You Let Hope Soar at 14th Annual Heroes Art Ball!
14th Annual Heroes Art Ball Let Hope Soar!
The Heroes Art Ball was an outpouring of love for children with cancer. We celebrated 11 childhood cancer heroes who represent more than 100 children currently receiving emotional and financial support from Connor’s Heroes. Together, we raised $600,000 for children with cancer.
Thanks to you, Connor’s Heroes can help families who are struggling with the financial toll and emotional uncertainty that comes with their child’s cancer diagnosis. A child can continue to receive a Heroes Bag and Backpack with an iPad. Parents can enjoy a catered dinner in the hospital and coffee in clinic. A family can buy groceries with a gift card they received from Connor’s Heroes.
We can’t wait to see you next year when we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Connor’s Heroes. Save the date for the 15th Annual Heroes Art Ball on Friday, May 1, 2026, at beautiful Main Street Station.
On behalf of the eleven childhood cancer heroes honored at this year’s Heroes Art Ball — Aina, Ava, Archer, Journey, Kasen, Logan, Margot Mykahi, Ruby, Tallulah, Xaria — Thank you for caring so much and giving so generously.
❝Thank you for an absolutely magical evening. We were surrounded by other hero families, and reunited with the nurses and doctors who cared for us in the hospital. Being with them to celebrate our brave children brought me joy and healing. I was in awe of what Connor’s Heroes made possible at the gala. With a small team and many volunteers, they created a night filled with hope, love, and community. It was truly unforgettable.❞ — Mom of a childhood cancer hero
Relive The Gala In Photos and Videos
Meet our Hero Of The Year. Jennike Duignam is an artist, art educator, and cancer survivor. She has a passion for art and children. Click here to watch this video and learn why we named Jennike our 2025 Hero Of The Year.
We produced a short video of each of hero honored at this year’s gala. Find out why Logan is called “The Food Man,” how Tallulah’s mom found hope when her daughter was in the PICU, and Aina’s love for performing. Watch each child’s video here.
Click here to scroll through our gallery of pictures, including the photo spot at the entrance sponsored by AT&T. Thank you to our photographers who volunteered their time and talents: Kenzie Flinchum • Benjamin ‘Benjah’ White Photography • Rebecca Hill • Wade Hysell • Step & Repeat Photo Credit: Marlena Artis
The success of this year’s gala is a testament to our incredible community: the 500 wonderful guests, gracious sponsors, 15 table captains, hundreds of people who bid from home, and our amazing volunteers.
After the gala ended, a child started their cancer journey. The family of a teenager registered with Connor’s Heroes after being admitted to the hospital. Once again, we will call on you to be a hero to a child with cancer. We know you are ready! To learn about volunteering or other ways you can help a child with cancer, fill out our interest form: https://bit.ly/connors-heroes-volunteer
Connor's Heroes Funds Groundbreaking Research
Connor's Heroes Funds Richmond's First Pediatric Brain Tumor Biobank
Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU establishes a pediatric brain tumor biobank to advance research and treatment in Central Virginia. The local biobank was funded in part by a $200,000 gift from Connor’s Heroes and will allow for groundbreaking research for children with brain tumors. Watch CBS6 interview with Marisa Cherry, Connor’s Heroes Board Member, and mom to childhood cancer hero, Lauren.
Here is the press release about this historic moment in pediatric cancer research for Central Virginia.
Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU Establishes Pediatric Brain Tumor Biobank, Advancing Research and Treatment in Central Virginia
The local biobank was funded in part by a $200,000 gift from Connor’s Heroes and will allow for groundbreaking research to inform treatment for children with brain tumors
Richmond, VA – April 8, 2025– Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU has established its first pediatric brain tumor biobank, positioning the hospital among the nation’s top pediatric neuro-oncology institutions and accelerating research for faster, more effective treatments.
