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Providing families facing childhood cancer with comprehensive assistance. Emotional, educational, and community support for kids and parents in Virginia. Enroll now! We are here to help make these difficult days a little easier. FOR FAMILIES From day one, our kids and families have access to all-around support from ASK, wherever they need it. From the moment of diagnosis, through treatment and beyond – we are here to provide a helping hand along the way. New to ASK? Fill out our Enrollment Form to officially join the ASK community! Enrollment Form Forma de Inscripción Family Support Care for the whole family: emotionally, spiritually, and financially. Learn More Educational Support Assistance from preschool through high school and into adulthood. Learn More Community & Connection Come together with people who understand what you're going through. Learn More WAYS TO GIVE All the ways you can give Assistance, Support and Kindness to an ASK family in need. Find A Way

Celebrate the strength and resilience of our ASK Kourageous Kids through their inspiring stories and captivating family portraits! Join us in spreading awareness and support for brave young patients and survivors of childhood cancer and sickle cell disease. ASK KOURAGEOUS KIDS KIDS A cornerstone of ASK since 2001, the Kourageous Kids campaign was created in honor of September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This special, month-long tribute started as a traveling exhibit, to share inspiring quotes and beautiful portraits of courageous childhood cancer patients and survivors in our community. Now, more than two decades later, we're proud to say we’ve continued this important legacy with our ASK kids and families every year since! Each year, we invite parents to share their child’s unique story and personality through professionally captured portraits, along with an in-depth interview to talk about their diagnosis and treatment journey. Kourageous Kids portraits are also displayed around town to help spread awareness during September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Photos and stories are then shared digitally throughout the year. It's our great honor to share these important stories, and the incredible strength of our ASK families, with the world. With their help, we can advocate for more support for patients and survivors just like them all across Virginia! Meet Our Kourageous Kids Meet ASK Kid Aliyana To three-year-old Aliyana, the world is a playground. Read her story and see what unfolds when she begins to feel pain in her leg. Meet ASK Kid Jack ASK Kid Jack has a competitive spirit and loves to play games. Check out his game plan for facing cancer. Meet ASK Kid Damian Meet seven-year-old Damian, a little soccer player who’s been tackling leukemia with the same energy he brings to the field. Meet Our Families More Stories

ASK's local and statewide partners go above and beyond to host fundraising events and further ongoing efforts to engage our community in support of children with cancer and their families in Virginia. PARTNER EVENTS EVENTS We are grateful to our amazing local and statewide partners, who go above and beyond to host fundraising events and further ongoing efforts to engage our community in support of ASK kids and families. Interested in hosting your own fundraiser? Learn more here! Upcoming Events: Ongoing Efforts: FBLA Project ASK The FBLA has been a valued partner of ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation for over 40 years. FBLA chapters and their students are challenged to raise awareness and funds towards ASK's goal of making life better for children with cancer across Virginia. Let's make 2025-2026 the best year yet! FBLA students have set a goal or raising $7,500, which could give our middle and high school students a retreat to grow academically and socially twice a year. Ultimately, they are able to connect with others who understand part of their story. We invite you to be part of it too. Learn More YOU make a difference Thank you for your partnership, and for taking a stand to lessen the burden of cancer for our kids and families throughout Virginia! How Your Support Helps

