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Buckle up and get ready for a joyous ride as we share the heartwarming impact of our tire-iffic Making Life Better Partner, Midas of Richmond, and its owners, Mark and Patty Smith. They're not just changing tires; they're changing lives with their "Tires with a Purpose" campaign, and we can't help but rev our engines with excitement and gratitude. Midas of Richmond has gone above and beyond to support children battling cancer through their Tires with a Purpose campaign. When you choose to roll into Midas for new tires, not only are you treating your car to some serious TLC, but you're also fueling hope for children battling cancer in Central Virginia. Midas chips in $2.50 for every tire sold to ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation – it's like a pit stop for a good cause! Since the campaign’s launch in May of 2023, Mark and Patty’s crew at Midas of Richmond sold a whopping 4,689 tires, bringing in a total of nearly $12,000! Talk about putting the pedal to the metal for a meaningful mission. Mark, you and your team are tireless champions, and we can't thank you enough for your commitment to Making Life Better for these brave children. Now, let's take a pit stop and admire the extra miles Mark and Patty have gone. They are also annual funders of our ASK Summer Camp, which serves nearly 100 children each year, but they’re also greasing the gears for active treatment families in Central Virginia. Free oil changes? That's not just oil – it's liquid love for families navigating the twists and turns of childhood cancer. But wait, there's more in this automotive adventure! Mark and Patty understand that sometimes families need a little extra horsepower during challenging times. When one family hit a speed bump, he didn't just lend a helping hand; he handed over the keys to a loaner vehicle, ensuring they could easily cruise to and from the hospital for their child's treatment. Midas of Richmond, you're not just fixing cars; you're making life better for our families. Your dedication to our cause is like a perfectly tuned engine – powerful, reliable, and full of heart. Your support is like a smooth ride on a freshly paved road, making the journey a little brighter for every family facing childhood cancer. So here's to Midas of Richmond and Mark and Patty Smith – our tireless heroes making the world a better place, one tire at a time! Your commitment to our cause is like a well-oiled machine, and we are so grateful to have you steering the way toward a brighter future for children and their families battling cancer in your community. Learn more about ASK's #MakingLifeBetter Campaign and how you can become a community partner HERE! For more information, please contact Rachael Schrinel, Director of Philanthropy, at rschrinel@askccf.org.

ASK Kid Nikolas was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at the age of nine and spent five challenging months in the hospital, enduring intensive chemotherapy. Despite the isolation from friends and the uncertainty that shadowed his days, he found a beacon of support in Amy Fender, ASK Education Support Navigator. She helped him navigate the complexities of hospital life, offering educational materials and companionship during his treatment, ensuring he didn't lose hope or fall behind in his studies. Recently, Nikolas and Amy Fender had the opportunity to share Nikolas's inspiring story with WDBJ7 Morning and Noon Anchor Kimberly McBroom, where Nikolas recounted his battle with cancer and the crucial role Amy Fender played in his education and emotional well-being. Kimberly McBroom at WDBJ7 Roanoke has the story: To see the very precocious nine-year-old Nikolas Pakkidis, you’d never know that he’s already fought the battle of his life. “I wouldn’t eat. I wouldn’t drink. I wouldn’t do anything. I was nauseous all the time, and it got to the point where they had to take me to the emergency room,” says Nikolas. “He was much more weak, not very talkative, and I kind of just wanted them to see my face, know that I was there when it was time to transition back to school,” says ASK Education Support Navigator, Amy Fender. Fender helped Nikolas keep up with his schoolwork, while he was in the hospital. Now, Nikolas is back to school one day a week. “The normalcy is so important, like with Nicholas, he only goes once a week. But he can build up. He gets to see his friends. He can kind of get used to the idea of going back, and go back at his own pace,” says Fender. Through his words, Nikolas's courage and resilience shone brightly throughout the interview, touching viewers' hearts across the region. As his story inspires hope and awareness, Nikolas and his family remain dedicated advocates for pediatric cancer patients and survivors, exemplifying the power of community and compassion in overcoming life's greatest challenges. Want to learn more about ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation and how you can help support children like Nikolas and their families battling cancer across the Commonwealth? Get Involved today!