Pediatric brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children, yet research
progress has been slow due to limited access to viable tumor samples. A pediatric brain tumor biobank allows hospitals to collect, store and study tumor tissue, providing a critical foundation for developing new therapies. This effort was supported by $200,000 in seed funding from Connor’s Heroes, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families facing childhood cancer and advancing research for a cure.
Dr. David Limbrick (pictured), CHoR’s Chair of Neurosurgery, pediatric neurosurgeon, and leading expert in pediatric brain tumor research, has successfully built similar biobanks at previous institutions. With this funding, Dr. Limbrick will now be able to preserve and analyze tumor samples, participate in multi-institutional trials, and contribute to global advancements in pediatric oncology in the Richmond Region.
“In just the last few years, CHoR has seen an increase in pediatric brain tumor cases, not because they are becoming more common, but because families are seeking out the advanced treatments we now offer,” said Dr. Limbrick. “This biobank is the foundation for future breakthroughs, allowing us to collaborate with top institutions, study rare tumors in greater depth and ultimately provide better outcomes for children battling brain cancer.”
Connor’s Heroes Support Of Research
Founded in 2006, Connor’s Heroes has been a dedicated supporter of CHoR over the years, with this latest gift marking the largest single research commitment to the hospital in the nonprofit’s history.
“Research relies on philanthropy,” said Lisa Spickler Ivins, Founder of Connor’s Heroes. “The hospital is bringing world-class expertise to Richmond, and we are committed to helping them expand their impact. We’re honored to strengthen our partnership with CHoR by supporting research that directly benefits the children and families we serve.”
Since launching this initiative, CHoR has already banked six tumor samples, marking the beginning of a research effort that will place Richmond on the map for pediatric brain tumor
care for years to come.
“We are incredibly grateful for this generous gift from Connor’s Heroes and for Dr. Limbrick’s dedication to investing in the Richmond Region” said Lauren Zaller Moore, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital Foundation.
The creation of this biobank enhances our research capabilities, giving patients access to transformative, life-saving advancements in care. This gift opens new doors for patients and their families, ensuring brain tumor tissue is properly stored and available for future treatment.
Connor’s Heroes Board Member Grateful For Biobank
Marisa Cherry, a board member of Connor’s Heroes, knows firsthand the critical importance of having access to a biobank, as her daughter Lauren (pictured) was diagnosed with a brain tumor at just three years old.
“This biobank will ensure that future families will have access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials that could save their child’s life.”
Cherry also emphasized the importance of keeping care local.
“When your child is fighting cancer, you want to be close to home, near siblings, loved ones, and your community. By bringing this level of research and treatment to Central Virginia, CHoR is giving families hope without forcing them to leave their support system.”
Dr. Limbrick has outlined a phased approach for the biobank’s development. The first year will focus on establishing the infrastructure, followed by participation in collaborative research studies with other leading institutions. The long-term vision is for CHoR to become a regional and national hub for pediatric brain tumor research and care.
About Children’s Hospital Foundation
Children’s Hospital Foundation is dedicated to funding and advocating for pediatric initiatives
that improve the status of health care and the quality of life for children in our region. The
Foundation provides support for the programs and initiatives of Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU and the more than 80,000 children and families it serves each year. Children’s Hospital Foundation depends on the support of individuals, businesses and other organizations to help us continue our mission of supporting excellence in health care for children.
In 2020, CHoR marked 100 years of treating all children in need of care. CHoR was recently
verified as a Level I Children’s Surgery Center by the American College of Surgeons Children’s
Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program (ACS CSV), one of only 30 verified children’s surgery centers in the country and the 10th on the East Coast to attain this highest level of designation. In 2023, CHoR opened the Children’s Tower, a 500,000-sq-ft facility dedicated to inpatient, emergency and trauma care.
