Classic
10th Annual Heroes Art Ball
10th Annual Heroes Art Ball
From Celia Tetlow Martin, Executive Director of Connor’s Heroes
Connor’s Heroes held its first Heroes Art Ball over a decade ago. The Heroes Art Ball is more than a fundraising event. It is a magical night for our hero families and guests — while raising funds to support the important work of Connor’s Heroes.
Our 10th Annual Heroes Art Ball became our first-ever virtual gala. We couldn’t celebrate together like we originally planned. But that didn’t stop you from joining us online and being a true superhero for our childhood cancer families. Your generosity saved the day!
Right now our kids and hero artists cannot safely create art for our auction and we can not celebrate together with you and our community of heroes. These two aspects are the heart of the event. With the health and safety of all of us in mind, the Heroes Art Ball will take a hiatus this year. But make sure to save the date for the 11th Annual Heroes Art Ball on May 6, 2022!
Instead, we are focusing on a very exciting opportunity for you and Connor’s Heroes.
We are calling on you — our community of heroes.You can leave a lasting legacy for the future of Connor's Heroes that goes beyond one night.
When the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU opens the amazing Wonder Tower in 2023, families will have a state-of-the-art inpatient facility with new operating rooms, imaging capacity, emergency department space, and an extraordinary team of caregivers ready to care for children. The opening of the Wonder Tower is a wonderful opportunity for Connor’s Heroes. With your help, Connor’s Heroes finally can have permanent spaces on the hematology and oncology floor. Each room will give a family hope, guidance, and support — the pillars of Connor’s Heroes mission. The Connor’s Heroes rooms will be much-needed spaces for our staff, volunteers, healthcare teams, researchers, and hero families.
• The Connor’s Heroes Family Room is for a parent to decompress or families to visit outside of a child’s hospital room. Connor’s Heroes will do arts and crafts, serve a sweet treat, or meet with a family to give them a Heroes Bag and Backpack.
• The Connor’s Heroes Consult Room will be a place for caregivers or family to have a private conversation with their child’s support care team. When a child has a bone marrow transplant, a family must be isolated from others.
• 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.
• The Connor’s Heroes Respite Room will be a meaningful space for nurses and support care teams to get away and focus on their emotional, psychological, and physical wellness.
• 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. The lab is named after Jamie Hess who died from leukemia in 2002.
• The Connor’s Heroes Family Room is for a parent to decompress or families to visit outside of a child’s hospital room. Connor’s Heroes will do arts and crafts, serve a sweet treat, or meet with a family to give them a Heroes Bag and Backpack.
• The Connor’s Heroes Consult Room will be a place for caregivers or family to have a private conversation with their child’s support care team. When a child has a bone marrow transplant, a family must be isolated from others.
• 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.
• The Connor’s Heroes Respite Room will be a meaningful space for nurses and support care teams to get away and focus on their emotional, psychological, and physical wellness.
• 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. The lab is named after Jamie Hess who died from leukemia in 2002.
Contact Us
(804) 897-1272
admin@connorsheroes.org
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 2536, Midlothian, VA 23113
Office Address:
1840 West Broad Street Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23220
501(c)(3) non-profit organization. EIN: 20-4992632
© 2019 Connor’s Heroes Foundation
Financials
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Connor’s Heroes is committed to being good stewards of the funding we receive from individuals and corporations. You can trust that the money you give to Connor’s Heroes Foundation goes directly to helping area children with cancer and their families. If you would like to receive a copy of our Financial Statements or Form 990, please send an email to celia@connorsheroes.org or call (804) 897-1272. You can also view our profile at giverichmond.org. Our tax identification number is: 20-4992632.
Pledge Your Birthday For Connor's Heroes
Pledge Your Birthday
You can make a difference and help a child battling with cancer. Make your birthday a giving day! It’s easy. Instead of gifts, ask for donations to Connor’s Heroes. When it’s your birthday time, you let us know. We will set you up with a personal fundraising page. You can collect donations online. Every dollar donated in your honor will support a brave child who is battling cancer and needs Connor’s Heroes.
