13th Annual Heroes Art Ball Raised Hope!
13th Annual Heroes Art Ball Raised Hope!
The 13th Annual Heroes Art Ball raised money for the increasing number of children diagnosed with cancer in Central Virginia. It also raised hope for more than 100 childhood cancer hero families who are registered with Connor’s Heroes so far this year.
We needed $500,000 to make sure hero families keep receiving gift cards for gas and groceries, help with unexpected expenses, travel for treatment, and so much more. Our guests’ hearts were bigger than our goal. They raised $641,000 — setting a new record!
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.
Our job isn’t finished. Over the weekend, a family registered their 12-year-old son with Connor’s Heroes. He was diagnosed with ALL. Our Program Team has delivered a Heroes Bag and Backpack and is making plans to support the family’s immediate needs while he is in the hospital.
We will keep raising hope for every child with cancer. They need a hero. They still need you.
On behalf of the eight childhood cancer heroes honored at this year’s Heroes Art Ball — Ada, Augie, Aschemund, Harri, Harcum, John, Jericho, and TK — Thank you for caring so much and giving so generously.
❝[The gala was] an incredible night. Thank you so much for letting us be part of it. It was surreal to see all those people bidding on art that our kids helped create and the videos were so special. The kids had a blast and made some new friends. We are so grateful for everything you all have done and continue to do for us and families like ours. I hope you know how much you mean to us.❞
— Samantha, TK’s Mom
Relive The Gala In Photos and Videos
WTVR CBS 6 reporter Tracy Sears was so moved by the outpouring of support for the childhood cancer heroes at the Heroes Art Ball, she put together a report that aired the day after the gala. Watch her report online by clicking this link.
Rebekah Howard’s own journey with cancer connected her to Connor’s Heroes and two teens who battled a similar cancer. Click here to watch the video to learn why we named Rebekah as our 2024 Hero Of The Year.
We produced a short video of each of hero honored at this year’s gala. From Ada’s infectious giggles, Augie’s doting sisters to TK’s mom’s kind words, you can hear from the families themselves about how cancer has affected their lives. Watch each child’s video here.
Enjoy our photo gallery of pictures of all the guests, childhood cancer heroes, including the photo spot at the entrance. To our guests, if you posed for a photo at the Strum Photo Spot, we will post your photos as soon as they are uploaded.
If you posed at the Strum Photo Spot, find your photo in our gallery!
2024 Hero Of The Year Award
More Than A Volunteer
Rebekah Howard volunteered with Connor’s Heroes at the very first Heroes Art Ball as a stylist. Tonight, the Hero families look beautiful thanks to her and the talented staff from her salon, Serendipity Hair Studio. She is one of the longest serving volunteers for the Heroes Art Balls.
Rebekah’s Connection To Cancer
Rebekah understands when life is interrupted by the shock of cancer. When she was 18, Rebekah was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and again, at age 27, with breast cancer. Having lived her own cancer journey (twice!), Rebekah connects with the young cancer heroes at the Heroes Art Ball. She developed a friendship with two teen heroes, Caroline and Lindsey.
“There was that wonderful connection from both [of us] having blood cancer and both having been through that journey at such a young age.”
— Caroline, childhood cancer hero, diagnosed with ALL on September 23, 2021
Salon Is A Gallery Of Hope
When you walk into Serendipity Hair Studio, every piece of art hanging on the wall was painted by childhood cancer heroes at our Heroes Art Sessions. Whenever Rebekah looks at the paintings, she sees hope. For herself as a cancer survivor and the future of the brave children with Connor’s Heroes.
It is Rebekah’s connection and dedication that we honor with the 2024 Hero Of The Year Award.
“I’m so grateful for [Rebekah] and for supporting Connor’s Heroes. Having such a giving heart, she is willing to share her story. It is special that I have that connection with her.”
— Lindsey, childhood cancer hero, diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on May 22, 2022
Honoring our 2020 Heroes
Once A Hero, Always A Hero
In 2020, when Connor’s Heroes postponed the Heroes Art Ball, several childhood cancer heroes missed out being honored that year. At this year’s Heroes Art Ball, they will have their moment on the stage! We are pleased to have as our special, special guests: Alvion, Charlotte, Holden, Javi, and June. They represent the hundreds of children who marched through their cancer journeys during the pandemic.
Guiding Other Hero Families
Over the past four years, Alvion, Charlotte, Holden, Javi, and June finished their cancer treatments. Thankfully, for us, they continue to be a part of the Connor’s Heroes community. They come to the Heroes Art Sessions — working side by side with children currently in treatment. Their parents take the time to talk with other parents. They come to our family fun events.
Alvion, Charlotte, Holden, Javi, and June embody Connor’s Heroes belief that our support doesn’t end when treatment ends. At Connor’s Heroes, we believe that once you’re a hero — you’re always a hero!
Meet Dayna, Connor's Heroes New Program & Volunteer Manager
Connor’s Heroes welcomes Dayna Cobb as our new Program and Volunteer Manager. In this role, Dayna will assist Program Director, Jillian Carpenter, with the care and support of childhood cancer hero families. Dayna will coordinate clinic visits, family events, and more. Dayna will connect the community and corporate partners with volunteer opportunities.
