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Advocate for childhood cancer awareness in Virginia. Join us in spreading the word and helping create legislative change for young patients, survivors and their families. in Virginia ADVOCACY IN VIRGINIA We need your help in advocating for children with cancer and their families across the state! Whether your family has been impacted by childhood cancer firsthand, or you just have a big heart, we are always looking for more advocates to help spread awareness and lend their voice to the cause. Why is Advocacy Important? Approximately 1 in every 300 children will be diagnosed with cancer before their 20th birthday. Share on social media > Two-thirds of all childhood cancer survivors develop late effects from treatment that make it harder to learn and thrive. Share on social media > On average, more than 350 children across Virginia's communities are diagnosed with cancer each year. Share on social media > Advocacy Social Share Join Our Advocate Community Join ASK's Advocate Community It is vital that children with cancer receive the support that they need to ensure a brighter, healthier future. Since we started on this path in 2018, our advocacy efforts have grown from just a few voices into an inspiring community of advocates from across Virginia. Our goal is to educate and engage our elected officials to champion policies and programs that will improve the lives of children with cancer across our state. Your insight on the impact of childhood cancer helps elected officials understand why support is a MUST for our kids. Join us! Become an Advocate Sign up for advocacy emails and receive updates on childhood cancer issues and advocacy efforts in Virginia, and an invitation to participate in Virginia’s Childhood Cancer Advocacy Day. Our Success Thanks to the tireless efforts of our advocates across the state, children with cancer were included in the 2022 state budget for the first time in Virginia’s history. Our collective work resulted in a new education support navigator program at each of the Commonwealth’s five primary pediatric cancer treatment centers. These navigators are serving as a bridge between a child’s medical and school teams, helping them get back to school with the support that they need to be successful. See More Impact Our Advocacy Partners Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia Carilion Children's Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters Inova Schar Cancer Institute UVA Children's Hospital

Empowering families: Join our Webinar Series on childhood cancer and sickle cell disease. Expert insights, personal stories & valuable topics. Register now for upcoming webinars! WEBINAR SERIES SERIES ASK's webinar series provides information and support to families to help them navigate the childhood cancer & blood disorder journey. Hear from guest experts as well as parents, teens, and young adults who shared their lived experiences. Previous Webinars ASK Us About: Class In-Services ASK Us About: Positivity More Videos

Discover the ASK Family Center: A colorful space built to inspire hope and fun for kids & families. Play, learn & connect. Tour ASK's vibrant home today! ASK FAMILY CENTER est. May 2021 Welcome to our home base! Opened in May 2021, the ASK Family Center is our colorful, kid-friendly “home base.” It’s a meeting place for fun events. It’s a safe space for parents and caregivers to gather to tell their stories. It’s a big, open room with movable furniture for kids to play after their homework is done. It’s where we want you to gather and feel at home. It’s where we work, learn, and play. Take the virtual tour! ASK Family Center Tour What makes a Family Center? Our Game Changers Thank you, Game Changers, for fully funding our ASK Family Center. With your generosity, our kids and families now have a beautiful space to find community and support for years to come. The Great Room Sponsored by Doug & Sharon Keefer The M4K Cafe Sponsored by M4K Richmond, Inc. Tucker’s Gathering Space In Celebration of Tucker Armstrong Sponsored by Scott & Leslie Armstrong, Vince & Laura Doherty, Isaac & Andrea Wright, Davoud Foundation and The Old Dominion Group The Children’s Corner Sponsored by John & Valerie Waters and Kevin & Emily Williamson The Stage Sponsored by Dale Smith & Anne Waleski The Activity Nook Sponsored by Brian & Regina Perkinson and Perkinson Homes Children’s Champ John & Susan Burton ASK Board of Directors Eleanor & Norm Leahy Heart of Gold Gerry & Kathleen Albanese Costen Flooring Connected Solutions Group Ferguson Classic Granite & Marble Lou & Jill Marmo Friend of ASK Jim & Missy Eck Patricia & Bryant Hennessy Mark & Monique O'Neill Helping Hand Joe & Calli Kohmann Allan & Jodi Strange Curtis Strange Todd & Amy Sumser