Hebelin carries herself with wisdom well beyond her years, despite the fact that she’s just 14 years old. Originally from Venezuela, Hebelin is a bright, young teen who enjoys going to school (especially art class!) and spending time with her loving family. But behind her poised presence and encouraging smile is an awe-inspiring story to tell: a lifelong battle with Sickle Cell Anemia, and a family’s incredible journey across continents to save their daughter. Their story began on Hebelin’s first birthday when she received her official diagnosis of Sickle Cell Anemia, a genetic blood disorder. The year ahead involved a dozen hospitalizations, blood transfusions, gallbladder and appendix surgery, and various other treatments to try and manage Hebelin’s pain. As hard as the doctors tried, nothing worked. Hebelin’s father, Heberto, remembers the countless sleepless nights he and his family endured throughout that year – but also, the miracles. “She developed pneumonia during an anemia crisis and fell unconscious,” Heberto recalls. “The doctors didn’t understand what was happening to her, so we just prayed. We prayed, and we received a miracle that night.” “Another time, Hebelin was in the hospital on oxygen, and the electricity was turned off,” remembers Heberto. “I carried my baby to my car and drove from hospital to hospital looking for power so that my baby would live.” As they were about to give up hope, they finally found a hospital with power and narrowly saved Hebelin’s life. It was then that Heberto and Lisseth knew the key to their baby’s survival was to leave their lives in Venezuela and immigrate to the United States. Fast forward, Hebelin is now in eighth grade and thriving socially, academically, and medically! Thanks in part, her parents say, to the support they’ve received from ASK. “ASK has loved our family and thoroughly changed our lives. Life has been really hard for our daughter, but ASK’s education support navigator has helped Hebelin get settled into a safe and supportive environment where she can learn a new language and be a teenager. ASK has provided financial support and emotional support through family events. We came to the U.S. with God’s help, and the people at ASK have been our angels on this journey!” - ASK dad Heberto Hebelin’s favorite ASK events include the Holiday Party, the Richmond Zoo trip, Bingo night, and weekly after-school socials where she practices her English and makes new friends. “There are so many good things about ASK,” Hebelin beams. “Words cannot describe what ASK has done for our family. Donors can see with their own eyes the kids like me who are happy even though we’re in clinic and receiving treatments. That’s because of ASK.” “We live every day to the maximum and do everything together as a family,” Heberto continues. “Sickle Cell is a sickness that many people don’t know about, so it’s important to raise awareness of the disease and how it affects our children. We went to several countries to find treatments for our daughter, and we are so grateful that her pain can be managed now. We look forward to a day when our daughter can be free of this disease.”

