Jamie Hess Funds Clinical Trials
We love when Massey Cancer drops us their annual stewardship report. In their 2021 report, they broke down how The Jamie Hess Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Fund advanced cancer research and clinical trials for pediatric bone marrow transplant and other cellular immunotherapy transplant patients. We were excited to see trials with the National Marrow Donor Program registry and related to COVID. Local oncologists and researchers can do these trials because of donations you made to the Jamie Hess Fund.
Jamie Hess’ parents established the fund after Jamie died from leukemia in 2002. The Hess family partnered with Connor’s Heroes in 2007. Pediatric patients isolated on the adult BMT Unit received comfort and support for their unique situations.
When the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU opens its state-of-the-art inpatient facility in 2023, pediatric BMT patients will FINALLY be treated with other pediatric patients. Medical staff will prepare transplant supplies on site in a space lovingly named The Jamie Hess Bone Marrow Transplant Lab. The Hess Lab is one of five rooms where Connor’s Heroes can be there with a family when they are treated in the new Wonder Tower.
Transforming A Child's Hospital Room
December ended with a flurry — a flurry of activity on the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit. Erin, our Program Director, received notice that THREE childhood cancer patients would spend the holiday on the BMT Unit. Most stay on the unit for a month or more.
The BMT Unit is an adult unit with pediatric patients. Being in this adult unit can be a lonely experience for a family who hunkers down in the hospital room. Connor’s Heroes is one of a handful of nonprofits who is allowed on the BMT unit when doctors admit a pediatric patient.
When Erin learns a hero child is about to be admitted, she contacts a team of volunteers. They have the fun assignment of decorating the hospital room! Your donations allow them to shop for decorations, bedding, decor, and activities picked for that child. Because every child is different. They decorate every room differently.
You can see for yourself. Scroll through pictures of three rooms decorated for three hero patients: Alejandra (14 yrs old), Caleb (16 yrs old), and Isaiah (10 yrs old). You can see who loves Spiderman, Christmas, and music. We have to thank Juliana Martinez, Ellen Purcell and Martia Jones for taking time during the holidays to be on the unit decorating these rooms.
The good news is the care and comfort of a child admitted on the BMT Unit will change when the Wonder Tower opens in 2023.
Pediatric oncologists, care staff, nurses, researchers, and child life specialists finally will be together on the hematology and oncology floor, including pediatric BMT patients.
Connor’s Heroes will be there with them.
We will open five spaces in the new inpatient children’s hospital. The Connor’s Heroes BMT Play Room will be a fun multi-purpose space designed with the health needs of the BMT patient in mind. In The Jamie Hess Bone Marrow Transplant Lab, staff will prepare transplant supplies without having to leave the unit. This will maximize efficiency and quality of a child’s bone marrow transplant. We named the lab after Jamie Hess, who died from leukemia in 2002.
Learn more about Connor’s Heroes Rooms Filled With Hope on our website: www.connorsheroes.org/rooms-filled-with-hope/
Today's Helping Hero: Dewberry
Today's Helping Hero is Virginia-based planning and construction design firm, Dewberry. Their Richmond office didn't want the holiday season to go by without giving back to their community. The office held a drive for our Heroes Bag and Backpacks. They collected toys and games for our heroes aged toddlers to teens. Drew Stahling, Staff Engineer, worked with our program coordinator, Anne-Randolph. She clued him in on the best items to give our childhood cancer heroes. Anne-Randolph said:
"Connor's Heroes has been fortunate to work with many Richmond-area businesses who care about children as much as they do about their customers. When December rolled around, supplies for our Heroes Bags and Backpacks were low as we gave out close to 60 this year. Thanks to Dewberry, we are ready for the new year. We're restocked for this year's heroes!"
A new year means a new child diagnosed with cancer. A Connor's Heroes Parent Totebag and Backpack is a lifeline to a family who just learned their child has cancer. If you work for a company who, like Dewberry, appreciates giving back to your community, you too can host a Heroes Bag and Backpack supply drive. Anne-Randolph is happy to help you. You can find Anne-Randolph's contact information on our website at: www.connorsheroes.org/about-us/#our-staff
2021 Holiday Open House
"You showered us with HOLIDAY LOVE!"
— Mom of a childhood cancer hero
Hero families with a child in in active treatment received plenty of holiday cheer at the 2021 Holiday Open House on Tuesday, December 7, 2021. The Holiday Open House showed the hero families that there is a large community who care for them and want to give hope to them during this difficult time.
