For 13-year-old Orlando, a perfect day includes building LEGO sets, watching his favorite action movies, or walking his dog, Houdini. But no matter where his day takes him, Orlando’s big heart and willingness to help others always shine through. In school, Orlando was always on the move, often playing multiple sports in a single season. When he wasn’t running up and down the basketball court, he was diving into the pool for swim practice. He loved the energy and excitement of basketball, while swimming offered him a chance to relax in the calming water. After basketball practice one Sunday afternoon, Orlando came home complaining of a headache. His family assumed it was dehydration from the July heat, but over the next two weeks, his symptoms worsened. After a trip to the emergency room, a CT scan showed diffuse midline glioma (DMG), a rare brain tumor in the middle of the brain. As treatment became part of everyday life, Orlando faced new challenges trying to stay connected to school and his classmates. That's when ASK's Education Support Navigator, Lisa Meares, stepped in to help him stay connected to his education. In fifth grade, he shared with Lisa that many classmates didn’t know about his diagnosis. With the family’s support, Lisa visited his classroom to help his peers understand his experience and how to be supportive friends during treatment. During the lesson, Orlando sat right where he was most comfortable—with his peers. But he never shied away from sharing about his own experience and how he was feeling. When Orlando transitioned to middle school the following year, Lisa was there again, helping his new classmates understand his diagnosis and supporting him as he entered sixth grade. Behind the scenes, Lisa also helped Orlando’s family. Between doctor’s appointments, treatment, school forms, and deadlines, his mom, Veronica, found herself juggling more than she ever expected. Lisa eased that burden by coordinating Orlando’s 504 plan, classroom accommodations, and homebound instruction, helping ensure nothing fell through the cracks. “All I do is send [the school forms] to her, and she really stays on top of everything,” Veronica shared. “She’ll remind me [about] homebound renewal is coming up...and will check with the school if [she doesn’t] hear from them...She really takes that off my back, and that is great.” ​ Three years after his diagnosis, much about Orlando’s life has changed, but who he is inside remains the same. “He has a very good heart. He loves to help others,” Veronica shared with pride. “He’s always doing anything that he can do that will help others.” Despite his diagnosis, Orlando continued finding ways to help others. During a clinical trial, he agreed to additional blood draws that could help researchers learn more and potentially help other children facing cancer. “If it is to help others, I’m good for it,” he says.

When Michaela reflects on her journey with childhood cancer, she doesn’t just see a past medical diagnosis—she sees her superpower. Diagnosed with a nephroblastoma (a tumor in her left kidney) in late 2007 when she was just 18 months old, Michaela underwent surgery to remove her kidney followed by six months of chemotherapy. In June 2008, she rang the bell, marking the completion of active treatment. While she was too young to remember ringing that bell, her journey with ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation was only just beginning. Growing up as an "ASK Kid," Michaela found a second home through ASK's summer camps, holiday events, and education support programs. Whether it was eating s'mores late at night at camp, laughing with staff members like Miss Alma and Miss Jane, or receiving support in school through education plans, ASK was always by her side. "It’s a home away from home," Michaela shares. "I’m so proud to be an ASK Kid and to have graduated out of the program in a sense, because it’s such a beautiful organization. I’ll forever talk about ASK." Today, Michaela is a thriving junior at North Carolina A&T State University, majoring in Biology with ambitious plans for the future. She aspires to attend dental school to become an orthodontist, with a passion for opening a practice that serves all patients, including children in underserved communities and those with special needs. Driven by her personal experience and love for her family, she has also conducted undergraduate research at UNC Chapel Hill on cell cycle dynamics, focusing her academic passion on cancer and cardiovascular disease research. As a young adult survivor, Michaela’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. She has navigated the late effects of treatment, learned to advocate for herself in fast-paced college courses by utilizing academic accommodations, and overcome deep personal loss, including the passing of her father when she was 15. Yet, through every obstacle, Michaela remains remarkably optimistic, grounded in her faith, and determined to give back. Now coming full circle, Michaela returns to volunteer at ASK events and summer programs. She hopes to inspire the next generation of ASK Kids currently in treatment, serving as a bright reminder of what the future holds. "I remember being in their shoes and looking up to people who had survived," Michaela says. "Volunteering gives a whole new sense of hope because they get to see people who overcame what they’re going through." When she’s not studying, researching, or volunteering, Michaela loves traveling, trying new foods, shopping, and spending quality time with her family and friends. Michaela’s resilience, big heart, and determination remind us why we do what we do at ASK. We could not be prouder of the brilliant, caring leader she has become!

