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Tecumseh’s family noticed something wasn’t right when the bright, energetic son and brother they knew became pale and tired. After three nights in the emergency room at VCU, 13-year-old Tecumseh (TK, for short) was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a common form of leukemia. Though this awful news hit the family hard, he was given a good prognosis and would have a community of support coming their way before they knew it. “We were completely overwhelmed by the diagnosis of leukemia for our sweet boy, and we didn’t know what we needed or even what we should ask for,” says Tecumseh’s mom, Samantha. “Then, this angel named Katie appeared in Clinic and told us that ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation was here to help us navigate this new and foreign journey. It never occurred to us to ask for anything, but whatever we needed – then and now – was given freely.” “ASK knows how to help and they just do it. It requires nothing from me. I don’t even make requests sometimes and there they are, with exactly what we need without any fanfare,” Samantha continues. “Some of these things seem so little and insignificant, and yet when something like this happens, it’s the little things you need.” Among the types of support TK's family received include gas cards and bill assistance to help ease the impact of childhood cancer on their family’s budget. Later on, as TK and his parents prepared for his transition back to the classroom, ASK was there to guide them through the process and make sure he had the resources and accommodations he needed to be successful. “Jon Longenecker [ASK Education Support Navigator] has been incredibly helpful in helping Tecumseh and us in his transition back to school! Tecumseh started back to school in person in January – almost a year after this initial diagnosis – and we could not have done it without Jon’s support,” Samantha recalls. “He helped guide us through the 504 process and was by our side as we met with school administrators. Last year, I had no idea that ASK provided these services and it’s been an incredible resource for us!” Proud of their Native American heritage, Tecumseh’s family has found community in the citizens of the Pamunkey Tribe, who have remained a critical lifeline throughout their childhood cancer journey. We look forward to welcoming TK and his three younger siblings to upcoming ASK events like Summer Camp, where they can continue building community with others who understand what they’ve been through. “Our biggest struggle as the parents of a sick child is making sure everyone in our family feels supported and gets what they need, in spite of cancer and treatment schedules,” Samantha shares. “Having ASK as a resource that is so closely tied to the clinical team but also supporting families through programming and services, is invaluable. Someone is paying attention to the science of diagnosis, but ASK is paying attention to the impact on the family.” “It’s a well-established protocol of three years of chemotherapy, but an intensive six to nine months of aggressive chemo,” Samantha explains. “He’s responding well to treatment, and I continue to be impressed with his resilience, grace and humor. He is still his sweet, kind self, even during the worst of the chemo.”

ASK is an organization that truly makes life better for kids with cancer. Just spend five minutes with ASK kid Campbell who is one of ASK's biggest fans and an ASK kid now in her teens. Campbell was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with the positive Philadelphia chromosome, a rare leukemia for children, when she was six years old. Now 15, Campbell still remembers the first time she was introduced to ASK's special events and programs for kids with cancer. "It was so comforting to talk with other kids just like me, who knew what I was going through and to go to a place where I wasn't the only bald kid," recalls Campbell. "I enjoyed getting together with them, especially when we were at the ASK Summer Camp." A week-long summer camp is just one of the programs that ASK provides for pediatric oncology children, held at the ASK administrative offices. When it began, campers could attend multiple weeks. However, as the number of children diagnosed with cancer or rare blood diseases increased each year, campers could only attend one week due to space limitations. That's just one reason why the new ASK Family Center is so critical for children with cancer and their families. "It's going to be so awesome," squealed Campbell when speaking of the new facility. "We can have after-school events, tutoring, parties and cook in the kitchen. Now I get to be a counselor at summer camp so I'm super excited to see the kids and hear about their progress. The new space is going to provide us a safe place for us to talk and have fun and just be kids. It's going to make so many more things possible for us." ​Campbell's right. The new ASK Family Center will more than double areas for social and educational opportunities for children with specific medical and social needs. Now in a capital campaign to raise the $275,000 necessary to renovate the space, ASK kids need your help. "I can't imagine my cancer experience without the help and guidance of ASK staff and the programs they provide for kids," gushes Campbell. "Actually, my entire family is involved in the ASK 5K (Team Soup!) and other special events and we have benefited so much from all that ASK has to offer. Even with my older brother, Parker, has attended programs for siblings. The new Family Center will allow us to do even more fun activities, reach even more kids and most importantly, help create more joy for all of us. That's amazing!"