Celia (Executive Director), Erin (Program Director), Anne-Randolph (Program Coordinator) and Ceci (Development Coordinator) decorated the office into a winter wonderland. The Holiday Open House was our first family event in our new location on Broad Street!
"Tonight we got to celebrate the holidays with our sweet Connor's Heroes Foundation friends!!"
Throughout the day, parents and kids popped into the office. Some stopped by after their child’s appointment in clinic. A few parents shared the good news that their child moved off of treatment and moved up to maintenance. A big milestone in the child’s cancer journey!!
No matter their age — whether it was one-year-old Hailey up to 16-year-old Arianna — everyone enjoyed their brief visit jammed packed with fun. It was wonderful when several hero families finally met Erin after all these months texting, calling, and talking on the phone.
"The kids made ornaments, decorated cookies, drank hot chocolate, took some pictures! It was fabulous!"
You gave our hero families this wonderful time together. Each family left with gift bags dangling off their arms, piles of homemade cookies, and a crazy drink called a hot chocolate bomb (google it!). Every parent was grateful for the $250 gift card Celia or Erin handed them (or put in the mail). With this generous gift, they can purchase the holiday essentials such as travel to visit their family, buy groceries for a holiday dinner, or purchase that one special gift for which their child has been hoping for.
Connor’s Heroes wants to thank the holiday elves who helped host the Holiday Open House.
• Board members Marla, Cathy, Karrie, Tammy, and Gwendolyn were our greeters, decorators, card writers, and hot chocolate makers.
• Jill Voekler and Erin made plates and plates of delicious cookies.
• Cathy Heizer and Marla Fergerson doubled every dollar donated to the Holiday Hero Fund.
Thank you to all the generous people who donated to the holiday hero fund. You gifted hope and gave hope to all of our childhood cancer heroes. Yes, you are a holiday hero!
Ann D.
Anne and Tim B.
Blair P.
Bob and Bettylou Y.
Bob and Rhonda P.
Bolling S.
Bradley G.
Bruce and Crystal T.
Bud and Robin J.
Carey and Robert C.
Carla S.
Cathy H.
Celia and Dan M.
Cheryl T.
Chris and Laura M.
Chris and Vickie R.
Connie M.
Darrell and Marsha R.
David and Kay W.
Davis D.
Denise G.
Dennis and Deborah W.
Dianne S.
Don and Becky B.
Douglas and Lila G.
Dwayne and Janice M.
Elaine H.
Elizabeth M.
Elizabeth P.
Eric and Kendall E.
Erin and Britt C.
Forrest and Beverly M.
Francie M.
Frank and Kathryn B.
Gayton Baptist Church
Harris Mechanical Services, Inc
Henry M.
Herbert and Barbara J.
Jack and Marla F.
James and Christine H.
James H.
James H.
Jeff and Brenda S.
Jeff and Monica W.
Jeff S.
Jerry and Michelle S.
Jodi S.
John C.
Johnnie N.
Joseph and Janice Z.
Julia T.
Justin & Lacy Financial LLC
Keith H.
Kelli P.
Kenny and Sharon T.
Kevin and Emily W.
Kevin and Theresa H.
Kevin S.
Kyle and Jane M.
Laurel J.
Linda L.
Lynn M.
Marc and Barbara M.
Margaret and Scott H.
Mary R.
MassMutual
Matt R.
Matthew and Tammy G.
Melinda B.
Nicole J.
Pamela P.
Patricia M.
Paul C.
Perry and Anne-Randolph C.
Richard and Elinor B.
Rick and Rosemarie S.
RiverFront Investment Group, LLC
Robert and Susan H.
Ronnie M.
Scott and Mary P.
Scott and Melissa B.
Scott M.
Stanley and Bonnie C.
Sue L.
Teresa H.
Thomas B.
Tim and Leslie S.
Tom and Jill V.
Vicki H.
Wilbur and Ann L.
Today's Helping Hero: Kristin Seward and Patience Salgado
Today’s Helping Hero is the dynamic duo of Kristin Seward and Patience Salgado!
You’ve seen their names before. Kristin and Patience produced the powerful photo series Heart of the Family. They profiled the parents of Emory, Everett, and Cooper during September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This time, they volunteered their talents and took holiday portraits of our hero families. Dozens of families signed up and showed up at Bryan Park. Bryan Park was decked out in a beautiful array of brilliant fall colors. Some families brought their beloved four-legged family members to pose with the family. Jonathan’s mom couldn’t leave out his beloved pet: his giant rabbit named Coco! Everyone met Connor’s Heroes new buddy: Erin’s puppy, Dolly Rose.
