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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!”

At just four years old, Conor's imagination knows no bounds, and, like many children his age, he loves superheroes — Spider-Man (Spidey) being his favorite — and villains! He’s a big fan of playing video games with his dad and being outside where he can run and play. Conor approaches every day with a sense of wonder and adventure, and he’s never met a human or animal that he hasn’t tried to befriend. When Conor was diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (a rare subtype of AML) in February 2025 at just three years old, his parents, Sarah and Scott, felt their world collapse. He had battled RSV and lingering illnesses, then bruising led to bloodwork that revealed shocking results. Within hours, the family was sent to the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, and Conor began treatment just two days later. From the very beginning, ASK showed up in ways Sarah and Scott never imagined. Katie Barber, ASK’s Child Life Specialist at the ASK Clinic within the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, was the first to meet Conor and his family. When he was scared, she pulled out a Nintendo Switch and made him laugh. ASK Chaplain Rich Catlett stopped by during inpatient stays, offering much-needed encouragement. When his port was difficult to access, ASK staff found ways to distract him so his bravery could shine. But ASK went far beyond the hospital walls. They helped cover bills when Sarah had to step away from work, provided food and gas cards, and even answered Scott’s wish to give Conor a safe space outdoors. ASK connected the family with Hope RVA, which landscaped the backyard and built Conor his very own playset. Today, the first thing Conor does every morning is run outside to play. “ They’ve wrapped us in their arms. Whatever you might need, ASK is there to figure out how to get it. They’re so proactive, and you don’t have to search for help. They show up and remind you you’re not alone. ” -Sarah, ASK Kid Conor's mom After nine long months of treatment and countless trips to the ASK Clinic at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Conor completed his last treatment on Friday, October 24th, and will ring the end-of-treatment bell with all of his family, friends, nursing staff, doctors, and ASK staff there to celebrate this monumental moment. By the end of this fall, Conor will hopefully join our ASK First STEP (Socialization Through Enriched Play) Preschool Program at First Baptist Church, just for ASK kids and siblings. The ASK First STEP 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. Conor’s world has changed, but it is still full of joy. He still loves Mario, villains from The Nightmare Before Christmas , and playing Spidey with his boundless imagination. He can’t yet return to playgrounds or museums, but thanks to ASK, he has a backyard kingdom to explore. His parents are in awe not only of their community but also of ASK’s early, steady presence: “Until you need their services, you can’t imagine the depth of what they do. They walk this journey with you in ways you don’t expect.” For now, Conor keeps playing, keeps laughing, and keeps proving what his parents already know: kids are resilient, joy is stronger than fear, and no family has to fight alone when ASK is by their side.

Meet three-year-old Aniyah, the butterfly of her family—shy in crowds but bossy and outgoing at home with Nana and big brother, Noah (age 6). She was like any other kid until foot and leg pain, along with fevers, led to a diagnosis: B-cell leukemia. When Ashley, Aniyah’s mom, heard the word “cancer,” she says she just blanked out—“What? Cancer? Can my baby live a normal life?” Every day, Ashley saw the effects of childhood cancer on families because she worked in the clinic at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. For Jorje, Aniyah’s dad, the first reaction was disbelief. He stayed strong in front of his family, but later, in the quiet of the hospital room, the weight of it hit him as he watched his little girl hooked to IVs. From that frightening beginning, one thing became crystal clear: this family did not have to walk alone. Right away, they met ASK’s Child Life Specialist, Katie Barber, at the clinic in the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Child Life Specialists help children understand and cope with their experiences by using medical play and fun distractions to teach kids about what they are going through. “She asked, ‘What do you need? What can I get you?’ and hugged us,” Ashley remembers. Those questions—and ASK’s constant, quiet answering of it—changed everything. ASK didn’t just come with donations and paperwork; we treated the whole family. ASK provided assistance and practical help like food vouchers for the VCU cafeteria on long clinic days, gas cards for endless trips, and gift cards when money was tight. We stepped in and helped fix small daily problems so that Aniyah’s family could focus on her treatment. ASK was there every step of the way to offer prayers, steady encouragement, and the simple human connection of someone who truly cares. “They don’t make me feel like my child has cancer,” Ashley says. “They make me feel like we still have a life. The staff of ASK even answer the phone like family.” -Ashley, ASK Kid Aniyah's mom Today, Aniyah is small but mighty. Her treatment plan is hopeful and careful as she continues with various stages of treatment. She’s back to playing with her brother Noah, bossing her family around, singing, and talking louder than anyone else in the room. Because of treatments, Aniyah and her family are looking forward to the ASK Holiday Party this year, and soon, Aniyah will be old enough for the ASK First STEP preschool program at First Baptist Church, a preschool just for ASK kids and their siblings. Her parents stand firm: “At the end of the day, you can overcome. We can fight it and beat it. And we know it’s ASK’s fight too.” This brave belief isn't just words; it has a special, strong symbol right in their home. Aniyah's family has a trash can with one very important job: to hold “Leukemie’s Butt” until they can finally throw it out! Even though they may not all be there at once, in their hearts, they know that Katie, Rich, ASK staff, her brother, and her mom and dad are all standing together. They are shoulder to shoulder—united and strong—making sure fear will not win.