Dayna is passionate about serving families going through a medical crisis. Most of her early career was spent in retail fashion, but she later found her true calling in pediatric support services. Dayna has years of experience in compassionate family care and is dedicated to forwarding the mission of Connor’s Heroes.
Jillian and Dayna make up the Connor’s Heroes Program Team whose purpose is to provide emotional and financial support to every family registered. They will work closely with the healthcare teams at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
Learn More About Dayna:
What are three words that best describe you?
Compassionate, fun, and adventurous
What is something you love to do that most people would never imagine?
Something I absolutely love to do, and people actually can imagine it because I talk about it ALL the time, is I am an avid thrift store shopper! I love the “thrill of the hunt” and can spend hours just wandering around a thrift store. And then I will happily brag about my finds!
What was the one best thing that someone ever taught you?
“Look for the helpers.” This lesson came from a Daniel Tiger episode, when Daniel was especially scared. His mom told him to look for the helpers. The helpers come when they are needed, and can help make a scary situation less scary. So always look for the helpers – and if you don’t need one, then become one for someone else who does!
Who is your favorite singer?
I like all types of music across the musical spectrum. From The Cure to Crowder, from Jimmy Buffett to Johnny Cash. From 80’s pop to 90’s alternative, but Prince will forever be my G.O.A.T.!
April Heroes Art Session
Hero Artist Mentors Create!
Once again, Richmond’s talented artists showed up for our childhood cancer hero kids for our April Heroes Art Session. Returning was Jennike Duignam, Bruce Wilhelm and Katya Herndon.
We welcomed Doug Orleski, aka RVA Coffee Stain, for his first collaboration with the heroes. He had the kids add details to his beautiful painting of Richmond’s iconic bridge. When one hero wanted to paint in a mermaid sitting on a river rock, of course Doug said “Sure, go for it!”
Childhood Cancer Heroes: Aschemund • Ava • Jericho • June• TayNeise’ • Tecumseh • John Modi • Harrison • Ada • Charlie • Caelan • Mykahi • Everett
Hero Artist Mentors & Volunteers: Bruce Wilhelm • Doug Orleski • Katya Herndon • Jennike Duignam • Gurbani • Damian • Patricia • Mehanna • Lauren • Brittany • Crystal • Margot
Picture Credit: Liza Shands and Shelton Ekirch
Save The Date: Heroes Art Ball on May 3, 2024
We will present these paintings and many others in the Live and Silent Auctions of the 13th Annual Heroes Art Ball on Friday, May 3, 2024.
The Heroes Art Ball is Connor’s Heroes biggest night of the year. You don’t need a ticket to join in. You can participate from home. Register as a “virtual bidder” so you can bid on hundreds of items and art in our online auction. Auction registration is Free! http://onecau.se/hab
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: Goddard School At Walton Park
Today’s Helping Hero: Goddard School at Walton Park
“We’re going to need a bigger car!” That is what Celia, Executive Director, thought when she saw the boxes and boxes of snacks waiting for her to pick up. The kiddos at Goddard School in Walton Park hosted a snack drive in honor of their student/childhood cancer hero Lucy. Lucy is battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Connor’s Heroes began helping the family when Lucy was admitted to the hospital last September.
Our Program Team will need every last snack to stock the shelves in the Connor’s Family Room on the 12th Floor of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
Hosting a Snack Drive is an easy way for your school, club, or family to give back to help childhood cancer hero families in the hospital. You start by ordering snacks from our Amazon Wish List, or buying them at your favorite grocery store. Ship or drop them off at our office. We need to stock the pantry every week. The families love the snacks that much!
“I always knew Richmond was a small town, but it became very clear to me when I learned that one of my son’s classmates is a childhood cancer hero. I couldn’t be prouder of my Goddard family for stepping up to help not only Lucy but the hundred other children battling cancer right now.” — Celia, Executive Director & Hal’s mom
You can be a hero just like these kiddos and donate snacks for the hospital. We created an Amazon Wish List of families’ favorite snacks. Pick out your favorites, order them, and ship them directly to our office. Here is the link: https://a.co/fKmCZJY
March Heroes Art Session
Lucky Day In The Art Studio
Was it just a coincidence (or maybe the luck of the Irish) that Connor’s Heroes hosted the March Heroes Art Session was on St. Patrick’s Day? Our childhood cancer hero families showed up wearing green ready to create and spread good luck.
Paintings, Headshots & Videos
At the March Heroes Art Session, the heroes continued making art for the 13th Annual Heroes Art Ball. Hero Artists Mentors (some new and others returning because they love working with the kids!!) turned their concepts into art. The childhood cancer heroes will present their pieces during the live auction at the Heroes Art Ball. (All we need from you is the winning bid!)
Over in the other studios, some hero families got the Hollywood treatment. They were interviewed for their Hero videos and posed for their headshots. We will feature hero families at this year’s Heroes Art Ball — from toddlers to teens. These families represent the children who need Connor’s Heroes support during their treatment.