Here is how it works!
STEP 1: Pledge your birthday by going online and registering your name and birthday. Two weeks before your birthday, we will send you an email with a toolkit and instructions to set up your personal fundraising page.
STEP 2: Start your campaign. Click “Create My Own Fundraising Page.” You can edit your page to include a photo and description about why you are pledging your birthday. You will have a link to your own fundraising page. The page will list all the generous people who care about you and made a donation. Connor’s Heroes will thank them for making your birthday so special for our childhood cancer heroes.
STEP 3: Tell the world what you’re doing! Share your personal link on social media, email or text. Connor’s Heroes will email to you great graphics you can share on social media.
100% of the money you raised will help a child with cancer and their family. Your birthday will make sure when a child registers with Connor’s Heroes, the family receives financial and emotional support such as a $250 gift card and an iPad mini in our Heroes Bag and Backpack.
Sit back. Have an extra piece of birthday cake. Enjoy your birthday!
Rooms Filled With Hope
The healing and care of a child with cancer is changing right before your eyes.
In downtown Richmond, construction is transforming a city block into a new inpatient children’s hospital. The opening of the hospital is your opportunity to leave a lasting legacy on the hospital’s floors. You can give Connor’s Heroes permanent spaces on the new hematology and oncology floor. You can build five ROOMS WITH HOPE. Each room will help a hero family every step of the way — starting with their child’s cancer diagnosis and throughout their cancer journey.
We are calling on you — our community of heroes.You can fill ROOMS WITH HOPE.
When the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU opens the amazing Wonder Tower in 2023, families will have a state-of-the-art inpatient facility with new operating rooms, imaging capacity, emergency department space, and an extraordinary team of caregivers ready to care for children. The opening of the Wonder Tower is a wonderful opportunity for Connor’s Heroes. With your help, Connor’s Heroes finally can have permanent spaces on the hematology and oncology floor. Each room will give a family hope, guidance, and support — the pillars of Connor’s Heroes mission. The Connor’s Heroes rooms will be much-needed spaces for our staff, volunteers, healthcare teams, researchers, and hero families.
Generous people like you can open five rooms in the Wonder Tower for our hero families.
We have an ambitious goal to raise $250,000for our Rooms Filled With Hope capital campaign.
• The Connor’s Heroes Family Room is for a parent to decompress or families to visit outside of a child’s hospital room. Connor’s Heroes will do arts and crafts, serve a sweet treat, or meet with a family to give them a Heroes Bag and Backpack.
• The Connor’s Heroes Consult Room will be a place for caregivers or family to have a private conversation with their child’s support care team. When a child has a bone marrow transplant, a family must be isolated from others.
• 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.
• The Connor’s Heroes Respite Room will be a meaningful space for nurses and support care teams to get away and focus on their emotional, psychological, and physical wellness.
• 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. The lab is named after Jamie Hess who died from leukemia in 2002.
• The Connor’s Heroes Family Room is for a parent to decompress or families to visit outside of a child’s hospital room. Connor’s Heroes will do arts and crafts, serve a sweet treat, or meet with a family to give them a Heroes Bag and Backpack.
• The Connor’s Heroes Consult Room will be a place for caregivers or family to have a private conversation with their child’s support care team. When a child has a bone marrow transplant, a family must be isolated from others.
• 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.
• The Connor’s Heroes Respite Room will be a meaningful space for nurses and support care teams to get away and focus on their emotional, psychological, and physical wellness.
• 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. The lab is named after Jamie Hess who died from leukemia in 2002.
WAYS TO GIVE
All donations to fill ROOMS WITH HOPE are tax-deductible.
PLEDGED GIFTS
You can pledge to make a larger gift and fulfill it over a comfortable pace of your choosing. You can spread the payments over a period of time—typically five years or less. You will receive an income-tax deduction for the amount you gave each year. PLEDGE YOUR GIFT
ONE TIME GIFTS
Cash, checks or credit card gifts provide a safe and secure way to make a tax-deductible gift today. You can give a single gift or pledge to give every month.