Meet ASK Kid Braddock ! Four-year-old Braddock has a knack for turning ordinary moments into big adventures. Monster trucks, puzzles, and anything green capture his attention, and his imagination is always in high gear. Confident and curious, he’s quick to start conversations and make new friends, sharing his joy and energy wherever he goes. Braddock’s journey began last summer after a family trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to celebrate a relative’s wedding. Both he and his sister came down with what seemed like a common illness during the trip, but while his sister bounced back, Braddock didn’t. Low-grade fevers lingered, and a small spot appeared on his arm — something his family initially considered a bug bite. Urgent care prescribed antibiotics, but within three days, the spot worsened. After consulting with medically trained relatives, the family headed to the ER. Bloodwork revealed concerning results, and doctors quickly arranged for an ambulance to transfer Braddock to UVA Children’s Hospital, where Dr. Engel, chief of the pediatric hematology/oncology program, was on call. After additional review, the doctors at UVA diagnosed him with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL). They also discovered that a Pseudomonas infection had caused the spot on his arm, and his low white blood cell count kept his body from fighting it. Within a few months the infection was gone, and Braddock’s treatment pressed forward. After 9 months of intense treatment, Braddock reached a significant milestone — entering the long-term maintenance phase of treatment. For children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), like Braddock, treatment is a multi-phase process. The maintenance phase, also known as continuation therapy, is the long-term phase of treatment.  It’s a turning point that brings a sense of relief, allowing families to reclaim a bit of normalcy while still keeping a watchful eye on their child’s health. “Every parent sets goals during treatment, and reaching maintenance is a big one,” she shared. Braddock’s family connected with ASK through Education Support Navigator Natalie. ASK stepped in with meaningful, tangible support, easing the burden of frequent travel for treatment and helping cover critical expenses, allowing the family to focus on what mattered most: Braddock’s healing. “One thing I’ve learned is you don’t always know what you need until you need it. ASK has been such a help, and the community we’ve found here is invaluable. Being able to connect with families who understand what you’re going through is something you can’t put a price on.” -Amanda, ASK Kid Braddock's Mom Through the challenges, Braddock has grown in remarkable ways. Once quiet and hesitant to speak, he’s now outgoing, confident, and eager to talk to everyone he meets.  “If you had asked me to describe him before his diagnosis, I don’t think ‘brave’ would have been the first word I used,” Amanda said. “But now, it’s the first thing I’d say.” Today, Braddock embraces the joy of being a kid — playing at the playground, piecing together puzzles, and talking endlessly about monster trucks. His journey has been one of bravery, resilience, and finding silver linings in even the hardest days. Braddock is facing the road ahead with his family, his care team, and ASK by his side — one courageous step at a time.