Learn about ASK's Young Adult Support program. College and job resources, skills building, professional guidance and social events for pediatric cancer survivors. YOUNG ADULT SUPPORT SUPPORT Childhood cancer can affect you for a lifetime: physically, emotionally, cognitively, and financially, to name a few. But your diagnosis and late effects from treatment do not define you, or your future. ASK is here to provide young adult cancer survivors (known as YACS) with the resources, guidance and community they need to thrive as they enter adulthood. New to ASK? If you are not already enrolled with ASK, please fill out the Enrollment Form to join our community! Enrollment Form Life Skills Development Get ready for life! We connect young adults with support services and community resources like driving schools and wellness organizations to learn how to drive and how to stay physically active and healthy as you get older. College Readiness ASK helps college-bound young adults prepare for school with a free SAT prep bootcamp, arranging college tours, and assisting with applications. We help ensure accommodations are in place, send care packages and touch base r egularly to make students have everything they need. Job/Career Training Ready to enter the work force? ASK helps to connect young adults with technical programs, vocational schools and workshops to grow job readiness skills. We also assist with resume writing, job searching for both full time and part time positions that will best meet your interests and skills. Social Events ASK invites our YACS to regularly scheduled social events like private art classes, casino nights and offsite retreats to build friendships in a judgement-free zone with other young adult cancer survivors who are walking on the same journey. Join us! Upcoming Events Michelle Jarnagin-Johnson, M.S. Young Adult Support Coordinator Get In Touch Meet Michelle Michelle Jarnagin-Johnson, ASK's Young Adult Support Coordinator, has worked in the education system for decades. Throughout her career, Michelle has worked in many different education-related roles, from public school systems to the VCU Health System, focused on supporting and advocating for children with learning challenges to ensure their success. In 2019, Michelle joined the ASK team to bring her expertise to our young adult support program (previously called "The Launch Project") and has since worked with countless older teens and young adults to help them feel confident and prepared as they enter the next exciting phases of their lives. No matter where you are in your journey and what your goals are, Michelle is here to help with whatever you might need to achieve them! Common Questions How young/old do I have to be to receive Young Adult Support from ASK and participate? ASK kids who are registered in our system will automatically be eligible for young adult support once they turn 18. There is NO upper age limit for participation. This community will be here for you for the rest of your life! ? about ASK's Young Adult Support Young Adult Toolkit This toolkit is designed to empower Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) as they transition into adulthood following cancer treatment. It provides comprehensive guidance on navigating higher education and the workforce, while offering practical strategies for independent living—from mastering executive functioning and daily chores to managing healthcare and social relationships. Download More Education Resources Education Toolkit Video Library Conferences Webinar Series

Enhance education for childhood cancer survivors. Earn free CEUs/CNUs at our annual ASK Educator Conference and gain valuable insights from expert perspectives to support children in your school. CONFERENCES Educating Childhood Cancer Patients & Survivors Conference February 23, 2024 | Live Broadcast 9:00am - 4:15pm EST About the Conference Our annual Educator Conference helps schools know how to make life better for students affected by childhood cancer. Administrators, teachers, nurses and counselors are invited to attend and earn free CEU & CNE credits. 2/3 More than two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors experience late effects from treatment. These can include physical, emotional, cognitive, and/or social effects which can impact learning. We give concrete examples from a panel of experts across disciplines so that educators feel better equipped to support cancer survivors and their siblings as they navigate school both during and after cancer treatment. 1 Conference Info Flyer Share this info flyer with your colleagues who may be interested in attending this year's conference with you. The more, the merrier! Download Presentation Topics Overview of Childhood Cancer Learn how frequently childhood cancer occurs and how it differs from adult cancers. Learn the most common types of childhood cancer, treatment protocols, survival rates, and what survivorship looks like. Session Length: 45 Minutes Late Effects of Treatment While survival rates have increased significantly for almost all types of childhood cancer, treatments often cause long-term side effects known as ‘late effects’ of treatment. These late effects can be cognitive, physical, or social-emotional, and all affect a survivor’s academic experience. Learn how educational plans like 504 and IEP can help support these students’ unique needs: Physical Late Effects (30 minutes) Cognitive Late Effects (30 minutes) Social Emotional Late Effects (30 minutes) Educational Plans (30 minutes) Session Length: 2 hours Early Childhood Intervention & The Importance of Play Childhood cancer treatment of young children often disrupts opportunities for socialization and play for both the patient and siblings. The effects of this are seen in the early elementary classroom experience. Learn how to support these early learners, and the important role of play for these children inside and outside of the classroom. Session Length: 45 Mi nutes Young Adult Success Panel A diverse panel of childhood cancer survivors who are now young adults will share their experiences transitioning back to school after treatment, challenges they faced, and what helped them the most. Session Length: 45 Mi nutes Active Treatment Case Studies A strong school-based team plays a critical role in helping childhood cancer patients and survivors succeed socially and academically in the school setting. We will walk through a real-life case study and address the role of school nurse, social worker, counselor, and administrator. This is an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned throughout the day and share your ideas. Session Length: 45 Mi nutes Speaker Panel Speaker Panel Violet Borowicz, MD Pediatric Hematologist/ Oncology Specialist , Carilion Children's Read More > Amanda Thompson, PhD Chief, Pediatric Psychology & Director of Pediatric Programs, INOVA Schar Cancer Institute Read More > Mandy Tribe Educational Consultant, Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters Read More > Evelyn Joran-Thiel Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, UVA Health Children's Hospital Read More > Joe Bauer Child Life Specialist, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Read More > "Excellent, well-organized, useful information I will implement at my school. Thank you!" - Conference Attendee In partnership with