About Connor’s Heroes
Connor’s Heroes is dedicated to helping families in Central Virginia cope with childhood cancer and our community’s researchers conquer it. Connor's Heroes realized the best way to help a family is to get to know a family. Its Program Team offers personalized financial and emotional support throughout a child’s cancer journey. Connor’s Heroes invests in groundbreaking research studies for better treatments. In 2026, Connor's Heroes will celebrate 20 years of building a community of heroes who provide hope, guidance, and support to children with cancer and their families at Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
April 2025 Heroes Art Session
One Month To Go Until The Heroes Art Ball
There was so much joy at the April Heroes Art Session. Artist Mentors and childhood cancer heroes painted incredible masterpieces. Each one was a powerful story captured on canvas in color and community. On Friday, May 9, these works of art will shine at The Heroes Art Ball. We will feature some in the live auction at the event, and others will be part of the exciting online auction happening the same night.
Your bid for a work of art will be more than a win. You will directly fund Connor’s Heroes’ personalized programs: from the Heroes Bag and Backpack, to every clinic visit, hospital stay, and the ups and downs along the childhood cancer journey.
Didn’t get a ticket to the sold out event, you can still be part of the celebration! The online auction is free and open to everyone. It’s packed with amazing vacation packages, local experiences, jewelry, art, and more.
Register today so you can make your first bid. Text HAB to 44834 or register on the web https://onecau.se/_73vcs1
Childhood Cancer Heroes: Aina, Archer, Ava, Everett, Jericho, June, Journey, Kasen, Lauren, Logan, Mykahi, Margot, Tallulah, TayNeise, Thomas, Tremon, Valentin, Xaria
Hero Artist Mentors & Volunteers: Margo Asay, Mary Beth Blackwood, Jennike Duignam, Krisitie Faison, Katya Herndon, Maddie Koerber, Albert Negrin, Emily and Maddie Oyan, Ana Stallings, Ella Seward, Crystal Tetlow, Monica Willmore
Picture Credit: Lens Of Hope
About Heroes Art Session With Childhood Cancer Heroes And Their Families
Our Heroes Art Sessions provide a supportive environment in which childhood cancer heroes and their siblings can make art and build community with other hero families. At the sessions, you feel a collective sense of healing by creating and being together. We are grateful to Visual Arts Center for giving us the space for an open studio. And to our donors who allow the Heroes Art Sessions to happen at no cost to our families and to supply the artists with their materials.
March 2025 Heroes Art Session
Childhood Cancer Heroes Countdown To Heroes Art Ball
A rainstorm couldn’t keep childhood cancer hero families away from the March Heroes Art Session. With the help of talented Richmond artists, these young warriors poured their hearts into crafting stunning masterpieces for the Heroes Art Ball on May 9, 2025. It’s their way of paying forward the kindness of the Connor’s Heroes community who are helping them through their cancer journeys.
The heroes proved that creativity is its own kind of magic. Each piece of art tells their story of strength, hope, and resilience.
At every Connor’s Heroes event, there are always great treats. This time kids had cupcakes to decorate for St. Patrick’s Day.
You can find information about The Heroes Art Ball on our event website: https://onecau.se/_73vcs1
Childhood Cancer Heroes: Aina, Archer, Ava, Augie, Bella, Charlotte, Everett, Henry, Jericho, June, Kasen, Kennedy, Lauren, Margot, Ruby, Sydney, TK
Hero Artist Mentors & Volunteers: Emily Dickey, Lacy Strickler, Emilia LeBlanc Texler, Linda Shaw, Frankie Slaughter, Monica Wilmore, Sarah Cross, Theodora Miller, Nancy LaBlanc, Joshua Barber, Kristie Faison, Phyllis Guiser, Olivia Tyson, Emily & Maddie Oyan, Patricia Burchett, Sasha, Hannah and Sophie
Picture Credit: Nancy Parker, Lens Of Hope
About Heroes Art Session With Childhood Cancer Heroes And Their Families
Our Heroes Art Sessions provide a supportive environment in which childhood cancer heroes and their siblings can make art and build community with other hero families. At the sessions, you feel a collective sense of healing by creating and being together. We are grateful to Visual Arts Center for giving us the space for an open studio. And to our donors who allow the Heroes Art Sessions to happen at no cost to our families and to supply the artists with their materials.