Meet ASK Kid Kyleigh! At just 9 years old, she's got a big, fun life! Imagine this: she's got a whole crew at home with two brothers, a sister with one more sister on the way. When she's not hanging out with them, you can probably find her dominating the soccer field, zipping around on four-wheelers and dirt bikes, or getting super creative with art projects. With such a vibrant personality and spirit, you would never guess that Kyleigh faced a serious health challenge. Life took an unexpected turn for Kyleigh when her mom, Kelsey, noticed a bump on her left arm during the family's Memorial Day trip to the pool when she was just six. Kyleigh told her mom she thought she had hurt it a few days before on the trampoline, prompting the family to go to urgent care. Urgent care initially suspected a fracture, but a subsequent examination by an orthopedic specialist resulted in the family going to the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, where they uncovered a more serious issue: a Rhabdomyosarcoma tumor. Kyleigh's mom, Kelsey, knew that Kyleigh had several unexplained fevers and everyday bumps and bruises from jumping on her trampoline but never suspected childhood cancer. "After the biopsy and diagnosis, we thought she would need her arm amputated. However, surgeons decided to see how the tumor responded to radiation and chemo.  Sure enough, the tumor began to shrink, but amputation was still recommended long-term," explained Kelsey. After the initial shock of her diagnosis, Kyleigh's family began searching for the best path forward. They knew they had to act quickly and do everything possible to protect her future. "I felt like we needed to do all we could to save her arm, so we got a second opinion at the Cleveland Clinic. There, we received more bad news. Kyleigh now had cancer spots in her lungs. We immediately started new chemo and radiation treatments for her lungs. We were devastated," shared Kelsey with a heavy heart as she remembered the day the family received the news. From the early days of Kyleigh's diagnosis, ASK became an integral part of her and her family's journey and was there to lend a helping hand during difficult times. "I had to quit my job to manage Kyleigh's healthcare, so ASK's financial assistance was a lifesaver," remembers Kelsey. “I was pregnant and felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. Grocery and gas gift cards were just the beginning, and the bill assistance ASK provided relieved some of the financial stress of childhood cancer.”  - Kelsey, ASK Kid Kyleigh's Mom In addition to providing financial support, ASK stepped in to help ensure Kyleigh stayed on track in school. ASK's Education Support Navigator, Jon Longenecker, played an integral role in developing her homebound classes and the 504 plan so that Kyleigh would have the support she needed to be successful. Jon is one of six Navigators stationed at each of Virginia's five pediatric cancer treatment centers. These dedicated professionals bridge the gap between hospital inpatient stays and patients' schools, helping them stay on grade level and receive the necessary accommodations to succeed. Today, Kyleigh is thriving and loving life as a third grader. Her medical team keeps a close eye on her to make sure the tumor stays stable, and she's back to doing what she loves! She's even a bit of a local celebrity, having served as the 2023 Anthem Lemonade Ambassador and appearing in Anthem commercials!

Meet ASK Kid Cassidy ! With a bubbly personality and a spark of creativity that shines through everything she does, 12-year-old Cassidy lights up every room she enters. She loves making people smile, expressing herself through music, and finding joy in the little things — whether playing her keyboard, laughing with her friends and family, or horseback riding. Cassidy's journey started with what seemed like a small bump on her head — a leftover injury from falling off a horse months earlier. But when her lymph nodes suddenly swelled to the size of golf balls, her family knew something wasn't right. "We took her to urgent care, and they sent us straight to the ER," her mom, Rachel, recalled. At just 11 years old, Cassidy was diagnosed with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a type of blood cancer. What followed were long months of challenging treatments, setbacks, and moments that tested every ounce of her strength. "Her treatment hasn't been easy," Rachel shared. "But Cassidy has handled everything with remarkable strength." As Cassidy entered the maintenance phase of her treatment, she hoped to return to school—but ongoing health challenges meant virtual learning was the best option. That's when ASK stepped in. Lisa Meares, one of ASK's Education Support Navigators, helped the family navigate homebound instruction and coordinated meetings with school staff to ensure Cassidy had the accommodations she needed to succeed. "Having that support made a huge difference!"  - Rachel, ASK Kid Cassidy's Mom Throughout her journey, music has been a powerful source of comfort. Cassidy started playing the keyboard during treatment and loved participating in music therapy. A massive fan of Benson Boone, she once made a video with nurses in the hospital set to his songs. That video turned into something unforgettable. At a recent concert, Cassidy held a sign that read, "Your music has helped me through cancer."  Not only did Benson Boone spot it — he dedicated a song to her and gave her a hug. Cassidy called it "almost making it all worth it." Determined to keep life joyful despite setbacks, Cassidy's family is dedicated to making memories wherever and whenever they can—whether it be concerts, family vacations, or spontaneous adventures. "Of course, some plans were interrupted by hospital visits, but we moved forward," Rachel explained. Cassidy has also turned her experience into purpose. She and her family are working on a line of adaptive clothing designed for kids and young adults with ostomies—helping fill a much-needed gap. This past August, Cassidy modeled some designs at the UOAA Convention in Florida . Though cancer has changed Cassidy and her family's lives, they've found strength, hope, and resilience in unexpected places. Her journey is one of courage, creativity, and heart. With her family, music, and ASK by her side, she's facing the future—one brave step at a time.

