Elevate lives: Join the #MakingLifeBetter Campaign for children with cancer in Virginia. Fundraising and awareness through partnerships with local businesses and corporate supporters. #MAKINGLIFE BETTER CAMPAIGN BETTER Campaign The #MakingLifeBetter Campaign is a retail campaign that rallies corporate supporters, local businesses, their consumers and vendors in a movement to make life better for children with cancer across the state of Virginia by 1) raising funds for essential programs and resources, and 2) raising general awareness for childhood cancer. Ways to Participate: Round Up Upon checking out, customers have the option to round up their total to the nearest dollar. Golden Hand Pinup The cu stomer is asked at the time of check-out to make a donation of $1, $3, or $5 to ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation. Once donation is given, the customer is provided a gold hand to sign and hang to showcase their support. Co-Venture Promotion The retailer can provide a specific item where ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation receives a percentage of the profits or a designated dollar amount of the price. #MAKINGLIFEBETTER Community Partners in Action We’re only able to do what we do because of our incredible ASK community, which will shine even brighter with your company in it! Benefits to Leading a Campaign: Co-branded #MakingLifeBetter resources to display in your business and on social media Company logo recognition on ASK website leading up to and during the campaign Company acknowledgment in social post and email communications throughout the campaign Invitation to ASK's annual celebration with other donors and supporters who have helped make an impact for our families Interested in becoming a #MakingLifeBetter partner? Contact Amy Godkin, ASK Executive Director, at agodkin@askccf.org YOU make a difference Thank you for leveraging your business to lessen the burden of cancer for our kids and families throughout Virginia. How Your Support Helps

Join us for enriching program events! A community for kids with cancer, helping families build connections through fun activities. ASK: where community and care unite. PROGRAM EVENTS EVENTS Our program events are offered to patients and survivors enrolled with ASK, as well as their families. We offer program events for the entire family, but also events for specific members in your family or for specific age groups. Learn more about the types of program events we offer, who they’re for, and which ones are available in your region, below! Explore ASK Events Family Events Tap for Details Young Adult Events Tap for Details Preschool Events Tap for Details Sibling-Only Events Tap for Details After School Socials Tap for Details Parent-Only Events Tap for Details Latino Family Events Tap for Details Teen Events Tap for Details COVID-19 Policy: ASK social events and programs are now open to families with a child currently in active treatment. To keep our immunocompromised populations as safe as possible, indoor mask requirements will be decided based upon the CDC Covid-19 Community Level for the locality in which the event will take place, and will be disclosed prior to each event. For the full policy, click here.

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 Michaela Supported by ASK throughout her childhood, Michaela now returns to volunteer, holding ASK close to her heart as she inspires the next generation of ASK Kids. Meet ASK Kid Brynlee Brynlee isn't walking her path alone. With her sister by her side, this sassy and spirited eight-year-old takes on Pineoblastoma. Meet ASK Kid Spencer ASK Kid Spencer has never been one to sit still for long. The energetic 10-year-old loves basketball, video games, and being a big brother. Then medulloblastoma changed everything. Meet Our Families More Stories

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.

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

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 ASK Coloring Book When you need a break, a distraction, or just a quiet moment together, our downloadable coloring book is here for your family. Filled with coloring pages, word searches, and puzzles, it’s a comforting outlet when you need to pass the time or clear your head. Download , print, and let the creativity begin! Download WAYS TO GIVE All the ways you can give Assistance, Support and Kindness to an ASK family in need. Find A Way

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 over 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 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 23230 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 Lending a Helping Hand for over 50 years! Since 1975, ASK has provided assistance, support, and kindness to children in Virginia with cancer and their families. This support is delivered through our three areas of focus: educational support, family support, and community and connection, and your support remains the secret sauce to our mission's success. Together, we will continue to provide support to our communities and help ensure no child or family faces cancer alone. See Our Impact 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: Donate - Make 2X the Impact Heart of Gold Donate Snacks for Clinic Support the Toy Drive Self-Care Amazon Wish List More Ways to Give Get Involved: Volunteer Become an Ambassador Learn More: Blog Meet Our Kourageous Kids Education Support ASK YouTube Channel Photo Albums In The News The ASK Store Contact Us About ASK