Stay connected with ASK with email or text updates! Opportunities to give, volunteer or advocate with ASK to support children with cancer in Virginia. Stay Connected with ASK Sign up to hear about opportunities to give, volunteer or advocate with ASK, and receive monthly stories to meet the children and families your generosity is helping to support. First Name* Last Name* Email* What types of messages would you like to receive from us?* Feel Good Stories Ways to Give Volunteer Opportunities Event Notices Advocacy Are you an ASK parent or ASK caregiver? Yes No Please provide just a few more optional details about you that will allow us to keep you more engaged! Phone Number Birthday Month Month Day Year Subscribe

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

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 Young Adult Toolkit This toolkit is designed to empower Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) as they transition into adulthood following cancer treatment. It provides comprehensive guidance on navigating higher education and the workforce, while offering practical strategies for independent living—from mastering executive functioning and daily chores to managing healthcare and social relationships. Download 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

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

Emotional and financial support for families of children with cancer in Virginia. Discover community resources and meet the team who will help ease the journey. Financial Assistance Everyday Relief & Resources In Clinic Support Mental & Emotional Wellbeing Mental & Emotional Wellbeing Bereavement Support FAMILY SUPPORT SUPPORT We understand how isolating a cancer diagnosis can be. We are here with you every step of the way. As we always say, once an ASK family, always an ASK family. New to ASK? Fill out our Enrollment Form to officially join the ASK community! Enrollment Form/Forma de Inscripción Financial Assistance Everyday Relief & Resources In Clinic Support Mental & Emotional Wellbeing Bereavement Support Financial Assistance A childhood cancer diagnosis can be devastating for families, financially as well as emotionally. Expenses during treatment can overwhelm an otherwise financially secure family. ASK is here to help. Qualified families may apply for help paying non-medical (housing, utilities, transportation) bills. We offer financial assistance to families being treated at: 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 Apply Now Aplica Aqui We are proud to support families across Virginia in their cancer journey. As a proud partner of Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU for nearly 50 years, we are proud of the following resources and support families can expect while receiving care in the ASK Hematology/Oncology Clinic at CHoR. We hope to expand this support to our other treatment center partners across the state in the future. Everyday Relief & Resources Dayana Bjorkman Bilingual Community Coordinator (Spanish/English) Get In Touch Jenna Cline Family Support Coordinator Get In Touch Meet Dayana & Jenna They talk with families to see what can make their experience less stressful, often connecting families with financial support and community resources. How they help The challenges that come with a childhood cancer diagnosis can look a little different for everyone. Dayana and Jenna provide the level of support that works with your needs, such as: providing assistance with non-medical expenses, like gas and grocery gift cards checking in regularly to offer a kind word or a listening ear offering a pick-me-up surprise when your child or their siblings feel down inviting families to ASK social events connecting you with community partners for everyday needs, such a s a free oil change * Managing your household, bills, and daily responsibilities does not stop after your child’s diagnosis. Dayana and Jenna are there to help alleviate some of that stress for you and your family. ASK also encourages families to check in with their hospital social worker, too, to see what other organizations may be able to help. *Free oil changes are currently only available for families in active treatment. Contact Jenna Cline for more information. In Clinic Support Meet Katie ASK Child Life Specialist, Katie Barber (also known as “Miss Katie” to our kids!) is one of the first people you will meet while in clinic. She is here to ease your child’s anxiety as they receive treatment in the ASK Clinic. How She Helps Katie uses medical play to teach kids about what they are going through, like accessing their