Michael Pittman has a big heart for children so when a friend invited him and his wife, Luci, to the ASK Above & Beyond Gala in 2018, Michael was happy to attend and make a contribution. Michael and Luci's support didn't stop that night though. They later attended the ASK Fall Bash and then stepped as a gala sponsor through their company, Connected Solutions Group (CSG) and have brought CSG employees to the event to learn more about ASK's mission. All of this has led to the CSG team making the new ASK Family Center a priority. "This new facility will impact kids with cancer right here in our community. I'm a native Richmonder and I love that I can help my neighbors and friends," shares Michael. Little did Michael know how close to home ASK services would hit. Just a few months after being introduced to ASK, the child of one of his groomsmen in his wedding was diagnosed with a rare blood disease and another close friend's child was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer. "I've held both of those kids since they were born and their diagnoses rocked me. With childhood cancer diagnoses on the rise, you just never know when it's going to happen to someone you love," reflects Michael. "We're so fortunate that I have a company that's growing and we can help. It's important for us to be involved in ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation because this organization is clearly making lives better for children with cancer and reaching families in ways you can't imagine until you go through it." The new ASK Family Center is just one more way ASK is serving their kids and families. The new space will help expand resources for the special social, educational and psychological needs of pediatric cancer patients. Additional financial resources are needed to meet the $275,000 goal. Michael, his wife Luci and all of the employees of the Lucent Group are excited to be a part of the effort. "I've spoken to parents of kids impacted by ASK and as a donor, it's incredibly satisfying to hear how a gift from the heart can enhance their traumatic experience. This organization is so well managed and they are doing great work. I'm honored to say I'm an ASK supporter!"

"​I can remember the exact moment we learned of Javi's diagnosis. It was certainly a rough day. But no time was wasted and we immediately started receiving phone calls to schedule further tests, which started our journey at the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Within days, Javi had a port inserted and started chemotherapy. It was a whirlwind, but we had no idea of the tornado that was about to hit us," shares his mom, Amy. ASK Kourageous Kid Javi is a typical five-year-old who loves to play baseball and soccer and runs around in his firefighter and police uniform. He loves books and is now learning to read in kindergarten. Today Javi is healthy, but less than two years ago, in early May 2019, he began having large clusters of swollen lymph nodes in his neck. His pediatrician knew something was wrong and conducted a series of blood tests, ultrasounds, X-rays, PET scans, and a biopsy of the most prominent cervical lymph node, Javi was diagnosed with Stage 3S, Epstein-Barr Virus Positive (EBV+) Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Javi's active treatment consisted of four 21-day cycles of chemotherapy, with the first three days of chemo administered inpatient. Initially scheduled for six full cycles, Javi and his family received the news that he was a "rapid responder," and his cancer had dramatically decreased after the first two chemo cycles. "It was the best possible scenario," continued Amy, "and after four cycles of chemo, his cancer was gone! The doctors determined that he could discontinue chemo, and now we do follow-up appointments at the Survivorship Clinic every three months. In October, we will celebrate Javi's two-year anniversary of being cancer-free!" "It's hard to believe that our normal was picked up and spun around, and we had to find a new normal," reflects Amy. "When you find out that your child has cancer and your family is going through the active treatment phase, it's almost as if you don't realize anything else that's going on around you in your life. You become fixated on the present, just focusing on the fight one day at a time. Then just as quickly as that crazy tornado blew in, it was gone! I remember looking around my life and thinking, 'What just happened?' Amy continues, "You don't realize when you're going through something like this that you aren't fully processing your thoughts and feelings; it's almost as if you're living in a constant state of adrenaline. It was only after we received the results of the PET scan that stated, 'No scintigraphic evidence of active disease,' that we began to process our feelings and heal as a family." Since his diagnosis, ASK has been with Javi and his family, and Amy describes the support as their "steady rock and constant companion." One of the most impactful programs for Javi is ASK's First STEP Preschool, where kids with cancer and their siblings can attend pre-school while still in treatment. "We were so concerned that he would fall behind in learning and social skills, but First STEP provided a way for Javi to continue being a typical preschooler. I love that ASK sees a need and then figures out a way to solve the problem." Javi is now experiencing some late-term, cognitive effects due to chemotherapy and ASK educational coordinator, Alma Morgan, is there to work with Javi's Kindergarten teacher and assistant principal to develop a 504 plan to ensure he receives the accommodations he needs to enhance his learning. "Perhaps one of the most phenomenal things about ASK is that this organization continues to provide support, even after diagnosis and treatment," says Amy. "We are so grateful for all of the events and recognitions of birthdays and special events but to know that we will be part of this family for the rest of our lives is incredible! I can't tell you how much it means to us to know that we will never be forgotten." ​Javi's infectious smile and boundless energy are impossible for us to forget! Thank you to our ASK community for helping to be there for this family and making life better for kids with cancer!