Checks should be made payable to the Connor’s Heroes Foundation. Please note in the memo “Yes, I want to fill ROOMS WITH HOPE.” Mail your gift to Connor’s Heroes Foundation • P.O. Box 2536 • Midlothian, VA 23113
Credit card donations may be made online.
GIVE A SINGLE GIFT • GIVE EVERY MONTH
MATCHING GIFTS
Corporations can potentially double your gift if your company or organization has a matching program. Many companies match donations made by employees to eligible nonprofit organizations. Check with your HR Department on how you can request a matching gift for Connor’s Heroes Foundation.
DONOR ADVISED FUNDS (DAFs)
A donor-advised fund is like a charitable investment account, for the sole purpose of supporting charitable organizations you care about. It is one of the fastest growing charitable giving vehicle in the United States. Connor’s Heroes has received donations through DAFs such as Community Foundation Richmond, Fidelity Charitable and Schwab Charitable. You can authorize your gifts to the Connor’s Heroes Foundation, Tax ID# 20-4992632.
GIFTS OF SECURITIES
Gifts of appreciated securities may qualify for a tax deduction equivalent to the current market value of the securities (as determined by IRS rules and regulations). No capital gains tax is incurred by the donor when appreciated securities are transferred. Ask your agent to contact Celia, Executive Director, celia@connorsheroes.org or (804) 897-1272 for account information your agent will need to perform the transfer and to ensure the proper receipt and acknowledgment of your gift of securities.
PLANNED GIFTS
Naming Connor’s Heroes as the beneficiary of an IRA, a Bequest, or a Trust provides tax and financial planning benefits to you, as well as ensuring a hopeful future for our childhood cancer heroes. Your tax-free gift from your IRA can count toward your Required Minimum Distribution. For a sample IRA Rollover Letter to be given to your financial institution, contact Celia, Executive Director, celia@connorsheroes.org or (804) 897-1272.
Learn more about your legacy gifts options. [LINK TO PDF]
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, CONTACT:
Celia Tetlow Martin
Executive Director, Connor’s Heroes Foundation
celia@connorsheroes.org
(804) 897-1272
Contact Us
(804) 897-1272
admin@connorsheroes.org
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 2536, Midlothian, VA 23113
Office Address:
1840 West Broad Street Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23220
501(c)(3) non-profit organization. EIN: 20-4992632
© 2019 Connor’s Heroes Foundation
Financials
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Connor’s Heroes is committed to being good stewards of the funding we receive from individuals and corporations. You can trust that the money you give to Connor’s Heroes Foundation goes directly to helping area children with cancer and their families. If you would like to receive a copy of our Financial Statements or Form 990, please send an email to celia@connorsheroes.org or call (804) 897-1272. You can also view our profile at giverichmond.org. Our tax identification number is: 20-4992632.
Hero Squad
Hero Squad & Jr. Hero Squad
The Hero Squad is an exclusive group of people across Central Virginia who are passionate about their community and can inspire others to help children fight cancer. Each member of The Hero Squad has a personal fundraising page. You can donate for a specific Hero Squad Member. You can donate every month or make a single gift. Every dollar will help the Hero Squad meet their goal! If you or you know someone to join The Hero Squad, contact Celia at celia@connorsheroes.org.
Hero Squad
The Hero Squad is made up of professionals who have a heart for philanthropy. As a member of the Hero Squad, you commit to raise $1,000 for children with cancer in September. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. You can raise the money through individual asks, social media, restaurant give back nights, social events, corporate giving — you name it! If you or you know someone to join The Hero Squad, contact Celia at celia@connorsheroes.org. In the past, Connor’s Heroes hosted a party to celebrate the success of the Hero Squad.
Jr. Hero Squad
The Jr. Hero Squad is open to preschool through high school students. As a member of the Jr. Hero Squad, you commit to raise $500 during the summer. You can fundraise by yourself or with a group of friends. Our Jr. Hero Squad members put the fun in fundraising. They had bake sales, did yard work, played soccer tournaments, and hosted a swim-a-thon! If you or you know someone to join The Jr. Hero Squad, contact Celia at celia@connorsheroes.org.