Learn about ASK's Young Adult Support program. College and job resources, skills building, professional guidance and social events for pediatric cancer survivors. YOUNG ADULT SUPPORT SUPPORT Childhood cancer can affect you for a lifetime: physically, emotionally, cognitively, and financially, to name a few. But your diagnosis and late effects from treatment do not define you, or your future. ASK is here to provide young adult cancer survivors (known as YACS) with the resources, guidance and community they need to thrive as they enter adulthood. New to ASK? If you are not already enrolled with ASK, please fill out the Enrollment Form to join our community! Enrollment Form Life Skills Development Get ready for life! We connect young adults with support services and community resources like driving schools and wellness organizations to learn how to drive and how to stay physically active and healthy as you get older. College Readiness ASK helps college-bound young adults prepare for school with a free SAT prep bootcamp, arranging college tours, assisting with applications, and offering tuition assistance. We help ensure accommodations are in place, send care packages and touch base r egularly to make students have everything they need. Job/Career Training Ready to enter the work force? ASK helps to connect young adults with technical programs, vocational schools and workshops to grow job readiness skills. We also assist with resume writing, job searching for both full time and part time positions that will best meet your interests and skills. Social Events ASK invites our YACS to regularly scheduled social events like private art classes, casino nights and offsite retreats to build friendships in a judgement-free zone with other young adult cancer survivors who are walking on the same journey. Join us! Upcoming Events Michelle Jarnagin-Johnson, M.S. Young Adult Support Coordinator Get In Touch Meet Michelle Michelle Jarnagin-Johnson, ASK's Young Adult Support Coordinator, has worked in the education system for decades. Throughout her career, Michelle has worked in many different education-related roles, from public school systems to the VCU Health System, focused on supporting and advocating for children with learning challenges to ensure their success. In 2019, Michelle joined the ASK team to bring her expertise to our young adult support program (previously called "The Launch Project") and has since worked with countless older teens and young adults to help them feel confident and prepared as they enter the next exciting phases of their lives. No matter where you are in your journey and what your goals are, Michelle is here to help with whatever you might need to achieve them! Common Questions How young/old do I have to be to receive Young Adult Support from ASK and participate? ASK kids who are registered in our system will automatically be eligible for young adult support once they turn 18. There is NO upper age limit for participation. This community will be here for you for the rest of your life! ? about ASK's Young Adult Support More Education Resources Education Toolkit Video Library Conferences Webinar Series

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Enhance your child's education through ASK's comprehensive support services. From tutoring to graduation ceremonies, preschool through high school, we're here for every educational step. EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SUPPORT Cancer can greatly impact a child’s education at any age: from time out of school, a transition back to the classroom, or effects from treatment that make learning more challenging. ASK provides educational support from preschool through high school and the transition to adulthood. We are here to make sure your child has the extra help they need. Education Support Navigators In 2022, the state legislature allocated state funds specifically to support childhood cancer for the first time. These funds allow ASK to provide an Education Support Navigator at each pediatric cancer treatment center in Virginia. Our navigators help bridge the gap between the medical team and school team. They help patients and survivors stay on grade level, and receive the accommodations they need to be successful. Find My Navigator Education Support Navigators Back-to-School Supplies We passionately believe that every child deserves a strong start to the school year. We know that parents have a lot to juggle and the cost of school supplies adds up. We are happy to provide a backpack filled with school supplies to help start the school year off right. Back to school is a great time to check in with your Education Support Navigator to make sure your IEP or 504 plan is up to date. In-Person and Online Tutoring In-Person Tutoring In-person tutoring provides a certified teacher to help one-on-one with schoolwork. They’ll meet weekly with your child at a public space, like the library, to provide learning support in a way that your child will understand. In-person tutoring is currently only available in Richmond and Fredericksburg. Online Tutoring Online tutoring is a great option if your child has an IEP and needs some extra help with their schoolwork, but it needs to be in your home and on your schedule. ASK’s online tutoring program matches your child with a carefully chosen academic mentor from our partner, The Brain Bodega, to help with schoolwork and other study skills. They’ll meet online with your child up to twice a week to provide school support in a way that works for your child. If your child receives treatment in Virginia, contact the Education Support Navigator at your hospital or clinic for more information. Tutoring First STEP Preschool The First STEP (Socialization Through Enriched Play) preschool class is a special class at First Baptist Preschool just for our ASK families. Our teachers look for both typical developmental milestones as well as late effects from treatment to help our kids get the best start possible. We take extra cleaning precautions to keep our kids healthy and safe. Our focus is to prepare students for a successful kindergarten experience with skills like sharing, listening, focusing, and cooperating. First STEP Preschool Graduation Ceremony Graduating from high school is no small achievement, and we proudly honor our graduates each spring in an ASK graduation ceremony. Whether your ASK kid went through treatment when they were ten years old or are going through treatment during their senior year of high school, we want to celebrate them. Family, friends, educators, and healthcare providers come together to celebrate this important milestone. ASK Graduation Young Adult Support It’s not unusual for teens and young adults who have been through childhood cancer to feel different from other kids their age. Their experience may have changed them emotionally, academically, and socially. They might not take the typical path of graduating from high school, going to college, and finding a career. Sometimes it’s easier for another adult to ask the questions that help guide them forward into adulthood. Michelle Jarnagin-Johnson, ASK Young Adult Support Coordinator, will talk with your teen or young adult to see where they are in their journey, what their goals are, and what they might need to achieve them. She can assist and connect them with: SAT prep College prep workshop Driving school Community college, vocational school, or college tours Community resources Tuition assistance Job readiness skills Whatever your child’s needs and interests are, Michelle is here to help. Learn More Young Adult Support More Education Resources Education Toolkit Video Library Conferences Webinar Series