When Kevin Williamson attended the ASK Above & Beyond Gala in March 2018, he had no idea how inspired he would be by the children he met that night. He had first learned of ASK when participating in M4K Richmond but the night of the gala is when his heart changed forever. Kevin was so moved that he agreed to serve on the ASK Development Committee and be part of the charge helping to raise the level of care for children with cancer and their families. "My wife, Emily, and I have always made philanthropy part of our lives, but the more I learned about ASK, the more I wanted to be a dedicated volunteer," explains Kevin. "I have so many connections to ASK, both professionally and personally, which made all of the events fun, but the talented staff and the overall mission of ASK - to go above and beyond for these amazing families - inspires me. I want to be part of the upward trajectory of this phenomenal organization." Kevin's enthusiasm is infectious and he's always willing to do whatever it takes to help ASK dream big for making life better for children with cancer and serious blood disorders. From generously sponsoring events to introducing family and friends to the mission to helping plan ASK's Above & Beyond 20/20 Gala when it turned virtual, Kevin shows up with a big smile and is ready to crush any fundraising goal. Currently, Kevin is part of the charge fundraising for the new ASK Family Center, scheduled to open in June 2021. "This is our chance to make a huge difference for families right here in Central Virginia. The ASK clinical and administrative staff step into the unknown every day for these families. That's the hard work, done with so much genuine love and caring. However, from my perspective, it's very clear what needs to be done to better serve these precious children and how we can support that effort. While the $275,000 goal is lofty, it's our turn to 'level-up' for ASK!"

Doug Keefer attended a small fundraiser with his son, Ben, while visiting from California. Ben, one of the founders of Mustaches 4 Kids - Richmond, wanted his dad to hear about one of M4K's primary partners, ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation. After five minutes of listening about the purpose, programs and services in which ASK provides to pediatric cancer children and their families, Doug was "all in for ASK." "I was so overwhelmed by the caring and targeted way ASK is able to touch families as they go through the unimaginable. I wanted to learn more and I knew I had to become part of their team," said Doug. He attended an ASK summer camp and that's when he decided to be a part of the ASK team and become a game-changing member for ASK children, families and staff. Doug and his wife, Sharon, have committed a matching gift of $50,000 toward the new ASK Family Center where children diagnosed with cancer in our community and their families can gather for education, emotional and social support. "I've been so impressed with the leadership of the ASK administrative team," continued Doug and "I know that ASK will manage my gift well. But I've been most impressed with the kids themselves. As I listened to them talk about their diagnosis, treatments, progress and realities of having cancer - some only five years old - I was inspired and humbled by their courage and positive attitudes. It was one of the most emotional afternoons of my life. They are my heroes and helping ASK is now part of my DNA." Doug and Sharon's game-changing gift is the first toward the $275,000 goal to help double ASK's physical space and grow programming space. Until February 14th, the Keefers will match all donations, up to $50,000. "These kids are fighting and they need our help to keep fighting," says Doug passionately. "Resources are so necessary and I say to everyone that is reading this, "how can you not help?" "Caring for these children is a passion that I now share with the ASK clinical and administrative staff and my son. Ben's dedication has exposed me to a whole new opportunity for giving. This is one of the greatest bonds a father can have with his son and I want all ASK parents to have that opportunity with their children."