For Meg Garner, her connection to the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation began nearly 30 years ago, and her dedication to our families has only deepened over time. As a college intern at the Medical College of Virginia (now Virginia Commonwealth University), Meg experienced firsthand how ASK supports pediatric cancer patients and their families. That internship evolved into her first job out of college as ASK’s Child Life Specialist at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU—a vital position that remains today—providing emotional support, education, and comfort to children with cancer and their families. During her time as our Child Life Specialist, she walked alongside families during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. During these early years, she found her calling: being on the "people side" of care. "I learned a lot working with ASK early on in my career," Meg reflects. " I knew I wanted to be on the people side of things". Fast-forward to the present day: Meg is now the Board President of ASK. Since those early days, her career has been nothing short of extraordinary—she has served in leadership roles at the American Cancer Society and currently as Chief Operating Officer at VPM Media Corporation—but ASK has always remained close to her heart. Over the years, she's been a donor, a volunteer, a consultant, and now, a trusted board member. We are so excited to have Meg serve as our fierce leader as we enter this new chapter as an organization. Her leadership is grounded in empathy and strategy, shaped by decades of nonprofit experience and a lifelong commitment to children's well-being When asked about her goals, Meg shares, “ASK directly impacts the lives of kids and families with cancer every day. My goal is to amplify our reach statewide and build lasting connections in each region with pediatric oncology centers”. Over 550 children are diagnosed with cancer each year across Virginia. ASK is a crucial lifeline for many of these families. We help provide each family with wrap-around support—financial assistance, educational support, and a sense of community when they need it the most—and walk alongside them as they navigate an incredibly difficult journey. Since her very first day as our Child Life Specialist, Meg has never lost sight of the children and their families behind each number. She has witnessed firsthand how something as simple as a gas card or utility bill payment can help a family immensely, or how a fun family event can make a child feel like a kid again and grant families the gift of normalcy and understanding. Whether it's her family, coworkers, or the families served by ASK, Meg is known for her grounded leadership and warm presence. She is a fierce advocate for children and a thoughtful strategist. As our new Board President, Meg’s main focus is on ensuring that ASK continues to grow while staying rooted in its Richmond beginnings. "It's my way of giving back,"  she says, "to an organization that's been near and dear to my heart for such a long time" . We're so grateful for her compassionate leadership and unwavering commitment. Thank you, Meg, for being a decades-long champion for kids with cancer and reminding us all what it means to lead with assistance, support, and kindness.

Meet ASK Kid Nikolas ! He loves spending his free time outside with his older brothers on the family campground, playing Minecraft, and making friends everywhere he goes. As the family navigated the COVID-19 Pandemic with the rest of the world in 2020, they noticed that Nikolas was not acting like his usual self.  "He got COVID, and then he just never really got better. He started getting more and more tired, putting on some weight, losing his appetite, not eating, lots of headaches, nose bleeds, and we would take him to the doctor," ASK Kid Nikolas's dad, James, recalled. While medical professionals were still trying to figure out the COVID-19 virus, they wrote off Nikolas's symptoms as a continuation of COVID-19, suggesting more vitamin C, zinc, and lots of rest to recover. Despite following doctors' orders and COVID protocols, Nikolas wasn't improving, and his decline became increasingly noticeable. ASK dad James recalls the day he had a gut feeling that his son was experiencing something more serious: "Nikolas was going to bike around the family campground as he normally would, but he just couldn't do it.  He would go outside, ride his bike for maybe 30 seconds, and then come in and say, 'Oh, Dad, I'm just so tired, I just can't do it.' And then the real turning point was he ate very little." A few days later, Nikolas' symptoms became even more evident. "He was with his mom, and he ate very little, and then he laid down on the floor, and he just threw up and he wouldn't move. So his mom called me and said, 'I need to take him to the emergency room.'" James shared. Nikolas chimed in, saying, "It was one of my favorite meals, too!" further emphasizing the abnormality of his symptoms.  Nikolas's mom quickly rushed him to the emergency room only to be told the same answer—COVID-19. Nikolas' parents weren't satisfied with that answer. They knew this was different and decided to request blood work for Nikolas. What they found changed their family's life forever.  