2022 Hero Squad
Top Fundraiser: Katya Herndon
Devon Bortz • Samira Creel • Ashley Devlin • Cole Elliott • Julianna Kimes • Lindsey Hollett • Martia Jones • Jessica Overstreet
2022 Jr. Hero Squad
Mark • Lilah • Team Connor, Kenley, Luke, Parker, Reese, and Vivian • Emily and her softball teammates • Layla & Nadia
2021 Hero Squad
Sarah • Vanessa • Gareth • Patricia • Mike and Laura
2021 Jr. Hero Squad
Izzy • Tyler & Ellie • Parker & Gabrielle • The Sacred Circle of The Ancient Octopi
2020 Hero Squad
Top Fundraisers: Thomas & Hannah McDonald • Jill & Lily Voekler• Johanna Oreleski
Kendall Burgess • Venus Bolton • Samantha Conigliaro • Carrie Geldreich • Renee Lenassi • Erica Memoli • Jennifer Meador • Emily Moser-Wright • Mary-Stuart Torbeck • Chris Weller
Many thanks to our 2020 Hero Squad Members who raised money during the pandemic to make sure Connor’s Heroes continues to help our hero families.
2020 Jr. Hero Squad
Top Fundraisers: Graeme’s Warriors
Abigail • Alison • Anna • David • Emily • Ginny & Thomas • Lily & Luke • Mark • Olivia & Ella • Olivia & Tristan • Owen • Taylor • The Sacred Circle of The Ancient Octopi
2019 Hero Squad
Top Fundraisers: Jennifer Swenson • Violet Cox • Nancy Simmons • Dylan Franklin • Shelly Jones
Caitlyn Fralin • Kendall Burgess • Ryon and Carrie Acey • Kristin Seward • Jillian Marchant • Graham Boggio • Kyle Resendes • Jennike Duignam • Erica Strine • Geoff Zindren • JC Kimes • Patrick Dotter • Brooke Van Zandt • Tara Horne • Nancy Jacey
Here is a blog post about the 2019 Hero Squad. Read how the inaugural class blew through their fundraising goal!
Easton's Heroes
You are the hero Easton needed to fight cancer.
In December, Jess and Justin received devastating news that no parent wants to hear. Their son, six-year-old Easton, had cancer. At that moment, “our world came crashing down.” After Easton registered with Connor’s Heroes, his family quickly learned they would never be alone during Easton’s treatment for a brain tumor. You gave them hope and much needed financial support.
Discover how your generosity to Connor’s Heroes made all the difference to a six-year-old boy and his family.
Diagnosis
Easton and his parents loved the Connor’s Heroes Bag and Backpack. We filled them with items recommended by our childhood cancer parents. A $250 VISA gift card helped with initial expenses.
Travel Fund
You helped with Easton’s expenses to travel to D.C. for his treatments in a clinical trial to treat his brain tumor.
Gift Cards
$100 gift cards for gas & groceries mailed over the past months were always appreciated and needed.
Family Fun Packs
We mailed your donations from our Amazon Wish List to Easton. The family received a Cookie Decorating Kit, Summer Fun Pack & Movie Night Fun Pack.
Dinner Delivery
You treated Easton’s family to a delicious dinner from a local restaurant delivered right to their doorstep by our volunteers.
Celebrations
You allowed us to acknowledge moments like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day with kind words and gift cards for Easton’s parents.
Research
Your donations directed towards research are funding a study by Dr. Faber on pediatric neuroblastoma.
There’s more to Easton’s story.
Jess and Justin can share their son Easton’s story because you cared. See how you helped the family when Easton started treatment in December 2019.
His superhero name is “EastonBeaston!”