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

Learn about ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation's mission of making life better through supportive resources and programs for families and children fighting cancer in Virginia. ABOUT ASK Assistance, Support and Kindness since 1975. ASK Mission Making Life Better for Children with Cancer and their Families Vision To serve as a leading source of support for children with cancer Our Guiding Principles We believe in children and families first Be ethical Be mission driven Be responsible stewards of resources Be an open and collaborative community partner Be proactive as well as responsive Be creative and innovative Be compassionate at all times You’re in good hands. ASK has been helping families in Central Virginia for almost 50 years. Our History Our team is ready to provide care and support every step of the way. Our People Every single dollar you give stays here to help families in our community. Our Financials ASK is making life better! But you don't have to take our word for it. Check out what our kids and families have to say about how ASK has made their cancer journey a little easier. Where We Help ASK is proud to support children and their families across Virginia in their cancer journey. Home Base/Primary Office: ASK Family Center 5211 W. Broad St., Ste 100 Richmond, VA 23220 Hospital Partners: Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters UVA Children's Hospital Carilion Children's Inova Schar Cancer Institute Children's National Fredericksburg Careers at ASK Work seems less like "work" when you’re helping to make life easier for children with cancer and serious blood disorders and their families. Join the Team Program Events Our educational and social events are offered to patients and survivors enrolled with ASK, as well as their families, free of charge. Learn More Get in Touch Do you have a question about our programs? Maybe a specific question about getting involved? Send us a message below! Contact Us