Eight-year-old Brynlee loves nothing more than playing outside, cruising around in toy cars with her sister, squeezing her favorite squishy fidgets, and adding to her ever-growing Play-Doh collection. "We seem to come home with [a new tub of Play-Doh] every time we go somewhere," Brynlee’s mom, Katie, laughs. Described by her family as strong, courageous, resilient, loving, caring, and delightfully sassy, Brynlee is as creative as she is spirited. She rarely misses a chance to play alongside her sister or jump headfirst into her next big adventure. But in June 2025, Brynlee came down with what seemed like a typical childhood illness. When her symptoms lingered for nearly two weeks without getting better, her parents, Katie and David, grew concerned. After several visits and basic tests, they decided to take her to the emergency room, hoping to get answers. At the time, Katie and David thought they might learn Brynlee had something like mono. Instead, that visit ultimately led to Brynlee’s diagnosis with pineoblastoma, a rare brain tumor. In a single day, Brynlee and her family were thrust into a new reality of treatments, hospital visits, and uncertainty. But they weren't walking this path alone. ASK Education Support Navigator Amy Fender stepped in right away to help guide the way. She took the time to truly get to know the family, ensuring they had immediate access to vital resources when they needed them most. “ASK is one of the only organizations we’ve seen that really stepped up to help financially with the bills parents have,” David shares. Beyond financial assistance, Amy provided direct educational support to help ease Brynlee’s transition at school. She led an in-service classroom presentation for Brynlee and her classmates, helping her peers understand what Brynlee was going through and why she would be missing class during treatment. The presentation surrounded Brynlee with empathy, understanding, and encouragement from her friends and teachers. As Amy got to know Brynlee and her family, her support extended far beyond clinic walls and the classroom. When an opportunity arose for the family to attend a special Virginia Tech basketball game, Amy immediately jumped in and helped connect them with the experience. For ASK Dad David, a Virginia Tech alumnus, the trip offered a priceless moment of connection and joy. "It was really cool to be able to take my kids back to Tech, show them around, and experience that together," he says. After months of bravery and treatment, Brynlee recently finished chemotherapy and radiation. Now, her resilient spirit is in full swing as she gets back to doing what she does best—playing outside and being a kid. Whether she's adding another creation to her ever-growing Play-Doh collection, squeezing one of her favorite fidget toys, or climbing every piece of equipment at the playground, she's embracing every moment. Reflecting on their journey, Katie and David are deeply grateful for the community that rallied around them. "You never think you'll be in that position until you are," David says. "It's meant a lot for us to see people give back."