Nikolas was officially diagnosed with Philadelphia-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Ph+ ALL) in 2022. "It was one of those; everybody got real quiet…they wanted to transport [Nikolas] to whichever children's oncologist would take him first. Fortunately, Roanoke answered the call first and was immediately transported to Carilion Children's Hospital. ASK Dad James was a constant presence at every hospital visit, trying to make sense of their new reality. "The one thing that I didn't even consider or think about was school," he recalled. Similar to many parents navigating childhood cancer, he was focused on Nikolas' medical appointments, health, and treatments; it simply hadn't crossed his mind. That's where ASK came in. Amy Fender, the ASK Education Support Navigator, walked into the room all smiles and ready to help Nikolas get resources and activities to help him overcome any gaps he may have accumulated while out of school for treatment. Amy is one of six Navigators stationed at each of Virginia's five pediatric cancer treatment centers, bridging the gap between hospital inpatient stays and patients' schools to help them stay on grade level and receive the accommodations they need to be successful. "It was such a relief to have her walk in and say, 'I got this part. You take care of him. You keep him happy. The doctors are going to do the medicine. I'm going to do the school. You take care of Nikolas.' And that's what we did."  - James, ASK Kid Nikolas' Dad At Carilion Children's Hematology/Oncology, the family found a supportive network of people who quickly connected with Nikolas. They patiently guided them through the complexities of his diagnosis, explaining that his specific case required a treatment approach more akin to Acute Myeloid Leukemia than the typical ALL protocol. This meant a more aggressive course of action. Though the standard treatment for PH-ALL lasted three years, Nikolas's intense regimen concluded in two. "It was very aggressive, but he was a trooper," James said proudly.  This spring will mark Nikolas's family's third year participating in the annual ASK 5K & Fun Walk, one of our signature events that raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer. James expressed, "We are very happy to continue to donate to that cause…I know there are so many people that have to make that choice. 'Do I go to treatment, or do I go to work? Do I buy gas, or do we buy medicine?'"  Just like his favorite Marvel superheroes, Nikolas faced his cancer journey with remarkable courage and an unwavering smile, forming many friendships. His resilience continues to inspire not only his family but everyone who meets him. He is regaining strength and returning to his regular life, one step at a time.

Meet ASK Kid Isiah! Like any other 14-year-old boy, he loves playing Fortnite, Roblox, and flying planes online. However, at the age of 11, things were very different. "A social butterfly and a very happy kid," is how his mom, Yesim, describes him. "I knew something was wrong when he began complaining of headaches and generally being very emotional. Even his teachers were noticing a difference in his personality." Yesim's motherly intuition told her it could be cancer. After several visits to pediatricians, where he was diagnosed with a virus, Isiah began vomiting. This led them to the emergency room, where a doctor delivered the most terrifying words Yesim had ever heard: "Your child has cancer." Isiah was referred to VCU for more tests over a four-day period. It was a difficult diagnosis, but no one was giving up. Eventually, Isiah was diagnosed with Large B-cell Lymphoma, a type of leukemia. Isiah’s diagnosis was extremely scary and difficult for his family to process. His mom, Yesim, thought it was "the end" for her family. "I quickly realized that if I was scared, then my child would be scared, so I decided to be brave," remembers Yesim. "At first, I compared my child to other children in treatment, but I learned that every child is different. Then I realized that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and I should not lose hope." For Yesim and her family, ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation provided that hope. “Katie Barber, the ASK Child Life Specialist, was the first person we met in clinic, and she was a beautiful example of how positivity and kindness can change a very scary day into a day that we could handle.”  Since that first introduction to ASK, Isiah and his family have participated in many ASK activities, with the holiday party being their favorite.  In addition, ASK’s Education Support Navigator, Jon Longenecker, has been an integral part of Isiah’s continuing education through his treatment. “We had a lot of issues with the homebound program through our school system, and Jon made sure that Isiah got the help he needed.  He continues to be involved now that Isiah is transitioning back to school, ensuring that Isiah has all the resources he requires to be a good student.  He’s truly one of the kindest humans I’ve met in my lifetime,” continues Yesim. “It amazes me every day how ASK knows what we need and then provides a solution to our needs, no matter what it is. For example, they discovered our vacuum broke and ASK bought us a new one without me asking.  As a single mom with all my family in Germany, this type of support is vital to my family’s success.”  - Yesim ASK Kid Isiah's Mom Paying the family’s rent and providing food and gas gift cards for their many trips to VCU are just a few of the financial gifts Isiah and his family received from ASK. After 2 ½ years of chemotherapy, including 14 months of very harsh treatments, Isiah graduated to the maintenance phase and is slowly getting stronger each day. “Our life is returning to normal, I think,” laughs Yesim. “Isiah is doing well and happy again.  He’s doing better in school and is focusing on his health. We are so grateful for every day! To this day, Isiah “never complains about what has happened to him and we continue to have fun days,” says Yesim. “Cancer can’t stop us from going to the pool and the beach or visiting with friends.  Part of the nightmare of cancer is seeing all of those sick kids in Clinic and hearing about relapses. Nobody can tell us the future, but ASK walks this journey with us every day and mitigates our fear. ASK is hope in the midst of childhood cancer!”