port. What looks like play is really a clever way to help kids feel less stressed at clinic! This helps them understand what the doctors and nurses are doing to make it less scary. Katie can also help by: providing fun distractions like crafts, games, and playing with toys encouraging your child to do an art project or engage in pretend play to help them express their feelings teaching your child how to find their voice and speak up for what makes them comfortable ASK is proud to fund this child life position at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Katie Barber Child Life Specialist Get In Touch Take the Virtual Tour! Mental & Emotional Wellbeing Rev. Rich Catlett, BCC Chaplain Get In Touch Meet Rich ASK Chaplain, Rich Catlett, is available wherever your child is along their treatment journey in the Children’s Hospital of Richmond. Chaplains support families with a strong religious faith as well as those who don’t claim any religion. How He Helps Spiritual support can vary widely, including prayer, addressing concerns about death and after life, dealing with a loss of faith, or discussing ways to use spirituality for strength. Whatever your beliefs, Rich listens to your concerns and helps you process what you are going through. ASK is proud to fund this chaplain position at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Bereavement Support Ev en with the best doctors and medicines, the heartbreaking reality is that cancer takes the lives of some children. We feel your heartache and mourn the loss of your child. Our chapla in and su pport team will be with you throughout your grief and moments of remembrance, as much as you need us to be. ASK financial assistance is available to help with funeral services, and connect you with community grief and loss resources that can help your family process your loss. If you need a break from ASK after you've lost your child, that's okay and completely normal. Know that our community is ready and waiting with open arms to welcome you back, when you're ready. Because once an ASK family, always an ASK family. “Kim has been incredible since day one explaining services and offering/providing support to our family. Kim makes us feel so welcomed and supported.”

Empowering support: ASK's resources for parents, caregivers & educators of children with cancer. Education toolkit, videos, webinars, and more! RESOURCES Empowering parents, caregivers, and teachers with the know-how to best support a child with cancer. Whether at home, in clinic, or in the classroom, there are a lot of things to learn when it comes to supporting a child with cancer. A childhood cancer diagnosis introduces a maze of brand-new medical terms, unfamiliar routines and procedures, and many new and overwhelming emotions. It can also greatly impact educational needs during treatment and into survivorship. ASK is here to offer a helping hand. Education Toolkit Missed days and late-term side effects from treatment are just some challenges kids with cancer face with school. We designed our education toolkit to support our kids every step of the way as they transition back to the classroom. Learn More Video Library Learn the ins and outs of the ASK clinic, ways to best support your child from diagnosis, throughout treatment and beyond, how to cope with the unique emotions that come with caring for a child with cancer, and much more. Learn More Conferences ASK hosts an annual educator conference for teachers and other school personnel to learn about the support kids with cancer might need as they go through treatment and return to school. They also learn how to create an environment where survivors can learn and thrive. Learn More Webinar Series Our webinars cover a variety of educational and mental health topics meant to empower parents, teens, and young adults affected by childhood cancer and sickle cell disease. Learn More Additional Resources Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, "Coping with Childhood Leukemia and Lymphoma" Children's Oncology Group, "Health Link: Educational Issues Following Treatment for Childhood Cancer" Children's Oncology Group, "Health Link: Emotional Issues After Childhood Cancer" Leukemia Lymphoma Society, "14 Essential Things to Know When Childhood Cancer Touches Your School" Understood.com, "Slow Processing Speed and Anxiety: What You Need to Know" Hope Portal, Childhood Cancer Organization Database

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. Please visit our people page to contact a specific team member at, https://www.askccf.org/our-people. 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