For most 10-year-old boys, life is all about playing sports, riding bikes around the neighborhood, and keeping up with younger siblings. Spencer is a spirited, energetic 10-year-old who takes his role as the oldest brother to Liam (9) and Cevin (5) very seriously—which includes bossing them around every chance he gets! He loves playing video games, watching mukbang videos, eating pizza, and cheering on his favorite basketball player, Tyrese Haliburton. Whether he was playing flag football, soccer, or riding his dirt bike—a hobby he’s loved since he was four-years-old—Spencer has always been a force of nature. But during spring break in April 2025, his world came to a sudden halt. It started with what seemed like a routine childhood illness. Spencer became unusually quiet and slept a lot, complaining of headaches and fevers. “Spencer has always been very active and rambunctious,” shares his mom, Sher. “Every time he got sick, he would become, ‘chill Spencer.’ So, when he was sleeping a lot and had a fever, I thought it was just seasonal allergies or something viral.” When school was about to resume, however, Sher noticed Spencer holding onto walls just to walk across the room. Trusting her motherly instincts, she took him to St. Mary’s Emergency Room. A CT scan revealed shocking news: a mass the size of a lemon was located at the back of Spencer’s head near his cerebellum. “I didn’t have an immediate reaction because he was right there,” Sher recalls. “He looked at me and asked, ‘Am I going to die?’ When he said that, I had to step out to call my husband, Patrik. We adopted the term ‘lemon in your head’ because we didn't want to scare him right away.” In April 2025, Spencer underwent an intense six to seven-hour brain surgery to remove the tumor. Surgeon Dr. Lane was able to successfully remove the entire tumor, but she prepared Sher and Patrik for a challenging recovery. The tumor’s removal temporarily affected the right side of Spencer’s body, his mobility, and his right eye. It was during these crucial early days at CHoR that the family first met oncologist Dr. Park. “Dr. Park introduced himself, I believe, on the second day we were at CHoR in April 2025. I remember feeling skeptical because no one had mentioned that Spencer had cancer at that point. Although Dr. Park spoke to us casually about the biopsy, his body language quietly prepared me for the news that, deep down, I already knew was true. Dr. Park had a way of making an unimaginable situation feel as normal as it possibly could. As strange as that sounds, it became our new normal, and we accepted it. I deeply admire his dedication, not only to caring for children with this disease but also to advancing research. If Spencer were giving Dr. Park a rating, he would say eight out of ten—only because Dr. Park doesn't wear cool shoes!” The biopsy confirmed their fears: the tumor was Medulloblastoma, a malignant form of brain cancer. Despite the daunting diagnosis, Spencer demonstrated incredible resilience and strength. By Easter Sunday, physical and occupational therapists had Spencer up on his feet and taking his first steps again. Following radiation came grueling months of chemotherapy. Side effects brought more than 20 hospital and ER visits for neutropenic fevers. Through every setback, hospital stay, and therapy session, Spencer and his family kept pushing forward. On March 23, 2026, Spencer reached a milestone every pediatric cancer family dreams of: he completed his treatment and rang the bell! Shortly after, he had his port removed, officially closing a long chapter and entering survivorship. Now, Spencer is focused on rebuilding his strength. “I love eating pizza. I like swimming in the pool. I like vehicles, like a Porsche,” Spencer says, looking ahead to the future. Reflecting on his current recovery, he adds candidly: “I'm a little bit wobbly, and I want to walk right.” Sher knows this stage comes with its own unique milestones: “The scary chapter is closed, but now comes the journey to get him back to the Spencer he was—riding his dirt bike, playing basketball, and being that outdoor kid again.” Throughout Spencer’s journey, ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation was there to provide critical educational, financial, and emotional support to ease the burden on his family. Spencer’s brothers got to join in the fun at the ASK Holiday Party 2025, giving them a sense of normalcy and joy. Looking ahead, Spencer was excited to attend ASK Summer Camp in August 2026! Reflecting on their journey, Sher offers advice to other parents facing a pediatric cancer diagnosis: “I know everyone handles things differently. For me, I'm the type of person who rarely asks for help, and even when people offer, I decline about 95% of the time. But this illness can consume an entire family. My advice is to accept the help and ask for it when you feel overwhelmed. The financial assistance we received from ASK was invaluable. Having to travel to Washington, D.C., for six weeks would have been incredibly difficult without that support. Finally, don't forget to take care of yourself. As parents, we often put ourselves last, but it's important to do something that brings you joy. You can't pour into your child's bucket if your own bucket is empty". Today, Spencer is excited about going back to school in person to see his friends, getting back on the basketball court, and riding his bike around the neighborhood. Thanks to the generosity of the ASK community, kids like Spencer don't have to walk the journey through childhood cancer alone.

