmond, VA 23220 Hospital Partners: Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters UVA Children's Hospital Carilion Children's Inova Schar Cancer Institute Children's National Fredericksburg Careers at ASK Work seems less like "work" when you’re helping to make life easier for children with cancer and serious blood disorders and their families. Join the Team Program Events Our educational and social events are offered to patients and survivors enrolled with ASK, as well as their families, free of charge. Learn More Get in Touch Do you have a question about our programs? Maybe a specific question about getting involved? Send us a message below! Contact Us

Important links for social media followers to ASK resources, event sign-ups and opportunities to give, volunteer, and learn more about how they can get involved. Link-in-Bio Welcome! Visit some of our most popular links below. To see more of our website, tap the menu icon in the top right corner. For Families: Get Support Program Events How You Can Help: Make a Gift Donate Snacks for Clinic Donate Toys for Clinic More Ways to Give Get Involved: Volunteer Become an Ambassador Learn More: Blog Meet Our Kourageous Kids ASK YouTube Channel Photo Albums In The News The ASK Store Contact Us About ASK

Elevate school success with ASK's Education Toolkit. Addressing late effects after childhood cancer treatment. Empowering parents and schools for student achievement. Download now! EDUCATION TOOLKIT TOOLKIT Make Back-to-School Season a Success T reatment for childhood cancer can affect a child’s ability to think, remember, move, play, communicate, and socialize. These challenges that come up after treatment are called “late effects.” In partnership with the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Childhood Cancer Workgroup, ASK created the Childhood Cancer Education Toolkit to make sure everyone involved knows how to help accommodate late effects and support patient and survivor school success. For Parents and Caregivers (Para Padres y Cuidadores) It is natural, and expected, for parents to have questions and concerns when their child goes back to school following treatment. While this experience can be overwhelming, a successful transition is possible with proper guidance and support from your child's school and medical teams! This toolkit shows parents and caregivers how to work with schools to meet their child’s educational needs after a cancer diagnosis. Download Descargar For Educators and Schools (Para Educadores) After treatment, both children and teens can experience late side effects of treatment, including physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. Some late effects may come up right away, but it’s also common for children and youth to experience new challenges as they get older and school gets harder. This toolkit contains information for school personnel that they can use to support patients and survivors in the school setting. Download Descargar Helpful Handouts Tap/click to download these handouts from the Childhood Cancer Education Toolkit. Classroom Accommodations List School Health Plan Information Toolkit How-To Our education toolkit was created with the help and expertise of Alma Morgan, ASK’s Associate Director of Education. Hear from her about how parents, schools, and hospitals can use it to support students in treatment or survivorship. Related Videos Recognizing Cognitive Late Effects in Education Educational & Vocational Issues in Survivorship More Videos

Explore ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation's journey and legacy in supporting children and families affected by cancer and sickle cell disease in Virginia since 1975. OUR HISTORY HISTORY Lending a helping hand for 50 years! ASK began in the mid-1970s with a group of parents whose kids were in treatment for cancer. Through months of sitting together in the hospital waiting room, they got to know each other’s stories. For the first time since diagnosis, they felt like someone understood what they were going through. They recognized the need for support and wanted others to feel supported, too. These parents, with members of the pediatric hematology/oncology team at MCV Hospital (now the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU), decided to do something to help. Pooling ideas and resources, this group of dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly to lessen the burden of childhood cancer for local families by providing social, emotional, spiritual and financial support. We still believe in this holistic approach to making life better for families of children battling cancer. Today, we also help childhood cancer survivors, siblings, and parents successfully navigate new realities. Take a trip down memory lane with us! Let's create new memories together! We have so much to look forward to here at ASK, and we know our community will shine even brighter with you in it. Get Involved