Up until the day of his  B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)  diagnosis, Declan was your typical preschooler,  hungry for activities. He was in swim lessons, ninja classes, and ran around the playground like it was his job.  He would do anything to keep his body moving. That is, until the day he couldn’t: he was suddenly too tired to run around at recess, and that’s when Declan’s mom, Elizabeth, sensed something was really wrong with her son.    ASK Mom Elizabeth remembers the early signs of her son's diagnosis, but didn’t think too much of them at the time. "He had broken his leg in May and then had a tonsillectomy in August, so some of the signs that we were actually noticing, we excused away, because when he was like, 'oh, my legs hurt,' we [thought] maybe he's just, you know, growing and getting adjusted to being out of a cast. And when he was looking tired, we [thought], 'Okay, well, it takes a while to get used to, you know, life and sleep after tonsillectomy. Maybe that's it…' But the one that really set us over the edge [was when Declan] came home from preschool on a Wednesday and said, 'Mama, I was just too tired to run at school. So I just sat and chatted with my teacher instead.' We were like, 'Oh, that's not our child.” Life changed quickly for Declan and his family the moment they received his lab results. Elizabeth recalls the life-changing news, "It wasn't gradual, but it was definitely instantaneous like, 'Okay, that's weird that he's not running around.' Declan was four when he was [officially diagnosed with B-cell ALL]. It was just before Thanksgiving [2023]."  Still, the family reflects on the timing of the diagnosis as a miracle. "He was diagnosed that [Friday] morning by Dr. Edwards. And then, he had his bone marrow biopsy later that day. We had to wait until Sunday for his port to get placed, and then he started chemo on Monday. So, [it was] less than a week between us noticing something [was off] and the chemo actually starting, which is another miracle. A lot of other cancer moms have told me it took them weeks and multiple ER visits to get a diagnosis," explained Elizabeth. The first five or six rounds of chemotherapy were challenging. "It was really intense. Life just sort of stopped. We were carefree and easy one day, and then the next, we had a kid with cancer." Elizabeth said. She had to leave her job to care for him and his two-year-old sister full-time, while Declan's father and older brother continued with work and middle school. But without Elizabeth’s income, finances got tight. ASK was able to help them stay afloat by helping with certain monthly expenses. Without that aide, Elizabeth says they might not have been able to stay in their home. Facing housing insecurity on top of a cancer diagnosis isn’t something anyone should have to deal with. Thanks to ASK, it wasn’t something they needed to worry about. Declan also had to stop attending preschool due to his diagnosis. ASK Education Support Navigator, Amy Fender made sure to get Declan resources and activities to help him overcome any gaps from his missed time in school. Amy is one of six Navigators stationed at each of Virginia's five pediatric cancer treatment centers. These dedicated professionals bridge the gap between hospital inpatient stays and the patients' schools, helping them stay on grade level and receive the necessary accommodations to succeed. They provide training for teachers and parents on the long-term effects that chemo has on the students. This year, Declan was able to start kindergarten in August and is currently in the maintenance phase of his treatment, which includes daily chemotherapy at home and in-clinic chemotherapy every three months.  Shortly after Declan began his current stage of treatment, he and his family had to move to Indiana, leaving their friends, family, and clinic—essentially, their entire support network—behind. Despite being out of state and ten hours away from Carilion Children's Hospital, though, they were able to still use some of that critical support network, even from a distance, through the amazing educational resources Amy Fender provided them. "Declan is finally to a point where he wants to tell his classmates about his diagnosis," Elizabeth explains. "Amy emailed me presentations, snail-mailed flyers, got us a “Monkey from Monkey in My Chair,” and even sent us things we can pass out to his classmates. It's been amazing. We were able to confidently talk to his classmates about his diagnosis and they were so receptive to it." Navigating childhood cancer is not easy for any family. ASK ensures that families have financial, educational, and emotional support from the time of the child's diagnosis through adulthood. "Cancer touches every part of life, and it's hard to go through it; it's hard to survive it as a family. And without someone like ASK filling in the gaps for the things you don't even know that you don't know, it wouldn’t be possible. When you start the cancer journey, you don't know what you're going to need. You don't know where you're going to be struggling, and you're struggling everywhere. Being in a different state with different resources, we truly know the difference between having ASK and not having ASK. It is huge. ASK makes the journey so much easier, which isn’t a small thing when you’re talking about a complete upheaval in your lives like a pediatric cancer diagnosis causes." - Elizabeth ASK Kid Declan's Mom Today, Declan loves jumping on the trampoline, building with his Legos, and playing with his friends at school. Since doing physical therapy, running around and being active is getting easier for him.  "[Declan's] really into imaginative play and pretending; we recently just listened to Phantom of the Opera, and he loves pretending to be Phantom, and his little sister plays the role of Christine. They'll do a whole play for us, which has been really fun. We’re adjusting to life with a cancer diagnosis. It’s becoming our normal, just another thing we do doing our day. It’s crazy that cancer is normal for us. I never thought we’d ever think of this as routine and un-extraordinary. But we do. And ASK was a major part of getting us to this point.”