Originally from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, ASK dad Andrew Frantz worked in as a seasonal ranger, and Rebecca as a pastor. Together, they enjoyed life raising their adorable 2-year-old son, Owen: a brave and talkative tot who befriends everyone he meets, with boundless energy and a love for life that fills every room he goes into. In 2021, life started to change when Owen developed an on-and-off fever over the course of several months. It wasn't until his teacher noticed Owen's discomfort at daycare that Andrew and Rebecca started to realized something was seriously wrong. On March 3, 2022, Owen was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), turning the entire family’s world upside down. Owen started treatment in Pennsylvania immediately, but in the midst of the family’s move to Richmond, had to continue his next phase at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. That's where Katie Barber, our Child Life Specialist, welcomed them with open arms. “From our first appointment, she was there telling us about ASK letting us know that she was there for whatever we might need,” says Rebecca. The Frantz’s didn’t waste any time finding their Richmond community, and just two days after meeting Katie, the family found themselves at their very first ASK event: the Night at the Diamond! ​ “We hadn’t even been here a week, and we were already getting the benefits of ASK. When they got all the kids and families together to go out on the field they had some music playing, he just started dancing and playing around with some kids,” Andrew remembers. “When the stadium speakers started blasting Don’t Stop Believing as all these kids and their ASK shirts were coming out on the field… it was hard not to get choked up." ​"The transitions and challenges we faced would have been unimaginable without ASK,” Andrew shares. “Their support is nothing short of remarkable… It really is almost kind of a full-scale support network." This special experience was the first of many times they’d grow their bond with ASK. Since their move, they’ve gotten to meet and connect with other kids and families through ASK events and programs like the Day at the Zoo, First STEP Preschool, our annual Family Holiday Party and Self Care Day specifically for parents with a child in active treatment. Not to mention, Owen was a 2022 Kourageous Kid and the Frantz' were our very special featured family at this year’s ASK Gala. It was a busy year! ASK has also been there for them behind the scenes, supporting them through gift cards and financial support, and emotionally through the free psychology services we provide our families as they endure the isolation and stressful emotions that come with having a child in treatment for cancer. "The transitions and challenges we faced would have been unimaginable without ASK,” Andrew shares. “Their support is nothing short of remarkable… It really is almost kind of a full-scale support network." Through ASK, Owen and his family have found a new community and network of support – people who care for them, giving them the strength to fight on, one day at a time. “I think we are just really grateful that ASK has the support that it has so that it’s been able to be such a great support for us,” adds Rebecca. “Even once Owen’s done with active treatment, he’ll still be part of a community that will actively engage him through when he graduates and beyond,” Andrew continues. Owen still has a ways to go until his end of treatment date in May 2024, but we’ll be there on his journey every step of the way, and forever after. Once an ASK kid, always an ASK kid!

"When we received the initial cancer diagnosis, we were completely overwhelmed," recalls Gentry Busic. "ASK became an amazing partner, without whom we could not have found our way." Gentry's son, Talon, was eight years old when he was diagnosed with Stage 1 Large B-Cell Lymphoma. After weekly chemotherapy treatments and three spinal infusions, Talon entered remission and hasn't looked back. Now 10 years old, Talon plays baseball, loves to be outside on his bike, swims for his neighborhood swim team, and is crazy about Disney. His family is grateful for his recovery, and the constant care they received from ASK. "We know that we couldn't have gotten through such an ordeal if it weren't for the constant love and support from the staff of ASK. Little gifts and notes and event just a kind word, not to mention the patient services and support groups that ASK provided to our entire family, were vital to our success." Gentry stresses that ASK is a local organization, and your donations help kids here in Central Virginia. "I think it's so important that we support this amazing organization that is going above and beyond for children with cancer right here in our community," continues Gentry. It also means that ASK can create and modify programs to best serve patients and survivors in our community. "Our support from ASK began from the moment of diagnosis," says Gentry. "ASK knew that Talon's diagnosis would affect our entire family, so their sibling and care giver programs have been as important to us as the care they've given to Talon. We could never say thank you enough!"

When Holden was nine months old, his parents thought his low-grade fever was a cold or maybe strep throat but a simple blood test showed an abnormality and within hours of being sent to the emergency room, Holden's entire young life changed. Holden was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), but this wasn't his family's first experience with this disease. Holden's dad, Josh, was diagnosed with AML in 2006 when he was 19 years old and carried the CEBPA genetic mutation for the disease. Holden's treatment included six months of intensive chemotherapy and long weeks of hospitalization. ASK became a lifeline for the family, providing spiritual, emotional and financial support. "We've been social distancing before there was social distancing," says Holden's mom, Jess. "Initially, we couldn't participate in the fun activities ASK offers for patients and their families because Holden was in the hospital of going to the ASK Clinic two or three times per week." "We felt so isolated from family and friends and that's when the folks at ASK became so important to our family." Like many ASK families, Jess and Josh had to make the decision for one of them to stay home to manage Holden's healthcare. Within days of Holden's diagnosis, Jess quit her teaching job and they became a one-income household. "We were so worried about finances and then we heard that ASK helps families financially. ASK paid two mortgages and some of our electric bill. What a huge relief!" "Our ASK family is always here for us. Whether it's surprise gift cards in the mail, remembering our birthdays or just a smiling face in clinic when we're having a bad day, ASK is always working in the background to support our entire family." Holden's four year old sister, Piper, attends First STEP Preschool as First Baptist Church. First STEP was designed to meet the unique educational, social and emotional needs of young children with chronic illness and includes siblings. "ASK is an amazing organization that provides such a wide variety of programs and services for families diagnosed with a childhood cancer," Jess continues. "They get what's most important -- not the stuff, but the caring and connection. Everyone is so helpful and caring. Respite care on my birthday, mother-daughter spa day that made our daughter feel so special and just having someone who truly understands our situation is so comforting. Holden is in remission right now, but we don't know what the future holds for him. We do know that ASK will be with us every step of the way."