Stay informed with the latest ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation media stories. Read and watch news updates on how ASK is making an impact in Virginia. IN THE NEWS NEWS Looking for Press Releases? > Featured Story May 2024 19th Annual 5K and Fun Run held at The Diamond raised money to support childhood cancer programs Read More Previous Stories May 2024 ASK 5K & Fun Walk raises record breaking amount of money March 2024 ASK 5K and Fun Walk Returns to Richmond February 2024 WDBJ7 Roanoke: ASK Kid Nikolas’s Journey through Pediatric Cancer and the Support of ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation January 2024 CBS6 News Richmond: ASK Parents and Pediatric Cancer Survivors Drive Home Need to Continue Funding for Education Navigator Program Across the Commonwealth at Childhood Cancer Advocacy Day February 2023 New program helps young cancer patients return to classroom July 2022 Supporting children, families facing pediatric cancer June 2022 Virginia budget funds new position at UVA Children’s Hospital April 2022 Sponsoring an 'ultra-marathoner' who is going the distance to fight childhood cancer December 2021 Drive-thru Christmas party brightens these deserving kids and their families November 2021 A Growing Effort September 2021 Governor’s mansion turns gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month September 2021 Virginia's Executive Mansion goes gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month September 2021 ‘Go Gold” with ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation September 2021 Health Watch: Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month July 2021 Dunkin’ donates $10,000 to ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation July 2021 Doubling in size, ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation unveils new “Family Center” December 2020 Charity Begins on Zoom November 2020 ASK 2020 Donut Run: taking our donuts to-go this year! September 2020 Champions for Charity tournament raises money for ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation February 2020 History Makers: ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation September 2019 Kids kicking childhood cancer honored with portraits in Virginia exhibit November 2017 A Very Good Day Are you writing a story about ASK? Please contact Hanna Gardner, Associate Director of Marketing, for media kit materials, brand guidelines, and communication materials at hgardner@askccf.org.

ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation is a Virginia-based nonprofit dedicated to making life better for children with cancer and their families through financial assistance, educational support, and opportunities for community and connection. We're here to make life a little better. Your generosity means kids like Isiah don't have to face cancer or serious blood disorders alone. better. Give Today Isiah 13, ALL B-Cell Leukemia Where we help: ASK is proud to support children and their families across Virginia in their cancer journey. How we help our families: Community & Connection Fighting cancer can be an isolating experience. We helped our kids and families build meaningful connections throughout 2023 with more than 100 program events. Educational Support On average, kids miss 43 days of school during their first year of treatment. In 2023, we helped more than 500 patients return to school with the support they need to be successful. Financial Assistance Half of all families with a child in treatment will experience severe financial hardship. In 2023, we helped families stay afloat with more than $250,000 to cover everyday expenses. Get Support Lending a Helping Hand for 50 years! Since 1975, ASK has been committed to providing Assistance, Support, and Kindness to children with cancer and their families—during treatment and beyond. What began in Richmond, VA has grown to serve families across the state through educational support, family services, and community connection. Thanks to you, we’ve funded key positions, offered financial aid, and built a support network that reaches beyond medical care. But there’s still more to do—together, we can ensure no child or family faces cancer alone. See Our Impact 6-7 children are diagnosed with cancer every week in Virginia. Let’s give them a hand and help make life better any way we can. How to Get Involved > Meet Our ASK Kids Read Their Stories Stay Connected with ASK Sign Up for Updates

Stay informed about ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation's COVID-19 Policy. Learn about safety measures, masking guidelines, and more. COVID-19 Policy Background ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation (“ASK”) is committed to maintaining a workplace that is free of known hazards and to safeguarding the health of the patients and families whom it serves while providing critical in-person opportunities for community, connection and support. This policy is intended to comply fully with applicable state and federal laws and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and other health authorities. Public health measures and guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic remain in flux, and ASK reserves the right to amend this policy from time to time to stay abreast of and consistent with such measures and guidance. Policy Subject to the remaining provisions of this policy: During periods when the CDC’s Community Level of COVID-19 is “high” : When ASK families are present, ASK employees and contractors will be masked when in any ASK facility unless (i) they are alone in an office, or (ii) they are in a public area and able to maintain six (6) feet of distance from other persons; Visitors to ASK facilities will be masked; Mask policy at indoor events will be determined in consultation with the venue and executive committee. Masks will be optional at outdoor events unless required by the venue; and Individual requests for exemption from mask requirements due to disability will be subject to review and accommodation consistent with state and federal law. During periods when the CDC’s Community Level of COVID-19 is “medium” or lower : ASK employees and contractors are permitted but not required to mask when in ASK facilities; Visitors to ASK facilities are permitted but not required to mask; and Mask policy at events will be determined in consultation with the venue and executive committee. ASK will make this policy or a summary available to all visitors. Other ASK policies related to COVID-19 and/or workplace safety remain in effect. Definitions For purposes of this policy: CDC’s Community Level of COVID-19 may be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html The ASK Family Center is located in Henrico County. Fredericksburg program events are located in Fredericksburg City. These localities are used when determining CDC Community Level guidance per event.