Ethan is an intelligent, funny, outgoing 15-year-old who loves acting, Korean barbecue, and his corgi named Gatsby. As he was getting ready to begin the next chapter and the giddiness of starting high school, Ethan started to notice a sharp pain in his knee, and his life changed forever.   Despite trying to keep a positive attitude, he felt this was much more serious. "For about 5 months until my diagnosis, I noticed a lot of knee and femur pain when I walked or used stairs…My parents and I dismissed it as growing pains, but it went on for months and got worse with time, and that's when we made an appointment to see the orthopedic doctor's office. They did an X-ray, and we got the news the very next morning at 9 am. None of us will forget that day. It's ingrained in us forever," Ethan recalled that day. Annie, Ethan’s mom, pulled her son out of school and tearfully explained to Ethan what the doctors had found in the X-ray. "We sat on the bench outside of my school, and in between her sobbing, she told me that I had Osteosarcoma…the first thing I asked was, 'Am I going to die?'" Ethan recalled the moment, stating, "The fear was immediate. My first question was, 'Am I going to die?'" He was just a freshman in high school when he received his diagnosis. From there, it was all a blur. Ethan and his mother abruptly left the school and began working with the doctors at Inova Schar Cancer Institute to develop a treatment plan. Ethan received his chemotherapy port as soon as school let out for the summer. The shift was jarring, a complete upheaval of his teenage life. "I had never experienced such a change, ” Ethan recalled, “from being such a happy kid focusing on school to then being on four different chemo infusions, and all the while, 12 liters of water is being pumped inside me a day. I lost all of my hair within the first two weeks of chemo and had to attend classes virtually.  Everything happened so fast. My entire life changed after that phone call." But the fight wasn’t over. After enduring the grueling chemotherapy, Ethan faced another significant challenge: surgery, and the subsequent journey to regain his mobility. "In August of that same year, I got surgery to excise my femur where the cancer was and replace it with a titanium implant that will lengthen as I grow. How cool is that?" Ethan was amazed by how advanced medical procedures had gotten. However, the marvel of modern medicine didn't erase the immense physical effort required for recovery. The titanium implant was a technological wonder, but learning to use it was a different story entirely. But learning to walk was no easy task for a growing teenager. Ethan shared that the process was “one of the hardest things I've ever done, and I had to cope with quite literally everything. It was hard to learn to walk from scratch literally, but with enough physical therapy and support from my orthopedic surgeon, I was able to take my first tall steps. First very slowly with a walker, then steadily with crutches and now, by the grace of God, I can almost run.” Throughout Ethan’s journey, ASK has provided consistent support and a strong community for him and his family. Like many families facing a pediatric cancer diagnosis, they encountered significant financial challenges. Ethan's parents prioritized his medical needs, leading to a substantial financial burden. ASK helped them navigate available resources and alleviated some of that strain. "It really pulled us through the dark clouds and gave us hope. It gave us a real sense of community and gave us hope in humanity in a world where that is sometimes hard to remember. It brought us closer together as a family unit. It made us really remember to be in the moment and that life can be fleeting. With or without cancer." - Annie ASK Kid Ethan's Mom Ethan successfully returned to school mid-sophomore year, resuming his life alongside his peers. While regular check-ups continue, he's overcome the most significant hurdles and is embracing every opportunity with gratitude. He and his family have found comfort in making lifelong friends with the doctors, nurses, and staff on the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology floor at Inova and, of course, ASK. Now off all treatment except physical therapy to further strengthen his leg, Ethan is channeling his energy into his passion for theater. When asked about what he wants people to know about childhood cancer and being a survivor, Ethan closed out with, "I think it's really important that everyone knows that there is a light to the end of the tunnel. Push and keep fighting the battle until it's over; even then, don't stop. Live life to the fullest."