Today's Helping Hero: Dillard's at Stony Point
Today’s Helping Hero is Dillard’s at Stony Point!
Picture this: a red carpet VIP superstar shopping spree for 11 childhood cancer heroes and their families. In preparation for the Heroes Art Ball on Friday May 9, Dillard’s at Stony Point hosted a personal shopping experience. The heroes and their siblings picked out glitzy dresses and dapper suits to wear when they take center stage at the Heroes Art Ball.
After the big day, hero parents flooded Jillian’s phone with texts like these…
“My family had a blast… the day was magical. I got teary watching the other kids. They were so beautiful. You did an amazing job.”
“The balloon guy. The donuts. The candy baskets. The balloon arch and red carpet. We felt like VIPs at a fashion event. Thank you for the special experience.”
Shoutout to Dayna, Connor’s Heroes Community Engagement Queen, for partnering with Dillard’s to make this happen! And to the sponsors and guests coming to the Heroes Art Ball. Your sponsorships and ticket purchases covered the cost of this VIP experience for the hero families.
Hero Families: Aina, Archer, Ava, Journey, Kasen, Logan, Ruby, Tallulah, Xaria
Stay tuned for more updates as we get ready for the 14th Annual Heroes Art Ball!
Welcome Kassi to the Connor's Heroes Team
Connor’s Heroes is happy to introduce Kassi, our very own unicorn! Kassi accepted a new position for the organization: Administrative and Event Coordinator. She will work her magic to support Celia, Jillian, Dayna, and Ceci with family support, events, office admin and the upcoming Heroes Art Ball.
For our childhood cancer hero families, if Kassi is familiar to you that is because she is a hero mom herself. Her daughter Ava was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2021. Ava is now post-treatment.
Kassi is a passionate advocate for pediatric cancer. She looks forward to giving back to the amazing childhood cancer community who supported her family during Ava’s treatment.
Learn More About Kassi:
What are three words that best describe you?
Funny, personable, kind.
What is something you love to do that most people would never imagine:
I am an avid treasure hunter. From metal detecting to exploring, I love looking for lost treasures.
The best thing someone ever taught you:
My daughter taught me how to be patient with myself and others.
Your favorite singer:
Ben Gibbard, the singer from Death Cab for Cutie. He writes beautiful songs and sings them equally beautifully.
February 2025 Heroes Art Session
Childhood Cancer Heroes Scored Big At Heroes Art Session
This past Sunday wasn’t just about the Super Bowl. For Connor’s Heroes, it was Super ART Sunday. At our February Heroes Art Session, childhood cancer heroes and Richmond artists teamed up to execute the ultimate game plan: create stunning masterpieces for the Heroes Art Ball on May 9, 2025.
With paintbrushes in hand and creativity in overdrive, these young champions brought their A-game. The results? MVP-worthy artwork created for you!
The real victory comes on game day at the Heroes Art Ball. Every dollar raised at the Heroes Art Ball is a winning play for families facing childhood cancer. The night will support Connor’s Heroes programs and services, helping families navigate the complexities of childhood cancer with access to vital financial, emotional, and community support.
You can find information about The Heroes Art Ball on our event website: https://onecau.se/_73vcs1
Childhood Cancer Heroes: Aina, Abby, Charlotte, Hudson, Jericho, Journey, June, Logan, Margot, MyKahi, Ruby, Sydney, Valentine
Artist Mentors: Nancy Jacey, Ashley Cogbill, Alex Georghiou Frankart, Morgann Joan, Linda Shaw, Shana Blakley, Lacy Heiberger, Monica Wilmore, Sarah Cross
Volunteers: Phyllis, Olivia, Alima, John
Photo Credit: 410 Productions & Taylor Schooley
About Heroes Art Session With Childhood Cancer Heroes And Their Families
Our Heroes Art Sessions provide a supportive environment in which childhood cancer heroes and their siblings can make art and build community with other hero families. At the sessions, you feel a collective sense of healing by creating and being together. We are grateful to Visual Arts Center for giving us the space for an open studio. And to our donors who allow the Heroes Art Sessions to happen at no cost to our families and to supply the artists with their materials.