Childhood Cancer Heroes: Ariana • Aschemund • Augie • Ava • Charlotte • Everett • Harcum • Holden • Javier • Jericho • John • June • Kennedy • Lindsey • Mary-Geneva • TayNeise • Tecumseh • Valentin
Hero Artist Mentors & Volunteers: Vishnu Alavala, Patrica Burchett, Swara Chokshi, Sarah Cross, Emily Dickey, Jennike Duignam, Lauren Edwards, Nancy Jacey, Frankie Slaughter, Brittany Stageberg, and Olivia Tyson
Picture Credit: Hysell Photography and 410 Productions
Art Sessions Featured On CBS 6
WTVR CBS 6 showed up to film a news story about the magic of the Heroes Art Sessions. You can watch the segment online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTjil3ii5ro (note: the correct date of the Heroes Art Ball is May 3, 2024)
They weren’t the only video cameras. 410 Productions, a new video production company, tested out their videography skills and took videos of all the action happening at the Heroes Art Session.
Remember, for each petal on the shamrock, this brings a wish your way. Good health, good luck, and happiness for today and every day. The March Heroes Session was one lucky day.
Save The Date: Heroes Art Ball on May 3, 2024
The Heroes Art Ball is Connor’s Heroes biggest night of the year. You don’t need a ticket to join in. You can participate from home. Register as a “virtual bidder” so you can bid on hundreds of items and art in our online auction. Auction registration is Free! http://onecau.se/hab
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: Rainbow Restoration
We want to thank Brittany with Rainbow Restoration for taking the time to come to our office and stuff Heroes Bags and Backpacks. She hand-picked toys and crafts perfect for a boy or girl from toddler to teen.
We continue to have a record-number of registrations as more children are being treated for cancer at CHoR. Our Heroes Bag and Backpack is their introduction to Connor’s Heroes. It welcomes a family into a community of heroes ready to help. If you want to join our volunteer email list, register online https://bit.ly/connors-heroes-volunteer.
Rainbow Restoration is a family-owned, female led restoration company located in Rockville VA. This was Brittany’s first time volunteering (and hopefully not her last) with Connor’s Heroes.
❝Rainbow Restoration is excited to build a relationship with Connor’s Heroes. We are happy to support an organization who does so much for pediatric cancer patients and their families. Connor’s Heroes’ impact on the community is one to be admired.❞
If you work for a company who likes to give back, you can sponsor a service project for your team. Click here to visit our Volunteer FAQ page to start.
February Heroes Art Session
Artists Take Over Heroes Art Session
A team of talented artists came to the Visual Arts Center ready to inspire the kids’ creativity. The childhood cancer heroes and their siblings painted and crafted, bopping from station to station. The artist will take the piece to their studios, put a few finishing touches to get them ready for the live auction at the 13th Annual Heroes Art Ball on Friday, May 3, 2024 at the John Marshall Ballrooms, 101 N. 5th Street in downtown Richmond.
Save The Date: Heroes Art Ball on May 3, 2024
The Heroes Art Ball is Connor’s Heroes biggest night of the year. The night includes live music, delicious food, open bar, games, parking and our special guests: childhood cancer hero families! The main event is the live auction of art created by the heroes at the Heroes Art Session. Each piece expresses the emotions of being a child with cancer and hope for a better future. Tickets are on sale March 1, 2024. You can purchase tickets online onecau.se/_44q7v1 or by calling (804) 897-1272.
Childhood Cancer Heroes: Ada, Alessa, Alvion, Augie, Harrison, Javi, Jericho, Kennedy, Nikola, Sydney, Tay
Hero Artist Mentors & Volunteers: Ashley Cogbill, Sarah Cross, Nancy LeBlanc, Kathleen O’Connor, Frankie Slaughter, Emilia Texler, Monica Wilmore, Mehanna Borostyan, Mary O’Brien, Liza Shands, Crystal Tetlow
Picture Credit: Hysell Photography, Liza Shands, Nick Ratcliff
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: Bettie Weaver Elementary's K-Kids Club
Bluebirds Help Connor’s Heroes Families
The students of Chesterfield’s Bettie Weaver Elementary School (aka The Bluebirds) flocked together to support their classmate Fisher. Fisher was diagnosed in August 2022. It has not been easy. His family drove back and forth to John’s Hopkins in Baltimore for treatment. Mom and dad shuttled between Baltimore and Richmond to make sure Fisher was not alone. Thankfully, after a year in treatment, doctors said Fisher could start school. GO FISHER!!
Fisher’s school hosted a supply drive to help the local kids battling cancer. They ordered supplies off of Connor’s Heroes Amazon Wish List. The kids got to work! In no time, they assembled more than 50 toiletry bags. Connor’s Heroes Program Team will make sure these go into our parent totes for newly diagnosed families!
Thank you Bettie Weaver Bluebirds for caring for Fisher and all the brave children who are battling cancer right now.
If your school or community service group is looking for a group volunteer project, Connor’s Heroes can set you up. Register your school or service organization: https://bit.ly/connors-heroes-volunteer. A Connor’s Heroes staff member will follow up.