For most kids, the end of the school year means looking forward to summer break, playing outside, and just being a kid. But for Eliza, an outdoorsy eight-year-old who loves watching Disney’s Sofia the First, the end of first grade brought an unexpected turn. Eliza had a lump on the inside of her right knee. In the beginning she wasn’t acting any differently; she wasn’t tired or sick, but as the lump grew, it began to get in her way. "When I did my exercise, I was supposed to put my knees together, and I couldn't," Eliza recalls about her ballet class. It was becoming painful just to put her legs together. A visit to the doctor led to an MRI. The results revealed a shocking Ewing's sarcoma diagnosis. Not only was there a tumor in her knee, but the cancer had also metastasized, causing a secondary lung cancer. In a single day, life for Eliza and her family was completely turned upside down. Because of her treatment, Eliza had to spend much of her time at the hospital and she found herself missing school and her friends. For a girl who loves learning and hanging out with classmates, missing an entire school year was a heavy challenge. But Eliza’s family wasn't walking this path alone. ASK stepped in right away to provide emotional, financial, educational, and social support. Eliza formed an instant bond with ASK’s Education Support Navigator, Amy Fender. "Amy went to the school, and we did a Zoom call with the class," Eliza's mom, Nicole, remembers. Amy’s in-service presentation to Eliza’s class helped explain her diagnosis and how her classmates could be good and supportive friends when she returned. “It kind of helped explain why she wasn't there... we didn't really have to explain to kids why she just abruptly left school. It was super cute and fun for the kids, too." Beyond educational support, ASK helped Eliza's family with the things they needed most, giving them one less thing to worry about. “ASK has helped me financially because I haven't been able to work,” Nicole shares. “I definitely wouldn't have had a lot of my bills paid because my husband couldn't do it alone. But [ASK] has always given us things we could do while we were in the hospital and support outside the hospital as well. Amy has been a blessing for her.” Support beyond the clinic walls included finding comfort with other families who understood the journey through ASK’s Community & Connection events. In March, Eliza and her mom joined Amy and other ASK families in Southwest Virginia to take part in the Freedom First St. Patrick's Day Parade. "I think that was her first time really being out around a whole bunch of people," Nicole says. "We saw a lot of dogs, we were counting dogs and waving at people. Forty dogs, at least! It was really fun," Eliza recalled. For Nicole, the parade offered a rare and beautiful moment of peace: "You didn't have to explain why you were there, or anything like that. The kids all kind of just went with the flow, and it was never 'why don't you have hair?' or anything like that. You usually keep your guard up, but [at ASK events] you can just let it down, and everything was as smooth as it can be." With treatments behind her, Eliza’s energy is back in full swing. "Now she wants to be outside the moment she wakes up," Nicole laughs. "She loves to ride her bike... she'd be on her bike 24/7 if I let her! Anything outside, to run and jump, and all the things that she was not able to do last year. She's fully embraced it, but she's most excited to go to the beach this year." Having their lives disrupted by cancer has inspired Nicole to speak out about the critical need for better pediatric medical resources. "Just advocate that the kids really don't have the treatments that are built for them," Nicole says. "Childhood cancer is not fun—no kid should have it…Our lives were literally turned upside down in a day, and we're still recovering from that. [It is so nice to have] the community as a whole support us, I hope everybody would have that." Thanks to the support and generosity of our ASK community, Eliza can finally play outside, let her guard down, and simply be a kid again.

“I love playing the piano, I’m very social, and I don’t like sadness,” shared 12-year-old Ava. When she was four, she taught herself how to play piano by ear, a natural talent that made her the perfect fit for ASK’s rockstar themed 2026 Above & Beyond Gala. While Ava naturally shines in the spotlight, her world changed in March 2024 when her cancer journey began with a leukemia diagnosis. Even then, the 11-year-old was wise beyond her years. Sitting in her hospital room, she remembers asking her parents what leukemia was: “They told me it was cancer.” In the difficult journey that followed, Ava found peace with music. Her dad, Noah, notes that “music has been one of Ava’s best therapies.” Ava agrees, describing the feeling of playing: “I can just sit down and close my eyes, play whatever I want. It's almost like flying. Like I can go wherever I want and my legs aren't going to limit me. It's just healing.” From the very first day, the ASK team was by their side. Rachel, Ava’s mom, remembers the immediate support they received from Rich and Katie on diagnosis day: “They asked questions like, ‘What do you need from us? How can we make this better?’ and chatted with Ava to make her feel seen, heard, and taken care of.” “They know this is heavy, and they’ve never shied away from talking about the heaviness of it. They never tried to make it lighter than it was–they simply carried it with us.” Watch the video below to hear more from Ava and her family as they express the impact ASK has had on their lives. That support is exactly what stays with Ava. When talking about ASK, she shared: “You guys care about kids and it's not just for popularity or for money. You do it because [cancer] sucks and you help make it a bit better or a bit less worse.” Now, two years after her diagnosis and a few months post-gala, Ava is looking forward to the future. This July, she is getting ready to celebrate a major milestone with her family: turning 13!

