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.

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 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.

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.

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.

The Hero Squad is a group of people who can inspire others to give to Connor’s Heroes in an online, peer-to-peer campaign.

Connor, the boy who inspired the start of Connor’s Heroes, graduated high school. He will report to the US Naval Academy.

The Jr. Hero Squad is similar to The Hero Squad, but the service group is for teens and young adults. The kids are passionate about helping other kids who are battling cancer.

Our community of heroes gathered around the country to celebrate Connor’s Heroes for our Heroes Art Ball. The virtual gala raised much-needed funds during a difficult time for our families.

When the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU opens the Wonder Tower in 2023, Connor’s Heroes can have five permanent spaces on the new hematology and oncology floor. We have an ambitious goal to raise $250,000 for our Rooms Filled With Hope capital campaign.