Get in touch with ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation. Contact us for information about family programs, how to get involved, partnership opportunities and more. CONTACT Have a question about our programs? Maybe a specific question about getting involved? Send us a message below! Helpful Links Submit Thanks for reaching out! A member of our team will get back to you as soon as they can. Helpful links: Financial assistance information, requirements and how to apply Ways to give and support ASK kids and families Volunteer information and opportunities to lend a hand About ASK program events and how to sign up Need to reach a specific member of our team? Address 5211 W. Broad St Suite 100 Richmond, VA 23230 Phone (804) 658-5910 Email info@askccf.org

Learn about ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation's Privacy Policy. Your privacy matters. Find information on data collection, protection, and more. Privacy Policy Your privacy is of great importance to us and our website has been developed with that in mind. We recognize your right to know what information is being collected about you and how that information will be used, as well as our obligations to protect what we do collect. Our privacy policy tells you about our information practices when you visit us online to browse, obtain information, or request services, such as making a pledge. The policy includes, among other things, what data is collected and why; ways for you to access information or submit inquiries; security features; and website analysis tools used. ASK respects your privacy while you are an online visitor to our website. At our site, we do not collect personal information unless you provide it to us voluntarily and knowingly. We acknowledge your right to: know what purpose the information gathered might be used. know with what other entities the information gathered might be shared. a guarantee of reasonable security of any data collected. a guarantee of data accuracy and fidelity. access to data gathered to ensure accuracy and fidelity. choose not to be included in any use of the data unrelated to the stated purpose for which the data was collected. choose not to be included in any transfer of data to any third party for any use unrelated to the stated purpose for which the data was collected. Our Commitment to Our Donors Donor Privacy Policy. We will not sell, share or trade our donors’ names or Personal Information with any other entity, nor send mailings to our donors on behalf of other organizations. This Donor Privacy Policy applies to all information received by ASK, both online and offline, on any Platform, as well as any electronic, written or verbal communications. Information We Collect About You Personal Information. We may collect the following types of personal information: Information provided by you when requesting information through the site. For example, you may be required to submit personal information such as your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address in order to join our email list or register for an event. Credit or debit card, or bank account information collected from you when making a donation. Information you provide us through customer service correspondence and general feedback. Non-personal Information. When you visit the site, we may collect non-personal information, such as a catalog of the Site pages you visit. Non-personal information is generally collected through the Site from the following sources: server log files, cookies, and other technologies and information that you voluntarily provide. Cookies and similar technologies. We and our service providers may use "cookies" or similar technologies on our Site. A cookie is a piece of data stored on your computer that ties your computer to a web server for recordkeeping purposes. Most browsers allow you to control the use of cookies on your computer. If you choose to limit the use of cookies on your computer, we may not be able to provide you the services you request on our Site. Cookies, when used, are not persisted. Server log files. Your Internet Protocol (IP) address is logged in our server log files along with other information about your activity on our Site. We use your IP address to calculate Site usage levels, help diagnose problems with our servers, and generally administer the Site. Collecting IP addresses is standard practice on the Internet. How We Use Information We Collect Personal Information: We may use the personal information we collect in the following ways: Fulfillment of requests. We may use your personal information to provide you with the services you requested. Administrative communications. From time to time, we may use the personal information you provide us to contact you about the services you have ordered or important changes to the site. Because this information may be important to your use of the site, the fulfillment of your request, or required by Federal regulation, you may not opt-out of receiving such communications. Non-personal Information: Because non-personal information does not personally identify you, we may use such information for any purpose. Accessing and Modifying Information and Communication Preferences Upon request, ASK will grant individuals reasonable access to Personal Information that we and our agents hold about them. For example, visitors to the Platform who have provided Personal Information to us may review and/or make changes to the same by contacting ASK. In addition, individuals may manage their receipt of marketing communications by clicking on the “unsubscribe” link located on the bottom of any ASK marketing e-mail or by following the instructions found on the Platform. We will use commercially reasonable efforts to process such requests in a timely manner. How We Protect Your Information We take appropriate security measures to protect against unauthorized access to data. These measures include internal and external reviews of our data collection, storage, and processing practices and security measures, including physical security measures to guard against unauthorized access to systems where we store personal data. We restrict access to personal information to employees and contractors who need to know that information in order to operate, develop, or improve our services. These individuals are bound by confidentiality obligations and may be subject to discipline, including termination and criminal prosecution, if they fail to meet these obligations. When visitors to our Site provide personal information, the data is encrypted and protected using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol. Changes to this Privacy Policy Please note that this Privacy Policy may change from time to time. We will not reduce your rights under this Privacy Policy without your explicit consent. We will post any Privacy Policy changes on this page and, if the changes are significant, we will provide a more prominent notice. Inquiries Please direct any questions or concerns regarding this privacy policy or ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation’s treatment of personal information by contacting us or you may write to us at ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, 5211 W Broad Street, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23230. We will investigate and respond to your inquiry. Your inquiry will be treated confidentially, and will not be shared with external parties, except service providers and those who govern and oversee ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation. Last Updated: 08/01/23