For most 16-year-olds, life is about hanging out with friends, playing video games, and looking forward to the independence. For Riley, a vibrant teen who loves LEGO sets, Minecraft, and—most of all—swimming, that typical journey took an unexpected turn in March of 2025. Riley was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a cancerous tumor located at the top of his tibia. For Riley, who has Down Syndrome, this diagnosis was exceptionally rare; his family learned there are only two documented cases in medical journals, making Riley a true pioneer and a case study for his medical team. The diagnosis was a whirlwind, but the family wasn't facing cancer for the first time. Riley’s father, Will, had battled the disease three years prior. "Watching him go through chemo and lose his hair was hard, but to see his daddy go through it and come out fine—I think that actually helped him," Riley’s mom, Beth, recalls. The family leaned on each other for strength, forming what Riley dubbed the "Power Hero Family Alliance." In this alliance, everyone has a special color and strength; Riley gave himself the blue superpower of speed and his mom the pink power of love! Treatment for Ewing Sarcoma is intensive. Riley’s journey included six rounds of chemotherapy, surgery to remove the tumor, and an additional eight rounds of chemotherapy. Because the passage of time can be a difficult concept to grasp with Down Syndrome, Beth created a clever way for Riley to track his hospital stays using construction paper rings. "He doesn't understand the passage of time day by day, but he was able to tear a ring off every day, and when he got to the last ring, he knew that was a day to get home." ASK stepped in from the very beginning to "lighten the load" for the Power Hero Family Alliance. While Riley was in the clinic, ASK staff like Katie would "swoop in" to distract Riley with games, giving his parents the vital space to discuss details with doctors. "That gave us time to react to what was being said and gather our wits before he had to see that," Beth remembers. The support extended to every part of their journey, including financial assistance, easing some of the day-to-day stress. "The financial assistance was amazing and took a load off," Will shares. "The utility payments, not having to worry about those... the cards for gas came in handy. The food gift cards really came into use, and the cafeteria vouchers really came in handy when we were in-patient." ASK also ensured that Riley's community understood his journey. While they didn't need continual school assistance, ASK Education Support Navigator Jon Longenecker "went into our virtual classroom and did a presentation for his classmates so he could prepare his classmates for the change," his dad explains. Beyond the practical, ASK provided joy through inclusive events. "Everything ASK provided was accessible, and that was amazing," the family notes, recalling how Riley "stood 10 inches taller" in his suit at the ASK and Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU (CHoR) Prom. He also had a blast at the Annual ASK Holiday Party. Throughout 14 rounds of chemo and surgery, Riley never lost his sense of humor or his love for hugs. The hard work reached a beautiful milestone in October 2025, when Riley finally got to ring the bell, seven months after his diagnosis. Today, after his surgical wound finally cleared up, Riley is officially free to do what he loves most: swim! Riley and his family also plan on attending more ASK events where they can build relationships and friendships with other ASK families. "I can't say enough good things about ASK," Beth says. "It's nice to know you are still family into the future!"

