Hero Family Helping Others
Another hero decides to "Pay It Forward" and use her battle against childhood cancer to help other cancer patients in Richmond. Aida is one of our newest heroes. She was diagnosed with ALL in February. She is also a budding artist. She designed this colorful, fun shirt for an upcoming charity run. Her family will donate proceeds from sales of this shirt to Connor's Heroes. Online sale ends March 30th! You can place your order on their secure website.
ALL means Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. It is the most common type of childhood cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, about 2,700 children are diagnosed with leukemia in the United States each year. It is the most common diagnosis of our Heroes. Aida has a strong support network who are helping the family through her treatment. Connor's Heroes is reaching out to fill in the gaps and assist when they are in clinic or the hospital.
Help Aida's Army raise money for Connor's Heroes by ordering your shirt. Online sale ends March 30th!
March Sunday Funday
We had a full house for our Sunday Funday. Word is getting around to our hero families that these art sessions are a fun, creative time for our Hero patients, their siblings, parents and volunteers. Twenty children came to the most recent session! The children worked together to create pieces of art for the Heroes Art Ball auctions. Looking at these photos, you'll see the joy that is expressed in their art. You can hang joy and inspiration on your wall by coming to the Heroes Art Ball and making the winning bid!
A Journal That Inspires
Katie was finally discharged from the hospital after her bone marrow transplant. If you've followed Courage For Katie, Katie's mom has shared daily quotes of inspiration. Where is she finding these quotes? They are in the Bone Marrow Transplant journal created by Connor's Heroes. Connor's Heroes created this journal so our hero parents had an easy way to track the daily medications, exams, scans, tests, visitors and medical staff who manage their child's transplant. Lisa used her experience as a cancer mom in creating this journal. She wanted a notebook that was helpful but not overwhelming. Katie's mom agrees. The daily quotes were an added touch to remind our families that they are not alone. Good luck, Katie!
Guest Blogger: Volunteer Room Decorator, Lindsay B.
Lindsay is a superhero when it comes to decorating a hospital room of a young cancer hero. She has a knack for transforming the solemn walls and dull furnishings into a bright, cheery, magical place. Hospital staff tell us that Connor’s Heroes' room decorations have a positive influence on the emotional outlook of the child who’s starting the exhausting and long process of a bone marrow transplant. As Lindsay shares below, decorating a child’s hospital room has greatly affected her as well. One patient, in particular, has made a difference in her life.
I guess you could call me a “seasoned” room decorator. I have decorated more than eight rooms on the Bone Marrow Transplant floor. Each room means something different to me than the last. Erin and Lisa share a few facts about the child - favorite colors, cartoon characters, sports teams or celebrities. I get an idea for a theme and then I run with it. Actually, I get a little carried away! Lauren’s room became a “Frozen” explosion that made you want to sing “Let It Go!” when you visited. Katie walked into a room filled with the adorable Hello Kitty that she loves so much. Sheridan discovered a cool, calming underwater scene.
Decorating is more than hot pink sparkles, streamers, toys, and twinkle lights. I create a sanctuary where Lauren, Katie, Sheridan and all our heroes find comfort, feel special, and, most importantly, feel loved. I thank Connor’s Heroes for allowing me to bring smiles to our sweet, courageous, and wonderful heroes during their darkest hours. Hundreds of volunteers go out of their way to lend a helping hand and to say "We are here."
Walking into a hospital, where a patient may spend weeks, if not months, is extremely difficult for anyone, regardless of their age. One, 19-year-old D’Marco, had a big effect on me. His plans for college and playing football are on hold since his diagnosis. When I decorated his room, I wanted it to inspire the fighting spirit he needs for his brave battle. He opened my eyes to the important things in life: hold the ones you love close, never take anything for granted, and always lend a helping hand when you can.
I have been a part of Connor’s Heroes for more than three years. I learned so much about childhood cancer and how it affects the day-to-day life of these families. I take comfort knowing Connor’s Heroes makes sure they are not alone. These children and their families are an inspiration to me. I have the utmost respect for them. My volunteer experience with Connor’s Heroes has taught me a lot about myself and the struggles others go through. As I decorate a room, I often think of a quote from Plato: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Thank you, Connor’s Heroes for letting me fight along with your cancer heroes.