January 2025 Heroes Art Session
Where Courage Meets Creativity
This January, the first Heroes Art Session of 2025 brought together creativity, courage, and community to officially count down to our biggest event of the year: The Heroes Art Ball, happening on Friday, May 9!
At the heart of The Heroes Art Ball are 11 childhood cancer heroes, ranging from toddlers to teens, along with their families. These brave children will take center stage as our guests of honor at the gala. They symbolize the strength of hundreds of young warriors battling cancer with Connor’s Heroes community of heroes by their sides.
We treated our 11 heroes to a day that felt straight out of a Hollywood premiere. Makeup and hair stylists prepped them to pose for portraits. A video crew was on hand to capture the children’s inspiring stories on video.
The Real Magic Is Just Beginning
Over the coming months, at our monthly Heroes Art Sessions, childhood cancer heroes will partner with artist mentors to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Every child’s creativity and story will shine through in their art.
We will feature these masterpieces during the live auction at the gala. Every dollar raised at the Heroes Art Ball will support Connor’s Heroes programs and services, helping families navigate the complexities of childhood cancer with access to vital financial, emotional, and community support.
With the brushstrokes of our young heroes to the support of donors like you, the Heroes Art Session is a powerful reminder how hope comes in many forms — through art, community, and friendship.
Childhood Cancer Heroes: Aaliyah, Abby, Aina, Archer, Ava, Everett, Hudson, Jericho, Journey, Margot, Ruby, Sydney, Tallulah, Xaria
Artist Mentors: Jennike Duignam, Alex Georghiou Frankart, Nancy Jacey, Kathleen O’Connor
Volunteers: Collab Beauty with Ashley & Kristen, Anna, Ana, Cynthia, Emily, Kristen, Kristie, Olivia, Maddie, and Phyllis, Nancy Parker Photography
Photo Credit: Hysell Photography + Sheldon Victoria Ekirch
About Heroes Art Session With Childhood Cancer Heroes And Their Families
Our Heroes Art Sessions provide a supportive environment in which childhood cancer heroes and their siblings can make art and build community with other hero families. At the sessions, you feel a collective sense of healing by creating and being together. We are grateful to Visual Arts Center for giving us the space for an open studio. And to our donors who allow the Heroes Art Sessions to happen at no cost to our families and to supply the artists with their materials.
Connor's Heroes Is Hiring
Connor’s Heroes is a small but mighty team dedicated to providing hope, guidance, and support to children with cancer and their families. We’re hiring an Administrative & Event Coordinator to join up with Celia, Jillian, Dayna, and Ceci as we help families in our community. If you have experience in event planning, administrative support, or nonprofits, and are looking to make an impact in a meaningful way, we’d love to hear from you! At Connor’s Heroes, we believe every individual can be a hero to a child with cancer. We welcome all who share our passion for our mission!
To apply, click here to go to CF Engage website. You will find the job description, salary and link to apply.
Meet the team who you would work with: About Us
Holiday Celebrations 2024
Jingle Bells ALL THE WAY!
Childhood cancer hero families were treated to a holiday experience that gave them special holiday memories. Families with a child in active treatment were invited to our annual Holiday Open House. This year, we partnered with CelebrateRVA — another local nonprofit. CelebrateRVA has a joyful party space specifically made to host birthday parties for underserved children. They let us redecorate it and turn it into a Winter Wonderland.
