Our Mission & Values

Connor was only 22 months old when doctors diagnosed him with leukemia (ALL).

This day is fondly remembered by the family as Connor’s “other birthday” to celebrate the day, 2-½ years after his diagnosis, when he finished treatment.

Lisa and Steve Goodwin named Connor’s Heroes after their son and in honor of the heroes who helped the family during Connor’s treatment.

A local restaurant, Bandito’s Burrito Lounge, kicked off the start of Connor’s Heroes.

Local magazine West End’s Best featured Connor and his doctors on the cover of their magazine.

Connor gave the first Heroes Backpack to his best friend during treatment, Owen.

Connor’s Heroes and the social worker at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU started C4 in an effort to bring together the local organizations who support children with cancer and their families.

With the fund, Connor’s Heroes became the one childhood cancer nonprofit in Richmond that not only helps families but also funds pediatric cancer research in Central Virginia.

Connor’s Heroes donated to the Jamie Hess Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Research Fund and the Pediatric Cancer Research Endowment Fund they established.

Connor’s Heroes created The Room of Possibilities as a comforting and healing space for the children who are admitted on the adult Bone Marrow Transplant Unit.

The Heroes Art Ball celebrated the five year anniversary of Connor’s Heroes.

Connor’s Heroes collaborated with CJs Thumbs Up Foundation, who also serves childhood cancer families, to serve healthy lunches to the patients and caregivers on the pediatric inpatient floor of the hospital.

The endowed fund was fully funded with a million dollars and was named in honor of Connor’s Heroes.

For the first time ever, the Heroes Art Ball raised $100,000 (net)!

The Heroes Art Sessions continue to be a special time when our young heroes express themselves through their art creating side-by-side with artist mentors. Connor’s Heroes now offers these sessions every month.

The Connor’s Heroes Foundation Board of Directors, along with co-founders, Steve and Lisa Goodwin, welcomed Seth J. Corey, M.D., M.P.H, as the first endowed chair in pediatric cancer research.

Connor’s Heroes helped more than 1,000 families in our first 10 years.

Connor’s Heroes gave its single, largest donation to the pediatric cancer research fund we established in our name.

Local photographer, Kristin Seward, captured the challenges and celebrations of hero families, caregivers and researchers in a touching and powerful photo series displayed at UR gallery downtown.

Lisa Goodwin passed the leadership of Connor’s Heroes over to Celia Tetlow Martin, who is named as the foundation’s new Executive Director after many years serving as a volunteer and member of the Board of Directors.

Physicians and scientists with Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU and the VCU Massey Cancer Center will strategically support Connor’s Heroes programs and research.

Circle of Heroes is an ongoing giving circle to recognize Connor’s Heroes’ most generous donors who are deeply committed to helping area childhood cancer families.