When Easton started treatment, the pandemic started taking its toll. Easton’s family witnessed kindness from incredible doctors, nurses and generous people like you who believed in Connor’s Heroes mission. Three days after doctor’s found a large mass on the left side of Easton’s brain, brave Easton had a craniotomy and his treatment began. He enrolled in a trial at Children’s National Hospital in D.C. He did it all: inpatient chemotherapy, apheresis, port placement and stem cell transplants. While Jess was with Easton in D.C., Justin took care of their three other children, Gavin, Lawson, and Corinna, back home.
“You made it easier for me to focus on more important needs!”
Easton’s family first learned about Connor’s Heroes when they received a Heroes Backpack and Parent Tote Bag. If you donated from our Amazon Wish List, you supplied many of the items they loved. “Easton’s favorite thing in his backpack was his iPad mini. My favorite thing in the parent tote was literally everything.” The family received gift cards from Connor’s Heroes. “Gift cards were our saving grace.”
“Words can’t describe how much you helped us.”
Jess stopped working so she could be with Easton in D.C. “There is no way we could have done it without gift cards from The Connor’s Heroes Travel Fund.” You inspired us to reimagine how Erin, our program director, could support families virtually. “Erin always sent me a card when I needed it the most. Her messages were heartfelt and inspiring. Easton finished his last round of inpatient chemo and is doing absolutely amazing. You brought joy to our family”
As we recognize September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month,
I want to thank you for continuing to touch the lives of our hero families during a difficult time. You made sure every child who registered with Connor’s Heroes felt loved as the pandemic presented new challenges for our childhood cancer families and us. As you learned from Easton’s mom, their family got through the ups and downs of Easton’s difficult treatment thanks to you. Your compassion and support continue to be an incredible gift. Easton’s family is one of many families who look to Connor’s Heroes for hope, guidance, and support. You can help Easton and the next family who registers with Connor’s Heroes by making a gift today for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Thanks for being a hero!
Celia Tetlow Martin
Executive Director, Connor’s Heroes
Contact Us
(804) 897-1272
admin@connorsheroes.org
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 2536, Midlothian, VA 23113
Office Address:
1840 West Broad Street Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23220
501(c)(3) non-profit organization. EIN: 20-4992632
© 2019 Connor’s Heroes Foundation
Financials
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Connor’s Heroes is committed to being good stewards of the funding we receive from individuals and corporations. You can trust that the money you give to Connor’s Heroes Foundation goes directly to helping area children with cancer and their families. If you would like to receive a copy of our Financial Statements or Form 990, please send an email to celia@connorsheroes.org or call (804) 897-1272. You can also view our profile at giverichmond.org. Our tax identification number is: 20-4992632.
News & Events
News & Events
12th Annual Heroes Art Ball
SAVE THE DATE: Friday, May 5, 2023 • John Marshall Ballrooms, 101 N 5th St, Richmond, VA
Connor’s Heroes recognizes the businesses and community organizations who support our mission in a variety of ways. If your company is interested in donating supplies or services, contact celia@connorsheroes.org or call (804) 897-1272.
Upcoming Events
Family Support
Family Support
“Your child has cancer” are no words a parent expects to hear. It takes only a minute for you to register with Connor’s Heroes and realize that you are not alone. There is a community who can help. Registration is open to families with a child who is diagnosed, treated or lives in Central Virginia.
Diagnosis
You start with a Connor’s Heroes Bag and Backpack filled with items that childhood cancer parents recommended for the hospital. Inside are gift cards, crafts, stuffed animals, and, best of all, an iPad! To receive more support from Connor’s Heroes, you enroll online or complete the form in your Heroes Bag. Our Program Director will follow up on how we can best assist your family.
In Treatment
Connor’s Heroes developed programs with guidance from parents whose children were treated for cancer in Richmond. Our Program Director will be happy to explain how we can help during your child’s lengthy treatment.
- Unique Needs fund offering financial assistance for extenuating circumstances such as extended stays in the hospital or BMT Unit or when traveling outside of Central Virginia for second opinions, clinical trials or treatment.
- Gift cards for gas, groceries, and restaurants.
- Room of Possibilities is a family-friendly space on the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit.