Berkeley Kellum, 15 years old, is a straight A student at Lancaster High School and is in the Early College Academy there. He will graduate from both high school and Rappahannock Community College with an Associate's Degree. He's a baseball player and an All-State swimmer for his high school, and a t-ball coach for younger kids. And now, Berkeley can add childhood cancer survivor to his resume. Diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis in July 2018, Berkeley decided that surgery and chemotherapy would not stop him from accomplishing anything in his young life. After surgery to remove a tumor in his jaw, Berkeley had one year of chemotherapy, finishing in January 2020. His mom, Kelly, says this life changing experience was made easier by the support services of ASK. "We couldn't have done this without ASK," explains Kelly. "It's so hard for the entire family to juggle the stress of diagnosis and treatment, struggles with siblings and the day-to-day fight just to remain normal. Thank goodness ASK staff is always present to answer questions and provide help when we need it most! "ASK's spiritual, emotional, educational and financial support has been the foundation of our ability to navigate all of this," continued Kelly. "Our entire family has benefited from ASK's programs and services." The Kellums particularly enjoy the ASK 5K & Fun Walk in the spring. Last year, they had more than 40 friends and family members walking in support of children with cancer and this year, their team will continue to grow. "This is a beautiful event that really celebrates the kids and recognizes what they go through. It's something our entire family enjoys!"

Meet Charles. He's a typical 17-year-old who is dedicated to healthy living, working out and eating clean. He's the picture of health. Except, Charles has Metastatic Papillary Thyroid cancer, which has spread to his lymph nodes and lungs. "Charles refuses to let cancer define who he is or what he can accomplish," says his mom, Melissa. "From the moment he was diagnosed in late 2015, through surgery and radioactive iodine treatments, he has remained positive and has never used cancer as an excuse to miss an opportunity or goal." Charles' battle with cancer required multiple radioactive iodine treatments, an indigestible pill that increased in radioactivity over five days. During this incubation period, Charles must live in isolation in his room and his mom can only talk to him through his door. When the treatment is complete, his room and anything he's touched must be thoroughly cleaned in an effort to minimize radiation exposure to the rest of his home and family. It would be easy to give up but Charles thinks differently. Cancer has been a challenge for him to become as healthy as possible and when Charles was introduced to the Moving Forward Program through ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, his life changed forever. "I've found a passion in fitness and nutrition and I have the Moving Forward Program to thank for starting me on the right path," shares Charles. Melissa says the Moving Forward Program has transformed his mind and body. "From the moment we met with the nutritionist and Charles started working out with his personal trainer, Mike, he has committed to changing his life. He no longer eats sugar, junk food or soda and views going to the Y every day as a way to enhance his life," explains Melissa. The Moving Forward Program is a one-of-its-kind partnership with the Greater Richmond YMCA where ASK kids are provided personal training through the Y and receive nutritional counseling, generously funded by ASK. Charles will live the rest of his life with cancer in his lungs, but doctors believe that he can live a long and productive life. He plans to go to medical school to be a pediatric otolaryngologist so he can be part of the healing for other kids. Charles also plans to stay involved in ASK's Childhood Cancer Advocacy Day lobbying at the Virginia State legislature.