We could (and did!) put an album together of Tim Cosgrove grilling at ASK summer camp, but there's more to Tim than being a grillmaster. Tim is now President of the ASK Board of Directors and helping to lead the charge in raising the level of care for children with cancer. And, to think, it all started with one simple invitation. In 2015, Tim was asked by a co-worker (who happens to be married to Miss Katie) if he would sponsor the ASK 5K & Fun Walk. Tim, then general manager with CMA's Colonial Honda, immediately agreed. “We have a very active volunteer committee at work, and once we started working with ASK, we were hooked,” explains Tim. Tim went on to join the ASK development committee in 2017 and he has served on the ASK Board of Directors since 2018. In between the years, Tim has given back in numerous ways. From rolling up his sleeves for event set-up to wrapping a car for his ASK walk team to closing the dealership so employees could participate in ASK events. “The first time I volunteered at the Kourageous Kids event, I was so moved by the stories of each child. I think I realized for the first time just how much these kids and families go through, but they remain strong and courageous and hopeful. We’ve volunteered for that event every year, and every year it reaffirms my commitment to ASK,” says Tim. Childhood cancer hit close to home when a dear friend’s three-year-old son, ASK kid Grady, was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. To further his commitment to ASK, Tim as the new general manager of CMA's Colonial Subaru, is donating $25 to ASK for every new car sold in 2021. Tim also hopes to challenge other businesses to become a partner with ASK. “This organization is so well managed and provides such critical support and programs for children with cancer, their parents and their siblings. I’m hoping that we can increase participation from other companies who are looking to really contribute to their community in a significant way.” ​ Tim will serve as president of the Board for the 2021-2023 term, and is hoping to help raise awareness of ASK and its mission in the Central Virginia area, especially in Fredericksburg where he resides. ASK has been supporting the Greater Fredericksburg Area since 2011 with programs for patients, survivors and siblings living in that are a who are treated at CHOR, which includes weekly after school enrichment, summer camp and social events. After 10 years of managing programs from afar, we've grown our program team to include a Fredericksburg Program Coordinator, which will give families living in the area a dedicated ASK resource within their community. “I am continually blown away by what ASK and the medical team in the ASK Clinic accomplish every day,” continues Tim. “They customize the experience to every child and work so well as a team to provide social, emotional, financial and educational support to children and families. It’s the only organization of its kind serving patients and survivors in Central Virginia, and I’m so honored to be a volunteer!”

Seven-year-old Kennedy loves gymnastics and practices it at least an hour a day, so when she suddenly stopped wanting to go, her mom knew something was wrong. Athena, Kennedy's mom, thought maybe she was being bullied. However, it wasn't long after Kennedy had a series of fevers that they drove to their pediatrician's office and found the answer. Once Kennedy's pediatrician ran her blood work, they saw the low blood counts and broke the news "likely leukemia.” Athena immediately rushed home, packed a bag and headed to VCU Health. Doctors confirmed the diagnosis later that night, and Kennedy was in surgery the following morning. On May 12, 2021, she had her port placed and began chemotherapy as part of her treatment plan that will span nearly two and a half years. ​"Terrifying is how I would describe that day. There was no time to research the diagnosis or think about the best course of action," exclaims Athena. "But then we were okay, as we got to go home a week later, and Kennedy's treatment would be outpatient going forward. It felt manageable." Childhood cancer is not predictable, though. Life can change instantly from the moment of diagnosis and through treatment – and that was the case for Kennedy and her family. ​Thankfully, Kennedy was back on her feet and released from the hospital after nine days, which was long enough for her family to feel the impact of the pandemic. Opportunities for socialization and connection were tough to come by. ​"Being inpatient was isolating as there was no interaction with other patients," recalls Athena. "The same is true for when we returned to outpatient treatment at the ASK clinic. Kennedy goes straight back to her room; there are no waiting room activities or meeting other kids. Having Katie, ASK's child life specialist, in the clinic has helped tremendously. When Kennedy had an unexpected blood transfusion, she was crying and upset. Katie brought in a huge LEGO set to help her pass the time, and they talked and laughed. She's able to calm Kennedy down and make her smile." ASK chaplain Rich is another calming presence that has made an impression on Kennedy. Rich checks in with them often to talk and just see how they're doing – though Kennedy thinks of him as the guy who knows about LOL dolls. "The dolls definitely help to pass the time as they take 30 minutes just to unwrap," laughs Athena. In addition to the family support team in clinic, Athena shares that social events, like ASK Night at The Diamond and the Kourageous Kids Celebration, have been an enormous comfort to her and her family. "After Kennedy's diagnosis, we felt like we were alone in a bubble, but ASK's social events have allowed us to meet other families," Athena explains. "I also attend the parent meet-ups, which have been good for having time without the kids present so that I can express my feelings. Being able to meet parents further along in their treatment journey and to ask questions about what to expect at different stages is very helpful." "Even scarier than the day of Kennedy's diagnosis was the following week when she spiked another fever, and we were told she would need to go to inpatient for up to 28 days until her blood counts improved," shares Athena. "All of a sudden, we were moving into the hospital and having to figure out plans for our son's care and our work. My mom quickly flew in from Washington state to help." Athena and her family are grateful to ASK for all of the family support provided. "ASK offers a sense of community which is mind-changing. It's how I get through it." Watch the Keene family's story below:

Just six months ago, Grady was a very different little boy, always complaining of leg and stomach aches and sleeping much of the day away. Today, Grady is a typical four-year-old boy who loves long nature walks, summers at the pool, and lots and lots of running outside. His mom, Daniele is abundantly grateful for his energy and enthusiasm for life. "Looking back at his short life, I realize he's always been kind of sickly, with several ear and strep infections, and flu and stomach issues," says Daniele. When Grady and his family flew to Texas for Thanksgiving in 2019, his health took a turn for the worse and he was uncontrollably sick the entire flight back to Virginia. He never fully recovered from this episode and was eventually diagnosed in April 2020 with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, the most common type of pediatric leukemia. Grady immediately began six months of intensive chemotherapy to get his leukemia under control. He will spend the next 2.5 years on daily liquid chemotherapy from home as maintenance. His paren ts already have a celebration plain in place for July 2, 2022, the day when Grady takes his last chemo treatment. ​"ASK helps us celebrate every day with Grady and I'm sure they'll be a part of his last treatment day celebration as well" exclaims Daniele. "ASK has been a beacon of hope throughout this journey and we couldn't have done this without them. Truly, I can't imagine our lives right now without ASK." Daniele describes the ASK staff as their "firm foundation from the moment of diagnosis. Katie Barber, ASK child life specialist, is an amazing soul. We had no clue what we were about to experience in clinic but there was Katie to help us navigate the complexities of treatment and provide fun for Grady while we were confined to a treatment room." "Katie Barber, ASK child life specialist, is an amazing soul. We had no clue what we were about to experience in clinic but there was Katie to help us navigate the complexities of treatment and provide fun for Grady while we were confined to a treatment room." "ASK continues to anticipate our needs before we even realize what we're needing," continues Daniele. "Whether it's paying for unexpected medical bills or Christmas gifts for the whole family, ASK is always one step ahead of us. I'm so grateful that ASK will be with us through treatment and beyond." ASK continues to support families and patients beyond diagnosis and treatment through school tutoring, a survivorship clinic and camp, programming for emotional, social and wellness support into young adulthood, as well as additional resources for those experiencing cognitive delays as a result of treatment. "Most people don't realize that ASK is with every family, every step of the way. They aren't just here for the frontline diagnosis, but for years and years after treatment. All of us are so blessed to have ASK in our lives."

At two years old, Rowan was a super happy baby living with her family near Dallas, Texas. When she became lethargic and started having trouble breathing, her parents took her to an urgent care facility thinking she had a bad cold. However, she was quickly taken to the PICU and she was starting chemotherapy treatments the next night for Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Rowan spent six weeks as an inpatient at the Children’s Medical Center in Dallas and needed to be intubated for more than two weeks to help her breathing. She started the induction phase of her chemotherapies and steroids, and in the midst of treatment, her dad’s employment transferred the family to Virginia. “Of course, we were nervous about the continuum of treatment and how to navigate a new hospital system, but the ASK staff greeted us and made us feel welcome as we entered the new doors,” says Rowan’s mom, Devon. “We didn’t know anyone in our new town, and were new to Children’s Hospital of Richmond, but ASK made us feel like family immediately.” In December 2021, Rowan finished two and a half years of chemo and continues to improve each day. “She’s come so far in the last two years,” continues Devon, “but she lost a lot of muscle and experienced neuropathy as a result of being intubated for so long. Although she’s still walking with the help of orthotic braces and has some limited vision in one eye due to the leukemia, she continues to amaze us with what she can do and her constant improvement.” "We didn’t know we could ask for help, and yet they were there to offer exactly what we needed." Rowan’s family arrived in the ASK Clinic in the midst of Covid restrictions, but that didn’t stop ASK from assisting the family financially, as well as spiritually and mentally with a variety of programs and services in Clinic. “They’ve helped with a few bills, and equally as important, helped us find our way in a new maze of optical, orthotic and neurological specialties. We didn’t know we could ask for help, and yet they were there to offer exactly what we needed. “ASK staff is familiar with this crazy cancer world and is a wonderful resource for questions, connecting families so that we can lift and learn from one another, provide events to help us forget about childhood cancer for a short time, and just make us feel at home. They serve the entire family.” Devon says she most appreciates that their care in the ASK Clinic is so personal, tailored exactly to their individual needs. “ASK has been an invaluable resource while going through the worst experience of our lives. Everyone remembers Rowan’s name and knows our family. This is something small that has a huge impact on our well-being. Our most chaotic moments of diagnosis and initial treatment were in Dallas, but because it was such a big hospital, we were just another patient. Here, I know that someone from the ASK Clinic has us covered. Thank you to the staff who deal with childhood cancer every day, and thank you to the donors of ASK who make everything possible. ASK has been our lifeline in Richmond!”