- Decorating your child’s hospital room when they are admitted to the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit.
- Heroes Art Sessions with local artists.
- Lunch Bunch is a healthy, quick lunch served on the pediatric floor (in partnership with CJ’s Thumbs Up).
- Clinic crafts, coffee and lunch to make your time in clinic more enjoyable.
Family Events
We’ve cheered on the Flying Squirrels, toured the Holiday Lights, skated with Disney On Ice and watched a movie at an old-fashioned drive-in. Our most popular event is our Heroes Art Sessions. Every month, we host a hands-on art session with art instructors and professional artists.
Bereavement
No one likes to think about children losing their battle with cancer, yet childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease for children. The Connor’s Heroes Angel Fund assists with funeral expenses and offers you grief support.
Who are the Heroes of RVA?
Every week a child in Central Virginia is diagnosed with cancer. Since 2006, Connor’s Heroes has helped more than 1,000 children from infants to teenagers. Here are a few of the brave children who inspire us.
Hero Partners
Hero Partners
Connor’s Heroes recognizes the businesses and community organizations who support our mission in a variety of ways. If your company is interested in donating supplies or services, contact Celia at celia@connorsheroes.org or call (804) 897-1272.
11th Annual Heroes Art Ball Sponsors
Thank you to the businesses and individuals who partnered with us for our annual fundraising gala, The Heroes Art Ball. We are now accepting corporate sponsors for the 12th Annual Heroes Art Ball on Friday, May 5, 2023 at John Marshall Ballrooms. Email celia@connorsheroes.org or call (804) 897-1272 for a sponsorship package.
About Us
Our Mission & Values
Founded in 2006 as a salute to Connor Goodwin, who triumphed after 2-1/2 years of cancer treatment as a preschooler, Connor’s Heroes is named after Connor and in honor of the heroes who supported his family throughout his treatment. Today, Connor’s Heroes is a Richmond, Virginia-based nonprofit dedicated to helping the families in Central Virginia cope with childhood cancer and our community’s researchers conquer it.
Our Mission
Building a community of heroes who provide hope, guidance, and support to children with cancer and their families.
Our Vision
To make fighting childhood cancer a journey a family never faces alone.
Our Story: Inspired By One Family’s Journey
Connor’s Cancer Diagnosis
Connor was only 22 months old when doctors diagnosed him with leukemia (ALL).
Connor’s Last Day of Treatment
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.
Established Connor’s Heroes Foundation
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.
Launched Heroes Bags and Backpacks
Connor gave the first Heroes Backpack to his best friend during treatment, Owen.
Established Pediatric Cancer Research Endowment Fund
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.
Opened the Room of Possibilities
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.
First Gala: The Heroes Art Ball
The Heroes Art Ball celebrated the five year anniversary of Connor’s Heroes.
Named Connor’s Heroes Pediatric Cancer Research Fund
The endowed fund was fully funded with a million dollars and was named in honor of Connor’s Heroes.
Raised $100,000 at Heroes Art Ball
For the first time ever, the Heroes Art Ball raised $100,000! The gala continues to be Connor’s Heroes largest fundraising event.
Started Heroes Art Sessions
The monthly Heroes Art Sessions continue to be a special time when our young heroes express themselves through art created side-by-side with professional artists. Some of the art is auctioned at the Heroes Art Ball.
Named Endowed Chair
The Connor’s Heroes Foundation Board of Directors welcomed Seth J. Corey, M.D., M.P.H, as the first endowed chair in pediatric cancer research.
Celebrated 10 Year Anniversary
Connor’s Heroes helped more than 1,000 families in our first 10 years.
Donated $100,000 to research fund
Connor’s Heroes gave its largest donation to the pediatric cancer research fund established in our name.
Named New Executive Director
Lisa Goodwin passed the leadership of Connor’s Heroes over to Celia Tetlow Martin. Celia became the foundation’s Executive Director after serving as a volunteer and member of the Board of Directors.
Created Advisory Council
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.
Launched Circle of Heroes
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.