"Molly is feistier thank ever and she never ceases to amaze us," says Molly's mom, Roxsey. "Cancer made her tougher. She has no fear!" Being fearless helped Molly fight a Wilms' tumor on her right kidney at age six. While other first graders were having fun on the playground, Molly was in the ASK clinic for rounds of chemotherapy and radiation and recovering from major surgery. When Molly began complaining that her stomach hurt, her mom took her to the pediatrician. After a quick examination, it became clear she needed to go to the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU Health System for further evaluation. There, Molly received her diagnosis and surgery to remove her affected kidney within three days. Now, Molly is back to soccer and loves to be on the water, fishing, boating and swimming. Molly's entire family is grateful to the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation for their enormous support through services and programming. "We were so overwhelmed by Molly's diagnosis and treatment but we immediately felt the love of ASK staff who helped us navigate clinic, school and treatment. "I have friends whose children have been diagnosed with life-threatening diseases and they don't have access to an organization like ASK. We are beyond fortunate and that's why we choose to give back to ASK by participating in the ASK 5K Run every spring." Molly's family participated in their first ASK 5K in 2019 and already have their team assembled for May 2020. "I want everyone to know about ASK and the amazing services it provides," explains Roxsey. When a family is presented with the overwhelming challenge of having a child with cancer, ASK is there to help the whole family. There is no other organization like ASK!"

Several days a month, Brynna Allen can be found pushing her baby dolls through the ASK Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic at the Children's Hospital at VCU. Katie Barber, ASK Child Life Specialist, knows the name of every baby doll and can tell if they're happy or grumpy that day. That's because Katie has been with Brynna and her family since Brynna was diagnosed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at age two and Katie touches every family that is treated at the clinic. "Brynna's diagnosis was so dire that we were told she may not survive through the night she was diagnoses," remembers Brynna's mom, Karen. "We couldn't know what was ahead of us but the staff of ASK did and they've been with us every step of the way. Nothing phases Katie and she's always there with a smile and an idea to help us through the next phase of treatment." From diagnosis to adult survivorship, ASK provides programs and services to help make life better for pediatric cancer patients and their families, including financial assistance. "It's never easy to ask for financial assistance, but when we learned about this portion of ASK's services, they made it so easy for us. For instance, when a portion of our roof needed to be replaced, they not only provided financial assistance but they also gave us recommendations for companies that they have worked with. There was no stress for us, just deep gratitude," says Karen. Brynna and her brothers look forward to the ASK events and parties. "The first year of diagnosis and treatment were very aggressive and hard. We couldn't attend many of the functions but now, we look forward to attending events as a family. This year we're really looking forward to the Mommy & Me Spa Day in March! I also love that ASK includes Brynna's brothers in so many events like the Candy Land Party, family picnic, annual Holiday Party and so much more. It means the word to us that the siblings of these amazing kids are taken care of and included as well." Karen is grateful for the impact ASK makes on her family every day. "ASK provides a tremendous amount of services for pediatric cancer patients, newborn through young adult. Everyone gets the same amazing and supportive care that is above and beyond what we even know we need. Before Brynna's diagnosis, I'd never heard of ASK. Now, I can't imagine going through this without the clinical and administrative staff at ASK. They are truly amazing!"