Browse our video library for answers to your most common questions (and questions you didn't know you had!) as you navigate your childhood cancer journey – from the moment of diagnosis, through treatment, and into survivorship. VIDEO LIBRARY LIBRARY Browse our video library for answers to your most common questions (and questions you didn't know you had!) as you navigate your childhood cancer journey – from the moment of diagnosis, through treatment, and into survivorship. ASK a Nurse Family Support Community Support Survivorship Support Educational Support ASK a Nurse Have a question about the treatment process? Our nurses in the ASK Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU have an answer. Emla Cream and Port Access How do I apply emla cream to my child’s port before it is accessed? Neutropenia What is “neutropenia” and what does it mean for my child? Blood Counts What do my child's blood counts mean, and why are they like that? Making Appointments How do I make a follow-up appointment at clinic? High Temperature What do I do if my child has a fever? Provider On Call What do I do if I need to reach a doctor or nurse when the clinic is closed? Procedure Days What do I do if I need to reach a doctor or nurse when the clinic is closed? Chemotherapy Days What can I expect when my child has an appointment for chemotherapy at clinic? Blood Count Days What can I expect when my child has an appointment for blood counts? Family Support Hear from the ASK psychosocial team and learn how to best support your entire family as your child goes through treatment, as well as how ASK is here to support you. Intro to ASK Family Support Programs Kim, ASK’s Family Support Manager, is often the first person you will hear from after your child’s diagnosis. She helps our families with gift cards and other support services to lighten the load. Parenting a Child in Treatment: An Overview Learn about the mental health support ASK offers to all our parents and families as their child goes through treatment. How Parents Cope It is important for parents of children in treatment to seek healthy coping mechanisms. Coping does not look the same for everyone and can change over time. Parenting Your Preschooler or Elementary School Age Child in Treatment Effectively parenting a child with a chronic or life-threatening illness will look differently depending on the age of the child. Parenting Your Teen in Treatment Parenting a teen, who is defining their identity and becoming more independent, comes with different challenges when diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Parenting the Sibling of a Child in Treatment Make sure to set aside time for the siblings in your family and include them in the routine of taking care of their ill sibling. Social & Emotional Issues During Treatment A childhood cancer diagnosis brings up many uncomfortable emotions in your child and family. It can disrupt social structures like school and friendships. These are all normal responses to an abnormal childhood experience. Relapse If your child's cancer returns, your child and family can experience strong emotions as a result. Grief & Bereavement Support Grief is unique to each family and family member. You may feel angry and alone. Our chaplain can be with you as you grieve. Community Support Just as there is strength in numbers, there’s strength in finding your sense of community as you navigate the changes and emotions that come with childhood cancer treatment. Communicating Your Child's Diagnosis It is helpful to have a plan for what information you will be sharing with friends and family and how you will be sharing it. Learn about options available, including online forums. Handling the “What Ifs” of Childhood Cancer It is easy to feel overwhelmed by all the “what ifs,” but it is important to remember the people and resources that can help you stay in the present moment. Grief, Anger, Guilt and Exhaustion When a life-changing crisis like childhood cancer strikes, grief, anger, and guilt are all natural – but often lead to exhaustion. There are resources to help you through. Finding Your Way Over the Course of Childhood Cancer Treatment Your family’s lifestyle and outside activities will ebb and flow as your child goes through treatment. Each phase comes with certain guidelines and accommodations. Relaxing Again After Cancer Treatments End Finding your way post-treatment when you no longer need to be in a state of constant vigilance takes time and self-care. It should not be a cause of anxiety itself. ASK Us About: Positivity In this webinar, we discuss how to approach challenging behaviors and situations with positivity, and strategies to respond thoughtfully when emotions are high. Presenter, ASK Education Support Navigator, Lisa Meares, brings a wealth of experience in this area as a former social emotional special education teacher. ASK Us About: Coping with Emotions and Anxiety In this webinar, we cover what is happening in the brain and body when we experience anxiety, tips for coping with anxiety and stress, and when to seek additional help. Survivorship Support Transitioning into survivorship after cancer treatment comes with its own set of emotional, cognitive, and physical challenges. We are here to help you understand and overcome them. Transitioning to Survivorship While it can be difficult to leave behind the team of doctors and nurses who treated your child, there are important reasons to transition your child's care to the survivorship team. Late Effects of Pediatric Cancer Treatment The health care team at the survivorship clinic can identify and address physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and vocational late side effects from pediatric cancer treatment. The Importance of Long-Term Survivorship Care and Support As pediatric cancer treatment improves and more children are surviving into adulthood, it is important to stay connected to a multi-disciplinary health care team who can follow their health. Psychological Care for Survivors Mental health support services are an important part of survivorship care to navigate the challenges of post-treatment life. Social & Emotional Issues in Survivorship Social and emotional challenges are common for pediatric cancer survivors and their families. The survivorship clinic team can help and offer additional resources. What’s a “Normal Life” After Childhood Cancer Treatment? Families may have to redefine their goals and accept changes after pediatric cancer treatment has ended. ASK Us About: Returning to Normalcy In this webinar, we discuss the small steps you can take to help find normalcy and develop routines for children and teens who have been diagnosed with and treated for cancer. Educational Support Learn about the long-lasting effects of cancer treatment on your child’s ability to learn, and what ASK can do to make their education and the steps after high school a little easier. Recognizing Cognitive Late Effects in Education It may be difficult to assess if cognitive late effects are affecting a child's ability to learn, but assessments and recommendations by an educational consultant, along with the ASK Education Toolkit , can help. Educational & Vocational Issues in Survivorship Attending survivorship clinic appointments allows staff to address emerging educational and vocational issues, as well as alert you to upcoming social opportunities. ASK Us About: Educational Plans (504/IEP) In this webinar, we discuss the types of support and accommodations your child can receive to help them be more successful in school. We talk about the child study process, as well as the differences between a 504 plan and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). ASK Us About: Class In-Services When a child goes back to school during or after treatment, classmates have a lot of questions. A class in-service presentation can help answer all these questions and more. An in-service helps classmates feel more comfortable and shares ideas on how to be a helpful friend.

Explore ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation's nonprofit financials & annual reports. Transparency through our 501c3 lookup & financial statements. Donate with confidence: Platinum Guidestar Candid transparency rating and four-star Charity Navigator rating. OUR FINANCIALS FINANCIALS Your Support Truly Matters. When you get involved with ASK, you’re making life better for kids with cancer and their families across Virginia. Take a look at our latest Annual Report to meet some of ASK’s families and see the impact of your generosity in action! Read Our Annual Report Where Your Support Goes We know that a big part of earning your trust is being 100% transparent about how your gifts are used to impact our kids and families. Thank you for your generosity and ongoing commitment to supporting them! 77 cents of every dollar goes to fund ASK programs and services that directly support families of pediatric cancer patients and survivors across Virginia. FY24 REVENUE $4,264,760 FY24 EXPENSES $3,792,798 FY24 PROGRAMS $2,911,329 Reports & Documents Past Annual Reports ASK Form 990