For an exuberant three-year-old, the world is a playground. Life is meant for running, jumping, climbing, and—for Aliyana—spending as much time as possible at the park on the swings and slides. But for Aliyana and her mom, everything changed when a "phantom" leg pain began to interrupt those playdates. "It’s hard to advocate for a toddler with a limited vocabulary who can only say that their leg hurts," her mom, Liana, recalls. "She was your typical rambunctious toddler. It just got really concerning when she was struggling to put weight on her leg and didn't want to walk or play." What followed was a ten-day whirlwind of uncertainty. Initial blood work at the pediatrician came back elevated, but a visit to the ER showed no signs of infection or fever. X-rays with an orthopedic surgeon suggested her bones were fine. The pain would come and go; she would be in agony at home, only to appear normal during an examination. Finally, when a fever developed, her mother sought a second opinion at a different emergency room. This time, a full workup provided the answer they never expected. "It went from zero to leukemia in a matter of hours," her mom says.  Aliyana was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Following her diagnosis, Aliyana’s life was measured in 28-day treatment cycles. "Once we get used to the 28 days, then it switches again," her mom explains. "But overall, she’s in remission. She’s responding well to treatments, and everything is working the way it’s supposed to be." Through the ups and downs of treatment, Aliyana never lost her "girly girl" spirit. She has discovered a new love for arts and crafts and—thanks to some practice with patience—loves getting her nails painted. The family was connected with ASK almost immediately after diagnosis during their inpatient stay at VCU. As they navigated the strain of a cancer diagnosis, ASK was there to help bridge the gap. "ASK has definitely made life better," her mom shares. "ASK has been very instrumental in just letting us know what they're there to help with. Just having that support means so much”. Now, Aliyana is about to reach a big milestone: completing her first year of preschool! She is officially enrolled in ASK’s FIRST-Step Preschool Program in Mrs. Susan’s Owl Class. The FIRST-Step (Socialization through Enriched Play) Preschool Program is a specialized class where our teachers look for both typical developmental milestones and late effects from treatment to help our kiddos get the best start possible and feel prepared for a successful kindergarten experience, with skills like sharing, listening, focusing, and cooperating. Aliyana’s teacher, Mrs. Susan, reports, “Aliyana is delightful! We can always count on her to bring zeal for learning, compassion for classmates, and the cutest giggle to preschool each day. We often hear Aliyana singing a little tune such as ‘Months of the Year’ or 'Days of the Week '. It has been wonderful watching Aliyana grow socially, developing friendships with classmates, emotionally, acquiring greater confidence in her abilities, and academically, weaving her past knowledge with introduced information and applying what she knows to new situations.” On May 20th, she will officially complete her first year of preschool, and we can’t wait to see her back in the classroom in the fall!

Jack is a 19-year-old with a big heart, a competitive spirit, and a love for games. He does it all– board games, card games, and especially Uno, a game in which he proudly calls himself “vicious.” But beyond his playful personality, Jack has faced a serious health challenge: a diagnosis of myxoid liposarcoma at age 13. Jack has shown resilience, positivity, and a desire to help others through it all. Jack’s journey began on Christmas Eve of 2019, when he started experiencing chest pains. “He wasn’t feeling well and was complaining of chest pain that morning,” recalls his mom, Lis. At first, the family thought it might be something minor like bronchitis. But after a visit to urgent care, Jack was rushed by ambulance to the hospital. “Everything was just kind of a whirlwind from there,” Lis shares. Following surgery and a month-long hospital stay, Jack received his diagnosis: myxoid liposarcoma. “We went about a year just kind of watching and waiting after the first surgery,” Lis explains. Over the following months, Jack underwent a second surgery to remove the chest-wall lining and multiple smaller tumors; this was followed by a year of chemotherapy and radiation. Today, Jack is in the midst of another round of chemotherapy and continues to go through regular scans every three months to monitor his health. Jack’s treatment journey has been long and challenging. From multiple surgeries to rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, the process has required flexibility, perseverance, and an enormous amount of support. “It’s an ever-evolving process,” Lis reflects. “Some days we don’t know what’s going to happen from one day to the next.” Despite this, Jack remains positive and engaged, balancing his treatments with school and activities whenever possible. ASK became a part of Jack’s journey a few years after his diagnosis, helping the family coordinate care closer to home. One memorable event for Jack was the Teen Mingle & Jingle at the Hotel Roanoke, where he could enjoy Christmas festivities with peers who understood his experience. “For a couple of hours, he didn’t have to think about the news he got or anything that was going on. He was just around friends and had a good time,” Lis shares. Beyond events, ASK has also supported the family with school accommodations and guidance, helping Jack manage his studies and plan for college. Now 19, Jack demonstrates resilience, compassion, and a desire to give back. “Even if it’s not a teen event, he wants to go and help out with the younger kids,” Lis says. “It’s his way of giving back and finding a release.” Outside of helping others, Jack enjoys games, time with friends, and being a typical teen whenever possible. Jack’s story is a reminder that childhood cancer affects more than just the patient—it touches families and communities. With the support of ASK, Jack has not only navigated his treatment with strength and positivity but has also found ways to connect with and support other kids facing similar challenges.