Shop on Amazon? Donate to Connor’s Heroes
If you shop on Amazon, did you know that you can automatically donate a portion of your purchase to help our Hero Families? You log on to their charitable giving site, http://smile.amazon.com/ch/20-4992632, and select Connor's Heroes as your charity! Shop like you normally do and every quarter we'll receive a check. Remember to bookmark http://smile.amazon.com/ch/20-4992632
Link In with Connor’s Heroes
Connor's Heroes now has a company profile on LinkedIn. Whether you are currently involved with Connor's Heroes or previously, please follow our company profile. We'll share volunteer opportunities, collaborations with other businesses and special events. You are already our strongest advocates for raising awareness of childhood cancer patients treated in Richmond. Through LinkedIn, you'll showcase your volunteer service and champion our cause across your professional networks.
With the addition of LinkedIn, you can find Connor's Heroes on the most popular social networks. Are you connected?
Honor Your Hero
How fitting that the day after Valentine's Day is International Childhood Cancer Day. It is the day to draw attention to more equitable and better access to treatment and care for all children with cancer, everywhere. In Richmond, every week, a child is diagnosed with cancer. The graphic is made up of the names of the children who Connor's Heroes gave financial and emotional assistance so far this year! If there is a cancer hero in your world, why not honor him/her with a donation to Connor's Heroes today? Every dollar you give will help these and all the children who are in Richmond for treatment. You will make sure no family faces their child's cancer alone. https://www.connorsheroes.org/donate
Capital One Pays It Forward
Why are all these Hero Moms smiling? Because they were handed $25 Visa gift cards that were generously donated by Capital One Technology Operations group led by George Brady. Thank you to our newest board member, and Capital One employee, Tammy, for telling her co-workers about Connor's Heroes. Emily, Tammy's daughter, was diagnosed with Anaplastic Medulloblastoma - a brain tumor. She is nearing three years of being cancer free! Emily and her sister continue to be a part of Connor's Heroes. Recently, they participated in our Hero Art Sessions. Tammy serves on our Program Committee and recently became a member of our Board of Directors.
A Super Day For Thomas
On Facebook, Thomas is Tackling Cancer Again shared the news that Thomas's cancer is spreading. We are devastated as Thomas has been a part of the Connor's Heroes family since 2012. Because Thomas loves football, several of our cancer moms threw an awesome Super Bowl party for Thomas's family and friends. A special Connor's Heroes volunteer ordered up a Richmond GameTruck. We received donations to purchase great snacks. Our friends from HHHunt donated tons of food, entertainment, and secured the great location at the Hallsley club house. There was lots of laughing, smiles and cheering. As the mom of a daughter (who finished treatment) posted on Facebook:
"No words for today...just gratitude and joy. Thomas smiled and had fun and was surrounded by people who love him and love his whole family. Could we be more blessed? Life is not always an easy place nor do things look the way we hoped sometimes. Sometimes it's harder, sometimes way better."
Thank you to our Helping Hero Moms, the Abbott family and HHHunt Homes.
Art 180 and Visual Arts Center partner with Connor’s Heroes
Art 180 is a Richmond non-profit whose mission is to give young people the chance to express themselves through art, and to share their stories with others. Professional artists and volunteers work with youth who face challenging situations. Connor's Heroes is using their studio and resources for some of our monthly Art Sessions. The studio space in Jackson Ward is wonderful. We are excited that our Heroes artwork will be featured in the Art 180 gallery during the month of April and featured on April 1 from 6-9 pm during First Fridays.
Visual Arts Center of Richmond has a mission to engage the community in the creative process through the visual arts. This amazing nonprofit provides opportunities for people to express themselves through over 12 different media. Connor's Heroes also uses their studio and resources for alternating monthly Art Sessions and their studio space is amazing.
At both Art 180 and the Visual Arts Center, we have plenty of room to create the artwork you can bid on at the Heroes Art Ball. The atmosphere has fueled our heroes' creativity. Our photo gallery gives you a sneak peek at their creations. Make sure to visit both locations to learn more about their programs, classes, and ways you can get more involved.
Thank you to the Connor's Heroes Young Professional group who host the monthly sessions.
Discover Art 180 and Visual Arts Center
Be a Young Professional with Connor's Heroes
Thanks to our Young Professionals pictured: John Hopson, Camilo Perdomo, Jennike Duignam, Nora Tetlow, Celia Tetlow, Sarah Cross, Lauren Prezioso, Joy McMillian, Lauren Bruckmann, Katie Sunderman, Makay Carlino, Todd Stonell, Natalie Maixner, and Alison Erfort.