"Your baby has Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome," heard Malia Gregory. She was familiar with the rare gene mutation because her cousin passed away from the syndrome 25 years prior. Caused by a genetic mutation in the Wiskott-Aldrich gene and carried by the mother, one in one million boys are born with the abnormal immune deficiency disorder. Small and only a few weeks old when diagnosed, Emmett was going to show everyone how mighty he could be. ​When Emmett experienced abnormal bleeding after his circumcision, and then again when he had a simple procedure on his tongue, doctors knew that something was wrong. Tests proved to be negative for leukemia, a natural assumption for Emmett's symptoms, but then Malia remembered her cousin, who had similar symptoms when he was born. Malia and her husband, Michael, had genetic testing, which showed Malia was the carrier for the mutated Wiskott-Aldrich gene. Emmett immediately began aggressive chemotherapy to kill his existing bone marrow to prepare a bone marrow transplant. His then five-year-old sister, Eden, was the perfect match and at six months old, Emmett had his transplant. Today, Emmett is thriving with no presence of the mutated gene and his family is looking forward to his first birthday. ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation has been with the Gregorys from the first day of diagnosis. "ASK has been a true God-send," says Malia. "Over and over again, ASK anticipates our needs as fast as they change. They know what we need before we have a chance to process what's happening and that's a God thing." The Gregory family was introduced to ASK when Rich Catlett, the pediatric hematology/oncology chaplain, asked if he could pray with them. "Rich is so loving and such a Godly presence amid the chaos," continued Malia. "He's been our advocate and our liaison with hospital staff and he constantly reminds us that we can find peace rather than giving into fatigue and confusion. He represents Jesus for us in everything he does." ASK financially supports the chaplain as a child life specialist and child psychologist positions in the clinic. As part of ASK's Adopt-a-Family program, Michael, Malia, Breyanna (age 14), Eden (age 6) and Emmett received gifts that filled the space under their tree. "We opened the door and ASK volunteers delivered giant gift bags - bigger than anything I'd ever seen - into our home. We thought this was going to be a sad and mopey Christmas, but ASK made it amazing. Instead, it was our mega-Christmas." Even Eden was overwhelmed by the generous support and said Santa didn't need to come this year because ASK took care of them. "Mommy, did they do this because I was brave and helped Emmett? We don't deserve this. I would have done it any way!" exclaimed Eden. "You can call Santa and tell him he doesn't need to come this year."

Last year, Meya noticed a lump in her collarbone. Initially, she was given an antibiotic for a suspected infection, and sent for a CT scan. Within two hours, Meya’s mom, Juliet, was told her daughter had either lymphoma or leukemia. A lymph node biopsy and a bone marrow test confirmed Stage 3 Nodular Sclerosing Hodgkin Lymphoma, a rare form of lymphoma. Thankfully, four treatments later, Meya has been declared cancer-free with clear scans and she is not looking back! As a student in the musical theater program at Henrico High School, Meya was anxious to get back on the stage and to the business of being a normal teenager. “Don’t be scared of childhood cancer,” seventeen-year-old cancer survivor Meya courageously declares. “People are uncomfortable to talk about it because most associate cancer with loss. But it doesn’t have to be scary, and you don’t have to be afraid to talk about it.” Meya’s mom, Juliet, is quick to add that a kid dealing with cancer is still a kid. “Although they’re going through cancer treatment, they still want to be with their friends and do teenage things. I chose to look for the positives in our situation and find the good that could come from childhood cancer.” Meya’s family was familiar with ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation because their neighborhood had participated in several fundraisers for ASK; but didn’t understand the magnitude of what ASK can do for a family faced with a childhood cancer diagnosis. ​“I spent last Christmas in the hospital, but when I woke up on Christmas morning, there were presents in my room. ASK was so thoughtful in purchasing presents specifically for me, and I was overwhelmed,” remembers Meya. “I have really benefited from the music therapy, as well. Often, Brooke Cable, the music therapist funded by the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, and I performed together in the ASK Clinic and it’s given me a way to continue performing while I couldn’t be in school. It helped make the Clinic less of a clinic,” Meya laughs. ASK also assisted in getting Meya her first wig, which was important for her as she prepared to go back to school. ​ "We’re so happy to be on the other side of cancer now, and so grateful to ASK for their enormous support.” An aspiring filmmaker, Meya has her sights set on college. “I want to take what I’ve learned from this experience and use it to my advantage,” says Meya. “I would say to others going through a cancer diagnosis to stay positive, be nosey and ask questions, and know that you can find the good in every situation.” “There have been many beautiful moments in this journey,” shares Juliet. “We’ve been blessed to find humor, the beauty in humanity, and we’ve learned that childhood cancer families are not fragile. We are stronger than we thought we could be. We’re so happy to be on the other side of cancer now, and so grateful to ASK for their enormous support.”