Seven-year-old Damian has always been full of energy. Soccer became his passion as soon as he could walk, starting to play at just 15 months old. Whether chasing the ball or running along the beach, Damian has always been happiest outdoors. In March 2023, Damian's mom, Fiorella, began noticing a few minor signs at first that her son wasn't acting like himself. He was more tired than usual and complained about a pain in his leg. After spending weeks searching for answers at Inova Fairfax Hospital, doctors broke the news that Damian had been diagnosed with leukemia. The diagnosis came just days after Damian's sixth birthday. Within weeks, his life shifted from soccer fields to hospital visits for treatments, a new routine no family ever expects. The first year of treatment meant stepping away from the physical activities Damian loved, but his resilience shone through. Throughout Damian's journey, ASK has been there every step of the way. "[ASK has] been absolutely amazing since day one," Fiorella shared. From emotional support to financial assistance, ASK has helped the family navigate the many challenges that come with a childhood cancer diagnosis. "Having ASK there makes you feel like you're not alone," Fiorella explained. Vanessa Wagener , ASK's Bilingual Education Support Navigator , has been a vital source of guidance for Damian's education by helping set up his 504 school plan. Vanessa is one of six Navigators stationed at each of Virginia's five pediatric cancer treatment centers, bridging the gap between hospital and clinic staff with the child's school to help them stay on grade level and receive the accommodations they need to be successful.  In addition to educational support, ASK provides family support services such as financial assistance. Just last year, ASK covered 2,373 non-medical bills statewide. ASK was able to provide rent assistance when hospital stays and missed work days put extra stress on Damian's family. A year and a half into treatment, Damian has regained his strength. He's in maintenance, gaining weight, and back to playing outside. Fiorella shares that things gradually improved with time, support, and perseverance. Looking ahead, Fiorella holds onto the same hope she wants other families to feel: they are not alone, even in the darkest and scariest moments. "Everybody works with you toward the same goal—the end of treatment and ringing the bell," she says. "Even in the scariest moments, you will always have somebody holding your hand." Today, Damian has returned to his energetic self. He enjoys playing sports, spending time outdoors, and reclaiming the independence and joy of childhood.

Medulloblastoma (muh-dul-o-blas-TOE-muh) is a very big word with a heavy meaning for a very little boy.  While Joseph, a baseball lover, is busy learning terms like “home run,” “grand slam,” and “fastball,” his parents, Becky and James, are learning about this fast-growing, cancerous brain tumor. At just 13 months old, Joseph was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, and life for him and his parents changed in an instant. Before his diagnosis, Joseph had been sick often. After four visits to the doctor in a single week, he vomited one morning, and his parents rushed him to St. Mary’s for a CT scan. That’s when the tumor appeared. Instead of hitting “home run hits!” as Joseph adorably says it, this little baseball fan was now undergoing brain surgery to remove the tumor and relieve fluid buildup in his brain. Doctors caught it early, but the tumor was fast-moving. Joseph immediately started three rounds of chemotherapy, and an intense stem cell transplant, spending almost a month in the hospital. Despite Joseph’s intense treatment, he remained “a bright light to anyone and everyone he came across,” his dad James shares. His mom, Becky said, “You’d never know what he’s been through,” smiling as she spoke. Joseph not only fought through treatment, but he also graduated from physical, occupational, and speech therapy. But Joseph and his family didn’t fight alone. From the very first round of chemo, ASK was there to lend a helping hand. A call came to Becky asking if the family needed anything, and it wasn’t just words. “Other organizations are wonderful, but ASK is different,” she says. ASK stepped in with financial support that helped the family cover their mortgage after Becky had to step away from work to focus on Joseph’s health. Through the Adopt-a-Family program, ASK also made Christmas magical for Joseph, providing gifts from the family’s wish list thanks to community partners. Beyond family support, ASK offers connection through program events. The family attended ASK Night at the Diamond and participated in the ASK 5K & Fun Walk, where “ Ferocious Joseph and Lil' J's Brigade ” became one of the largest teams in Walk history and helped raise funds for other children and families in Virginia facing childhood cancer. More than that, ASK gave Joseph’s family a community–a circle of people who understood the unique challenges of childhood cancer. “They get the little things. They understand. They connect us with people who live right here in our community. You don’t feel alone,” Becky shared. Two-year-old Joseph is thriving now. His future is bright, filled with dance moves to the “Mickey’s Hot Dog” song, and “home run hits” as spring approaches. His parents reflect on their journey with gratitude–for the skilled doctors and nurses at the hospital, for their decision to stay close to home, and for the unwavering support of ASK. “It can happen to anybody,” James says. “But childhood cancer isn’t always a death sentence. Our kids are stronger than we are. Life changes in an instant, but you also discover kindness, compassion, and the good that’s still in the world. ASK reminds us every day that we don’t walk this journey alone.”