Connect and build community through ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation. From family gatherings to program events for patients, survivors and siblings of all ages, find support, connection and understanding. COMMUNITY & CONNECTION CONNECTION Cancer treatment and survivorship can feel very isolating. Social connection with others who understand the unique challenges along the childhood cancer journey is helpful for the whole family. Our goal is to build opportunities for community and connection among ASK kids, siblings, parents and caregivers. See our most popular opportunities for community & connection below, and explore our Program Events to learn more about all the different types of events we offer throughout the year! ASK Program Events Summer Camp Every summer we host camp in Richmond and Fredericksburg. ASK’s Summer Camp is a day camp experience for ASK kids and their siblings. We understand and accommodate the range of emotional, physical, and developmental challenges that can follow cancer treatment. We do crafts, play games, tell stories, and talk openly and confidently about the cancer experience. We also welcome guests from around our community for interactive activities and learning opportunities. Younger kids can meet older kids who are survivors, too. Best of all, they make friends. Retreats ASK holds retreats throughout the year; two for middle school and high school survivors and one for young adult cancer survivors (YACS) . Held at local camps and conference centers, the retreats include team-building activities, games, wellness topics and connection with peers. Holiday Cheer Our annual Holiday Party is a tradition that every ASK family loves. Families come out to celebrate the season, meet up with friends, and remember all of the fun events we have enjoyed throughout the year. Everyone loves stopping for a photo with Santa, eating snacks, dancing to music, and leaving with a special present to start the holiday season off right! For families with children in active treatment who cannot attend our Holiday Party, we provide private 1-on-1 visits with Santa at the ASK Family Center for maximum safety and comfort. Parent & Caregiver Socials We hold quarterly Parent & Caregiver Socials in our ASK Family Center. These even ts provide a chance for parents to connect in a safe space, share experiences, and lend a listening ear! Each social includes a fun activity to enjoy as they meet other parents navigating life after a cancer diagnosis. We als o provide quarterly Parent Night Out events to allow parents a chance to get out and enjoy a night to themselves. Sibling Socials Often when one child in a family has a complex medical diagnosis siblings feel left out. We offer special events just for siblings to come together and play laser tag, go horseback riding, or enjoy a glow party! These events make the sibling the focus of attention and bring them together with other kids in their same situation, cancer affects all members of a family. ASK Family Center Opened in May 2021, the Family Center is ASK’s colorful, kid-friendly “home base.” It’s a meeting place for fun events. It’s a safe space for parents and caregivers to gather to tell their stories. It’s a big, open room with movable furniture for kids to play after their homework is done. It’s where we want you to gather and feel at home. It’s where we work, learn, and play! Take a Tour "Your retreats are such a beautiful part of my year. It's our annual family reunion. We get to check in on each other, support each other, and welcome new people that need our community." - Young Adult Can cer Survivor

Elevate school success with ASK's Education Toolkit. Addressing late effects after childhood cancer treatment. Empowering parents and schools for student achievement. Download now! EDUCATION TOOLKIT TOOLKIT Make Back-to-School Season a Success T reatment for childhood cancer can affect a child’s ability to think, remember, move, play, communicate, and socialize. These challenges that come up after treatment are called “late effects.” In partnership with the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Childhood Cancer Workgroup, ASK created the Childhood Cancer Education Toolkit to make sure everyone involved knows how to help accommodate late effects and support patient and survivor school success. For Parents and Caregivers (Para Padres y Cuidadores) It is natural, and expected, for parents to have questions and concerns when their child goes back to school following treatment. While this experience can be overwhelming, a successful transition is possible with proper guidance and support from your child's school and medical teams! This toolkit shows parents and caregivers how to work with schools to meet their child’s educational needs after a cancer diagnosis. Download Descargar For Educators and Schools (Para Educadores) After treatment, both children and teens can experience late side effects of treatment, including physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. Some late effects may come up right away, but it’s also common for children and youth to experience new challenges as they get older and school gets harder. This toolkit contains information for school personnel that they can use to support patients and survivors in the school setting. Download Descargar Helpful Handouts Tap/click to download these handouts from the Childhood Cancer Education Toolkit. Classroom Accommodations List School Health Plan Information Toolkit How-To Our education toolkit was created with the help and expertise of Alma Morgan, ASK’s Associate Director of Education. Hear from her about how parents, schools, and hospitals can use it to support students in treatment or survivorship. Related Videos Recognizing Cognitive Late Effects in Education Educational & Vocational Issues in Survivorship More Videos