“Life came to a screeching halt,” says Vivian, when talking about the day her then 11-year-old daughter was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma. “Sydney went from riding horses every day and activities with her Boy Scout troop to being out of breath on very short walks. We were so involved in our children’s activities, with busy school and work schedules, and then this overwhelming thing called pediatric cancer came into our lives.” ​Sydney became very sick, very quickly. Within a few days, she was diagnosed, had surgery to insert tubes to drain fluid from around her heart and lungs, and started her more than two-year regimen of chemotherapies. Although her regular chemo treatments make her extremely nauseous, Sydney finds comfort in her animals and the crafts and games that Ms. Katie, the ASK Child Life Specialist, brings for her when she’s in the ASK Clinic. “I describe ASK as a support group for the entire family,” continues Vivian. “Rich, the ASK chaplain, is so kind and although we’re not religious, he’s always so positive and uplifting. Nurse Alison helped Sydney understand exactly what would happen when the tubes in her lungs were removed and got her through that traumatic experience. Robin, the ASK Survivorship Coordinator, gives me hope for a day when Sydney will be finished with treatment and just living her life, and it’s amazing to know that she will be with us to help guide Sydney into adulthood. Alma, the ASK Educational Coordinator, has been invaluable in helping us integrate schoolwork into Sydney’s chemo schedule and working with the school system to determine what’s most important in ensuring she stays on track. These folks seem to know exactly what we need before we even ask for it, which is remarkable.” Sydney and her family especially enjoyed movie night at the Diamond. Vivian was grateful for a night where they could forget about Lymphoma and just be a family at a fun event. They also were “blown away” by the Holiday Drive-thru party where there were gifts for everyone in their family. “I feel like the volunteers and staff of ASK wrap a warm blanket of kindness around us, and every time I’m on the ground, someone just sits and listens to our story and talks me through it. They remind us to focus on one day at a time – not the past or the future, but to live in the right now.” “I still wake up and think, ‘Is this really happening? Does our daughter really have cancer?’ It is really happening, but I know that Sydney is consistently getting better and that we will never be alone in our fight. ASK will be with us every step of the way, and I could never express enough gratitude. I truly don’t know what I would do without their support.”

Erika Carson knew she had found her calling when she joined Trilogy, a company formerly dedicated to virtual tutoring of school-aged children. When that company changed its business model, Erika founded Brain Bodega, with a focus on online academic mentoring that provides concierge academic services. She also wanted to continue and strengthen the existing partnership with ASK as we work with childhood cancer patients and their siblings while they go through treatment and head into survivorship, all while trying to succeed in school. This year, we celebrate the 5th anniversary of our online tutoring program with Brain Bodega as our trusted academic partner! “This partnership is deeply personal for me because I am a childhood cancer survivor of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia who experienced latent effects of chemotherapy,” recounts Erika. “I had ‘chemo brain,’ and struggled in graduate school. I hatched the idea for Brain Bodega while working on my PhD and knew that I could create a program that specialized in helping kids with trauma.” “Some of our instructors and kids have been together for years, and we’re seeing real success stories as a result of our partnership." Brain Bodega provides unique educational support with a wholistic approach. “We currently serve about 30 ASK students and their siblings and help with everything from focusing on specific curriculum needs to critical thinking skills and organizational skills. We don’t want to replicate the classroom, but rather tailor a program to the individual needs of each child and match their energy level.” ​ Each ASK client undergoes a thorough academic assessment and instructors are chosen to match the academic needs, as well as the personality, of each child. Then, they start their 1:1 mentoring. In conjunction with in-patient and out-patient clinic educational support from our Education Coordinator, Alma Morgan, Brain Bodega helps bridge the gap in missed classroom instruction and provides sometimes necessary extra instruction. “Parents are especially grateful for Brain Bodega because it provides the remediation needed after treatment, when children are transitioning back to school and struggling with the cognitive late effects of treatment,” explains Alma. Erika says the best part of the partnership is that ASK clients and instructors are like family. “Some of our instructors and kids have been together for years, and we’re seeing real success stories as a result of our partnership. I’m so grateful to ASK for taking this leap of faith with me and believing that this partnership will best serve the ASK families.”