According to her mom, Leanne, four-year-old Talitha “just loves life.” She can be quiet around strangers, but she’s simply taking it all in, noticing the world around her. Talitha has a contagious laugh and a love for singing, whether she’s making up songs on the spot, singing worship songs from church, or joining in with her favorite princess movies. She’s full of sunshine wherever she goes. With a summer birthday, it’s no surprise that Talitha is happiest outside. She enjoys visiting splash parks, swimming pools, and spending afternoons at the playground with her little sister. But Talitha hasn’t always had carefree days filled with sunshine and songs. In April 2024, her energy was suddenly drained, her tiny body bruised, and a rash appeared. Her parents knew something was wrong, especially when Talitha was too tired to walk by the time they reached the ER. Doctors immediately admitted her to Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU where tests came back, and the numbers were “off the charts.” Within a day of arriving at CHoR, Talitha underwent surgery to place a port, a small device that helps deliver chemotherapy. Soon after, at just two years old, she was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Although her numbers placed her in the high-risk category, Talitha’s body responded quickly to treatment. She wasn’t in remission yet, but the doctors had a plan: two and a half years of treatment, set to finish in August 2026. The first eight months were grueling—ten inpatient stays, constant chemo, lumbar punctures, and isolation from the outside world. Things she loved, like playgrounds, libraries, and church, were suddenly off-limits. Instead, hospital rooms filled with Disney movies became her little kingdom. Though they were isolated, Talitha’s family was never alone. Between their church family, grandparents, friends, and the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, they were wrapped in support. Through ASK staff and events, they found community, joy, and relief in ways they never expected, including a sense of normalcy. “Programs allowed Talitha to experience fun life events in safe ways especially during that first year when treatment was so intense. Being able to participate in the pool party, the Christmas party, the fall festival, and even receiving gifts for Christmas so we didn't have to worry about that while she was undergoing really tough treatments helped keep a sense of normalcy and community when things were kind of tough,” shared Leanne. At Christmas, when Talitha’s counts were low and shopping felt impossible, ASK’s Adopt-a-Family program stepped in—lifting a weight Leanne didn’t even realize she was carrying. Financially, the family has managed, thanks in part to ASK’s support with household needs and repairs. But more than the financial help, it’s the emotional and spiritual encouragement that has carried them through. As Leanne says, "There could be a sense of hopelessness, but ASK helps us feel understood and supported. People say, 'I can't imagine how you are doing this,' and without our faith we wouldn't be able to. It's a long road, but we are not walking it alone." Through it all, Talitha remains full of curiosity and sunshine. She enjoys playing “Clinic” with her little sister, pretending to be doctors and nurses and making the hospital world feel less scary. She is in maintenance treatment, a lower-intensity phase, taking daily oral medication and monthly chemo. Life isn’t back to normal yet, but it’s closer. Talitha can finally play with other children, continue to spread cheer through song, go on outings, and live the little moments most families take for granted.  “The road ahead will have challenges—more treatments, more appointments, more days of fatigue,” explains Leanne. “But we are so grateful that it will also have joy and laughter, and all of our friends at ASK. We cannot say thank you enough!”