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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Levi started complaining that dinosaurs were stomping in his head because his headaches were so severe,” recalls ASK mom Jessica Webb. “Then we noticed that he was losing his appetite, his vision was blurred and his balance was off, and in my heart I knew something was very wrong.” After several pediatrician visits and eventually a CT scan, Jessica’s four year old son, Levi, was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma – a brain tumor – in February 2022. “No matter what the end of this journey looks like, I know that God is always with us and He has a plan, but those first few weeks of diagnosis and surgery were a whirlwind,” continues Jessica. “ASK was the biggest emotional support for our family from the very beginning." "Rich Catlett, the ASK chaplain, was waiting for us when we sent Levi into surgery. We didn’t expect him, but he was there to pray with us. We didn’t know what the surgeons would find or if they could remove the tumor, but Rich was there to comfort us," remembers Jessica. "Everyone is so present and caring." "He has continued to follow us through treatments and in Clinic. He even feeds Levi’s new desire to tell jokes by bringing him new material to entertain us. Rich is just one example of how ASK is in this with us, walking with us on the good days and the bad. Everyone is so present and caring.” ​ After delicate brain surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy treatments and a stem cell transplant, Levi’s life is starting to return to "normal." Jessica says he’s even growing hair and eyelashes and eyebrows, a big deal for anyone finishing chemo! Levi is one of ASK’s 2022 Kourageous Kids, but he couldn’t go to the kick-off party because he is still confined to his home and wears a mask. He can’t play in dirt or mulch because he can’t be exposed to germs or bacteria. However, there are bright moments as Levi recovers. The day that Rock Solid installed a play set was the first day that Levi was able to venture into the outside world since his stem cell transplant. "I don’t know what we would have done without this incredible organization!" “Pediatric cancer is not just something you see on TV, it’s real and it’s right here in Richmond,” continues Jessica. “You hear of it, but you never think that it could be your child. Unfortunately, it can happen to any family, and it affects every member of the family. ASK supports our other child and my husband and me, not just Levi, and that support has been invaluable to all of us. I don’t know what we would have done without this incredible organization!”

“I want people to know that everything that happens to you in your life will make you a better person, even cancer,” says Caroline Dunn. “The longer you mope, the longer you’ll be stuck in the mope. Having a positive mindset is huge to not only recovering but actually thriving.” Sage words from a young cancer survivor. In December 2021, at age 14, Caroline was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Now, one year into a potentially three-year chemotherapy regimen, Caroline is looking forward to doing all the things that a typical 15-year-old is ready to do, like picking a college and driving a car by herself. “I just want to get through this and have a future,” continues Caroline, “I’m enjoying the time to sit back and think about what I want to do, and then I’m going to do it!” Caroline knew something was wrong before she was diagnosed with Leukemia. Random bruising and feeling “gross” left her with an uneasy feeling that her health was declining. One day, she called her mom from school and asked for a blood test. When her mom took her to the pediatrician, Caroline was told she was depressed and should talk with someone or start depression medication. Luckily, the doctor did a finger prick blood test which confirmed Caroline’s suspicions: something was terribly wrong. “My initial cancer diagnosis was a relief. Finally, I knew what was wrong with me. But I immediately wondered how the chemotherapy would affect me short term, and what my life would look like long term. I was a competitive gymnast, and I knew that I would need to quit so that I could heal." Luckily, ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation was there to guide Caroline and her family through her diagnosis, treatment, and remission. “I’m so grateful for donors to ASK. Sometimes I feel like people assume that someone else will help or donate. I want everyone to know that we all need to actively do something to help!” And Caroline is willing to pitch in herself. She and her mom produced a video to encourage people to donate blood. Caroline was denied blood twice when VCU Health System was critically low on blood. "I don’t know what we would have done without the gift cards for food and gas, presents at Christmas, emotional support through counseling for me and my siblings, and all the programs and services that ASK provides to every family. I will be forever thankful for everything they’ve done for us." - ASK Kid Caroline “Katie, the Child Life Specialist in the ASK Clinic, is one of my favorite people in the world,” gushes Caroline. “All of the people associated with ASK have been so kind and supportive of not only me, but my whole family. I don’t know what we would have done without the gift cards for food and gas, presents at Christmas, emotional support through counseling for me and my siblings, and all the programs and services that ASK provides to every family. I will be forever thankful for everything they’ve done for us." “Nothing that happens to you defines who you are as a person or how you will be identified for the rest of your life," Caroline continues. "You can make a difference in this world, and that will determine how people know you and remember you.”

On March 10th, 2020, ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation was honored with the Richmond History Makers Award under the category of "Creating Quality Educational Opportunities." ASK was one of six local nonprofits and individuals recognized for their work in our community. The awards are given out each year by The Valentine Museum. ASK Executive Director Amy Godkin and Educational Coordinator Alma Morgan received the award on behalf of ASK's education team. Alma has been an educational consultant and passionate advocate for pediatric cancer patients and survivors in our community for 30 years. ASK provides educational support services from preschool through post-secondary for patients and survivors in Central Virginia. ASK also provides educational support across the state through its educator conferences, educational tool-kits and advocacy work.

As ASK’s chaplain, Rich Catlett sees every day the many stresses that having a child with cancer can put on a family. But as Covid isolation and concerns continue, and opportunities for ASK families to connect with the outside world are diminished by treatments and extended hospital stays, Rich knows that new mental health challenges are developing and deep fatigue is growing. For three years, Rich has served every family that is treated in the ASK Clinic at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond. Serving as the chaplain in a previous job, he was accustomed to helping children and families with chronic illnesses and end-of-life care. However, when Covid hit, Rich noticed that the isolation for ASK families became even more significant. “We no longer had a connection point for parents in Clinic or through in-person ASK events,” explains Rich, “and we began to see a new level of anxiety among patients, families and staff. These families need a lifeline in others who truly understand their struggles. This population needs connection to get through the day." Rich knew that these connections needed to be more deliberate and began coordinating “happy hours” for Clinic staff where they could get coffee and a treat, and just talk at a distance. He began encouraging parents to take time for themselves and do something as simple as taking the long way home to help clear their heads. “Self-care is so important if we truly want to be helpful to others,” says Rich. “It’s hard for these parents to care for themselves when their child is so sick.” To promote his own self-care, Rich started getting therapeutic massages with an oncology certified massage therapist. He found himself wishing that ASK parents could have the same opportunity to unwind, but knew that time, money, and scheduling would make this impossible for some. So he thought: “What if we just make it happen? What if this could be one more service that ASK can offer?” The response from families was overwhelming. Rich converted the Children's Corner in the ASK office into a peaceful atmosphere where parents were able to feel compassion and care for themselves. “There’s something so therapeutic about human touch that allows us to clear our minds and be reminded of our humanity. We want to constantly provide better care for our patients and our families, and it’s my hope that a monthly massage day will become one more regular service that ASK provides,” says Rich. While mental health issues continue to evolve in this ever-changing environment, Rich credits his faith and his colleagues with the ability to meet the needs of patients and families. His typical day is anything but typical, and he purposely doesn’t schedule his day so he can adapt to whatever situation may present itself. “Some days, I care for all staff and some days, my care is directed to only patients and parents. This is doable because my faith sustains me, and because we work as a team in the ASK Clinic. We all work on spiritual, medical and emotional care. We all support one another and that helps us deal and cope with our environment.”​