Thank you Kristin and Patience for giving our hero families a special moment together — and capturing them in beautiful portraits they will treasure.
Evie 💙 A Hero In a Blue T-shirt
“Connor’s Heroes never stops. They give graciously, as if my kids were their own family.”
— Evie’s mom, Danielle
Danielle is mom to three children under the age of four. Evie is the middle child and the only girl. “On Wednesday, January 13, 2021, we heard those words that are every parent’s nightmare, ‘I’m sorry. It’s cancer.’” Doctors diagnosed Evie with neuroblastoma, a rare cancer that almost always affects children. Connor’s Heroes can help Evie and over a hundred children in treatment in Central Virginia today.
“Connor’s Heroes is about making the journey a little less stressful, so I can focus on what is important: the time I have with my children.”
EVIE’S ENDEAVOR — THE START OF HER JOURNEY
“Evie’s Endeavor started in October of 2020 with a sudden onset of behavioral issues. The kind that we have all joked about when our kids are acting like “the devil.” The only difference was hers never stopped. Little did we know that the issue within her tiny body was much bigger than anything we could ever imagine.
After about six weeks of this behavior, we found ourselves in the hospital. What we thought would be a long day, turned into an inpatient stay lasting five days. We walked away with no answers on what could be wrong with her neurologically.
Fast forward three weeks to include one more inpatient stay, we were back at VCU awaiting a CT of her abdomen when we first learned that cancer was a possibility.
On January 13th, 2021, we heard those four words that are every parent’s nightmare, “I’m sorry. It’s cancer.” Evie was diagnosed with neuroblastoma.
Within 36 hours from her diagnosis, she was in surgery to have a biopsy of the tumor, port placement, and bone marrow draw. The “routine” three hour surgery turned into eight. Around hour six, doctors told us they removed the tumor. Talk about being shocked. That wasn’t even a topic in conversation before she went into surgery.
Evie has been through different immunotherapies as well as four rounds of chemo in an eight month time.
On August 13th, 2021, Evie was declared cancer-free.
Currently, she is back in treatment as some of her symptoms have come back. She had her second set of clear scans at the beginning of October and for that, I could not be more thankful. VCU has some of the most amazing doctors, but I know God had his hand on my baby girl, and I will continue to pray he always will.”
“The financial struggle doesn’t end when your child is declared cancer free. Connor’s Heroes knows that. They continue to help my family into the next phase of Evie’s journey.”
DONATIONS TO CONNOR’S HEROES WERE A LIFELINE FOR EVIE’S FAMILY
After Evie started treatment, she received a Connor’s Heroes Bag and Backpack. Inside were crafts, games, toiletries, and her very own an iPad!
“There were so many fun and engaging things in the Connor’s Heroes Bag and Backpack. She is in LOVE with her “Be A Hero” shirt. It’s oversized and oh so comfy! Her iPad is probably her second favorite and a lifesaver on clinic days! All of the personal hygiene items have been a lifesaver when those check-ups turn into entire days worth of treatment or tests.”
“Connor’s Heroes mailed us a Family Fun Pack filled with the cutest summer items. Inside was a bean bag toss game, sunglasses for all three kiddos, as well as some leis and small items they all loved so much!
In the beginning, we went to VCU anywhere from one to three times a week. A round trip was over 70 miles and very hard on our one-income family. The gas cards I received in the mail from Connor’s Heroes made the difference in making every appointment or missing out on some. The grocery cards were absolutely amazing.
The gift cards help us get through the tough weeks or I put them away for the “unknowns.” There are so many of those in the cancer world.“
“From her very first phone call, Erin gave me comfort in the fact that we weren’t alone.”
A NEW FRIEND TO HELP THE FAMILY
Connor’s Heroes program team built a special bond with Evie’s family. Erin and Anne-Randolph surprised them with gift cards, family fun packs in the mail, and thoughtfulness in every email, phone call, and visit.
“Erin is a beautiful human being. I thank God for allowing our paths to cross even if it took cancer to get us here.
From the very first phone call, she gave me hope and comfort in the fact that we weren’t alone in this. She calls multiple times a month and every time it is like I’m talking to a friend I’ve had for years. She reassures me that I’m doing everything I can for all the kiddos and reminds me to breathe.
I believe it’s more of who she is, versus the “job,” so to speak.“
A new year is a new unknown for Evie.
A new diagnosis for another child.
A new family who will need Connor’s Heroes.