Why do we do advocacy work?  Using our voice for children with cancer in Virginia results in a more powerful impact.   Right now, there are approximately 550 children diagnosed with cancer here in Virginia . That’s enough children to fill eighteen school buses!  Before we stepped up to start organizing advocacy efforts here in Virginia in 2018, children with cancer did not have a voice at the Virginia General Assembly, and that lack of representation showed. At the time, 0% of Virginia’s $20 million in cancer funding went toward children undergoing treatment. Through the efforts of our more than one hundred dedicated advocates across the state, children with cancer are now on the radar of our state legislators. In 2022, we secured state funding for the first time for the ASK Educational Support Navigator Program. Since then, Virginia also approved funding for pediatric cancer research.  Now 11.4% are designated for children. Securing this funding is a significant step in showing Virginia’s commitment to supporting children with cancer, and that only happened because advocates shared their stories and demonstrated the need. We work collaboratively on our advocacy efforts with the Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia and all five primary pediatric oncology and hematology treatment centers: Carilion Children’s, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Inova Schar Cancer Institute, and UVA Children’s Hospital. Our advocacy efforts support all children in cancer treatment and help raise the level of care across the Commonwealth. That is why receiving and maintaining this funding is so crucial. We know that when children are supported, they succeed, and all children deserve the opportunity to succeed. The Education Support Navigator Program is making a difference every day. In the program’s first year, 502 pediatric cancer patients and survivors received back-to-school support. Additionally, 105 educators across Virginia learned about childhood cancer and how to support children returning to school. Our program has already received national attention. It was featured at the Hospital Educators and Academic Liaison national conference and was a featured program during the Center for Disease Control’s recent visit to Virginia. We hope to serve as a model program for other states to have an even more significant impact. Alma Morgan, Associate Director of Education speaking at the Childhood Cancer Advocacy Day Breakfast. Alma Morgan, ASK’s Associate Director of Education, expressed her enthusiasm for the program at this year's Childhood Cancer Advocacy Day Breakfast, saying, “We wouldn't have our six navigators across the state without you, and the impact has just been not good, it's been tremendous. Exceptional! I can't use enough terms to describe it. We have six navigators now, and when we started three years ago, we had five. One in each treatment center. As we were training them, we used the special sauce of ASK, which is about relationships with patients and families. You have to gain their trust, and you have to constantly be there at their clinic appointments… So thank you for your support. Thank you! We did, in Northern Virginia this past year, hire a new navigator. A bilingual navigator because we need them to work more with our Spanish-speaking families. So we are growing for the needs out there!” Since 2023, the launch of our Educational Support Navigator Program, it’s been critical that we  continue our advocacy efforts to help ensure support for our ASK children and families. This year, our advocacy efforts are two-fold. First, we shared the impact of our education support navigator program with legislators at Virginia’s Childhood Cancer Advocacy Day on January 23 to ensure continued funding. Second, we want to continue to improve the lives of families in treatment, by placing our advocacy support behind efforts regarding paid family medical leave. Roughly 1 in 4 families diagnosed with pediatric cancer report losing more than 40% of their annual household income as a result of treatment-related work disruption, which doesn’t even take into account out-of-pocket expenses like traveling to and from the hospital or extra childcare at home. The numbers behind the smiles: Cancer-related financial toxicity remains a pressing issue for our families across the state, and paid family medical leave would help alleviate some of that and give our parents more time to care for their children during treatment. Additionally, we understand that financial hardship persists for families at least a year after therapy ends, and that is why as an organization, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting children with cancer and those in survivorship by providing young adult support and all around comprehensive support to our families from the moment of diagnosis, through treatment and beyond. As Alma Morgan, ASK's Associate Director of Education, explains, “We do a lot of work with young adults in regards to vocational opportunities. In our survivorship clinic here at the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, we follow children for life. I am there every Monday and some of my patients are close to 50 years old. We have such a comprehensive team, and we do such good work.” It’s because of advocates like yourself and the amazing support from the communities we serve, that ASK is able to lend a helping hand when our families need it the most. Together, we will continue to advocate to make life better for children with cancer and their families across the Commonwealth and help ensure they never have to face this fight alone!