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

Press Releases June 17, 2026 ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation and Stanley Martin Homes Partner to Create Dream Bedroom for 10-Year-Old Santiago Read More May 4, 2026 ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation Announces 21st Annual ASK 5K and Fun Walk Presented by Anthem Read More July 7, 2025 ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation announced the departure of Rachael Schrinel who has served as Director of Philanthropy. Read More April 3, 2025 ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation Announces 20th Annual ASK 5K and Fun Walk Sponsored by Anthem Read More March 1, 2024 ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation Selected as Charity of Choice for 28 Jersey Mike’s Subs Locations during Month of Giving Campaign Read More March 19, 2024 ASK Above & Beyond Gala Raises Unprecedented Support for Children Battling Cancer in Virginia Read More February 28, 2024 ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation Announces 19th Annual ASK 5K and Fun Walk Sponsored by Anthem Read More August 28, 2024 ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation Launches GlowGold Campaign to Light Up Virginia for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – Charlottesville Read More August 28, 2024 ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation Launches GlowGold Campaign to Light Up Virginia for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – Hampton Roads Read More August 28, 2024 ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation Launches GlowGold Campaign to Light Up Virginia for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – Northern Virginia Read More August 28, 2024 ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation Launches GlowGold Campaign to Light Up Virginia for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – Southwest Virginia Read More August 28, 2024 ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation Launches GlowGold Campaign to Light Up Virginia for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – Richmond Read More Go Back

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 various ways to get involved and support childhood cancer families: volunteer, advocate, attend or host your own fundraising event to make a difference! GET INVOLVED Help make life better for our ASK families! ASK was started by a small group of parents of childhood cancer patients and volunteers who wanted to help other families in the same boat. Their spirit of generosity planted the seeds that have grown “the little organization that could” into the ASK you see today. Our mission is thriving because of our incredible ASK community – which will shine even brighter with you in it! WAYS TO GIVE All the ways you can give Assistance, Support and Kindness to an ASK family in need. Find A Way Signature Events Join us at an ASK signature event to give back to our community and have fun at the same time! Upcoming Events Community Fundraisers Lend a hand by hosting your own fundraiser! It can be as easy as 1-2-3 with our toolkit and downloadable resources. Host Your Own Volunteer Your Time Are you more hands-on when it comes to doing good? Volunteer to show your support! Lend a Hand Advocate For Change U se your voice to advocate and raise awareness for children with cancer across Virginia's communities. Be An Advocate More Ways to Get Involved ASK Ambassador Program The ASK Ambassador Program invites students and working professionals to lend a hand to support children with cancer! Each year, ASK Ambassadors embark on a fundraising and awareness campaign to engage our community and make a positive impact on childhood cancer patients and survivors. Together, they work to raise public support and critical dollars to help the 6-7 children and families across Virginia diagnosed each week. Sign Up #MakingLifeBetter Campaign We invite businesses to join us in activating a point-of-sale campaign to deepen their connection with their customers and raise vital funds to ease the burden of a cancer diagnosis for our families. From rounding up at the register to co-venture promotions, there are lots of creative and impactful ways to get your business involved! Learn More Common Questions Already have an event and want to connect with a charity partner? ASK would be honored to serve as the beneficiary of your fundraiser! Reach out to Kelsey O lszewski , Associate Director of Development, at kolszewski@askccf.org for more information. ? about getting involved with ASK: Your Support Truly Matters. When you get involved with ASK, you’re making life better for kids with cancer and their families across Virginia. Take a look at our latest Annual Report to meet some of ASK’s families and see the impact of your generosity in action! Read Our Annual Report