Make your donation so a family will never face their child’s cancer alone. You can make sure the next hero family receives financial assistance when they need it the most, and emotional support through every personal note, email, phone call, and visit. As the world looks for hope, guidance, and support, our childhood cancer families don’t have to look far. Hope, guidance, and support are the pillars of Connor’s Heroes mission.
Thank you to Danielle for writing about her family and Connor’s Heroes. All pictures are from Danielle’s page on Facebook: Evie’s Endeavor.
November Heroes Art Session
As the year winds down and the holidays gear up, Connor’s Heroes is grateful to our donors whose donations allow us to safely gather with our hero families for the monthly Heroes Art Sessions.
At the November Heroes Art Session, the kids used a variety of mediums to create art of all styles that visualize iconic landmarks around Richmond.
The kids were really excited when Sarah broke out a big block of clay. She showed the kids how to cut, sculpt, and decorate the clay into different holiday shapes. Stay tuned to see the results after Sarah fires up all their clay creations in a kiln. (Having access to a kiln is one of the many perks we receive thanks to our partnership with The Visual Arts Center of Richmond.)
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, they feel a collective sense of healing simply by creating and being together. We are grateful to The Visual Arts Center of Richmond 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.
Childhood Cancer Heroes: Everett, Joshua, Ariana, Lucy, Valentin, Zuri, Kennedy
Hero Artist Leaders & Volunteers: Emilia Texler, Nancy LeBlanc, Emily Griffin, Katelyn Griffin, Anna, Wilkinson, Patricia Burchett, Sarah Cross
If you are interested in sharing your talents by volunteering as a hero artist leader, fill out our online volunteer application posted on our website: www.connorsheroes.org/ways-to-give/
If you can not volunteer your time, you can support the monthly heroes art sessions and other programs offered to childhood cancer heroes by making a donation online: www.connorsheroes.org/ways-to-give/
You will meet some of the childhood cancer heroes shown here. They will be our guests of honor at the 11th Annual Heroes Art Ball in May 2022!
Gift Hope & Give Hope
With the holiday season gearing up, today is a great day to embrace giving. Currently 100 childhood cancer heroes are in active treatment. Moms, dads and grandparents juggle the emotional challenges and financial toll of cancer while trying to celebrate the magic of the holidays. They look to Connor’s Heroes community of heroes for hope, guidance, and support.
This season, pledge to make your holiday gifts more meaningful by giving a childhood cancer family the hope they need during a difficult time.
Remember, Connor’s Heroes makes it easy for you to make a donation in honor of someone who cares about helping children.
#1 Give A $250 Gift Card
#2 Order a Toy, Game or Craft from our Hero Holiday Wish List
#3 Donate To The Holiday Hero Fund
Photos from 2019 and 2020 Holiday Open Houses
Our 2021 Holiday Open House is made possible thanks to the generosity of Cathy Heizer, her family and friends. They kick started the campaign with gifts made in memory of her husband, Paul “Opie.” Opie passed away this year after battling pancreatic cancer. Opie devoted his life to supporting child-focused nonprofits such as Connor’s Heroes and HELP Charities. Opie wanted to make sure children with cancer received love, strength, and support. We are honored to have Cathy serving on our Board of Directors. Cathy said
“I am the grandmother of five wonderful grandchildren ages 6 through 12. It is our family tradition that at Christmas time, the grandchildren and I donate to a nonprofit like The Angel Tree, for example. Ever since I joined Conner’s Heroes Board of Directors I wondered how my family could help their brave hero families. Being a Holiday Hero is perfect. My family is donating in memory of my husband who loved — and I do mean loved! — Christmas. I know Opie would want us to carry on his excitement for Christmas. I can’t think of a better way than to give holiday cheer to area families by giving to Connor’s Heroes.”
Today's Helping Hero: Andrew Getchell with Page Auto Group
Andrew is the father to childhood cancer hero Luke who sadly passed away in 2019 after battling leukemia. Andrew never forgot the ways Connor’s Heroes helped him and his son. For the past few years, during September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Andrew’s friends, family, and his employer, Page Auto Group, held a fundraiser for Connor’s Heroes. This year, they raised more than $5,000. This donation will do a tremendous amount of good for the 100 plus children in active treatment right now.
“My son, Luke, battled leukemia from July 2018 to Oct 2019. Connor’s Heroes was there during our four-plus months of hospital stays and countless clinic visits. They encouraged and supported Luke and us. I am forever grateful to them for their kindness, generosity, and their love for Luke. It is in Luke’s memory that I raised money for this worthwhile nonprofit organization.”
Thank you Andrew and for honoring the memory of your son through your generosity to other childhood cancer heroes.