At the Holiday Open House, families sipped from a cozy hot chocolate bar, enjoyed a buffet of desserts, got crafty at holiday stations, and spent magical moments with the big man himself — Santa! Kids left with arms full of presents from their holiday wish lists. Parents/caregivers received a $250 Visa gift card to help with holiday expenses.
Check out our album of photos from the holiday open house — including adorable pictures of the kids with Santa!
Dominion GardenFest of Lights
We were excited to once again offer hero families complimentary tickets to the amazing Dominion GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter. The light display features millions of lights, botanical decorations, and model trains. After spending an evening under the lights, it is easy to see why it keeps getting voted the Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights in the U.S.! (USA Today 10Best contest; 2024 & 2023). Check out the fun the families had together.
Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy
Connor’s Heroes received a grant for one of the hottest tickets in town: The Richmond Ballet performance of the Nutcracker. With its stunning choreography, lavish sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, The Nutcracker is a magical experience for audiences of all ages! For many of the families, this was their first time experiencing the Nutcracker Ballet.
The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Look at how you made the season bright for childhood cancer hero families:
$31,750 in Visa gift cards given to hero parents/caregivers
168 toys and gift cards for children at the Holiday Open House
249 Lewis Ginter Festival Of Lights tickets
144 WaWa pretzels for Holiday Open House
127 children in active treatment for cancer
64 pictures with Santa
124 gingerbread houses
68 Nutcracker tickets
12 volunteers at the Holiday Open House
4 elves (aka Connor’s Heroes Staff)
1 new community partner – CelebrateRVA
1 new BFF – SANTA!
Thank You To Our Holiday Heroes
Over the holidays, parents and caregivers are juggling the emotional stress of their child’s diagnosis with the financial stress of giving their family the holiday they deserve after a difficult year. The Holiday Hero Fund provided each family in active treatment a $250 VISA gift card, tickets to Lewis Ginter GardenFest of Lights, presents from their holiday wish lists, and a wonderful Holiday Open House.
The Holiday Heroes Fund was fully funded thanks to our community of heroes, especially The Heizer Family, The Fergerson Family, participants in The Opie Open Golf Tournament, Richmond Ballet For All and The Richmond Christmas Mother Fund. Below is the list of caring people who donated to the Holiday Hero Fund:
Ms. Adams • Mr. and Mrs. Andrews • Ms. Asay • Mr. and Mrs. Askin • Mr. Biller • Mr. and Mrs. Bishop • Mr. Blackwell • Mr. and Mrs. Block • Mr. Bolton, III, D.D.S. • Mr. Brammer • Mr. and Mrs. Bray • Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter • Mr. and Mrs. Chalkley • Mr. and Mrs. Coffin • Mr. and Mrs. Coleman • Commercial Plastering and Drywall, Inc. • Cowardin’s Jewelers • Mr. Craft • Mr. and Mrs. D’Arville • Mr. Durrett • Ms. Earley • Mr. and Mrs. Fergerson • Mr. Fieseler • Ms. Fisher • Mr. Fuller • Mr. Harvey • The Heizer Family • Mr. Hollins • Hudson Group Realty, Inc • Mr. Hughes • Mr. and Mrs. Ivins • Mr. Johnson • Kamco Building Supply • Ms. Keeler • Mr. Kelley • Mr. and Mrs. Knight • Ms. Lane • Mr. Lemieux • Mr. Love • Mrs. Loverro • Mr. and Mrs. Martin • Drs. Massey • Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas • Old Dominion Drywall, Inc. • Dr. and Mrs. Peyton • Mr. and Mrs. Porter • Mr. and Mrs. Pritchard • Richmond Ballet For All • Richmond Christmas Mother Fund • Mr. and Mrs. Schoepke • Mr. and Mrs. Smith • Mr. and Mrs. Stump • Ms. Tirs • Mr. and Mrs. Tolley • Drs. Tyson • Ms. Weymouth • Mr. Wilberger • Mr. and Mrs. Wright • Mr. and Mrs. Zyglocke •