Celebrated Holiday Heroes
Connor’s Heroes started a Holiday Heroes Program. We invited every family with a child in active treatment to a Holiday Open House. They received presents, a $250 gift card, and lots of holiday cheer. The Holiday Open House has become an annual tradition for our families.
Launched Hero Squad & Jr. Hero Squad
The Hero Squad is a group of people who inspire others to give to Connor’s Heroes in an online, peer-to-peer campaign. The program expanded to include children and teens who joined the Jr. Hero Squad.
Connor Graduates High School
Connor, the boy who inspired the start of Connor’s Heroes, graduated high school.
Campaigned for Rooms Filled With Hope
Connor’s Heroes raised $250,000 for the Rooms Filled With Hope capital campaign. When the new inpatient children’s hospital opens in 2023, Connor’s Heroes will have five permanent spaces on the new pediatric hematology and oncology floor.
Introduced Unique Needs Fund
Connor’s Heroes started the Unique Needs Fund to help families with unexpected expenses for extended stays in the hospital or traveling for second opinions, clinical trials or treatment.
Welcomed Child Life Specialist
Connor’s Heroes funded a Child Life Specialist with Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU for pediatric hematology and oncology patients. She will coordinate their care with Connor’s Heroes program team.
Raised $500,000 at Heroes Art Ball
Hundreds of guests celebrated the nine childhood cancer heroes featured at the 11th Annual Heroes Art Ball. The night raised a record-breaking $517,000 for the programs helping the childhood cancer families in Central Virginia.
Our Staff
Connor’s Heroes primarily functions with the assistance of an amazing group of volunteers. We are also fortunate to be guided by a group of dedicated and experienced staff members.
Celia Tetlow Martin
Executive Director
celia@connorsheroes.org
Celia has been involved with Connor‘s Heroes since 2010 when she began volunteering. She served as Chair of the Development Committee and as Vice Chair of the Connor’s Heroes Board of Directors. She chaired the Heroes Art Ball for several years. Celia worked at University of Richmond, The Commonwealth Institute, and United Way. She is a graduate of Virginia Tech and a loyal Hokie.
Erin Gardner
Program Director
erin@connorsheroes.org
You can find Erin most every week in clinic or the hospital with the families. She enjoys meeting and engaging with all of our wonderful patients, their families, and the volunteers. Erin joined Connor’s Heroes in August 2013 after working as a professional school counselor.
Anne-Randolph Carter
Program Coordinator
anne-randolph@connorsheroes.org
Anne-Randolph will work along side Erin while supporting our families, organizing hero events and coordinating our volunteers. Anne-Randolph has a background in healthcare administration, is an avid cycler, a Hokie fanatic, and has a spunky daughter who keeps her energized.
Ceci Hull
Development Assistant
ceci@connorsheroes.org
Ceci is behind the scenes at Connor’s Heroes managing marketing, social media and donor relations. She comes to Connor’s Heroes with a variety of experience that is put to good use supporting our staff, donors and hero families.
Meredith Burns, MS, CCLS
Child Life Specialist, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU
Meredith partnered with Connor’s Heroes in February 2022. As part of the Child Life Specialist (CLS) Team with CHoR, she will focus on the pediatric hematology and oncology patients when they are admitted to the hospital. She will coordinate a family’s care with the Connor’s Heroes Program Team. Meredith believes patients need to feel like children, even when they are in the hospital.
Picture Credit: Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU
Connor’s Heroes Foundation Board & Advisory Council
Our Board Members are critical to helping us achieve our mission of supporting childhood cancer heroes and their families.
Officers
Board Members
Tamara Griffin, Chair
Capital One
Marla Fergerson, Vice Chair
MSC Industrial Supply
Zach Isbell, Secretary
JLL
Carrie Geldreich, Treasurer
Fahrenheit Advisors
Gwendolyn Carnes
Markel
Marisa Cherry
VMWare
Lisa Spickler Goodwin, Esq.
Founder
Hirschler
Cathy Heizer
Volunteer
Austin Harris
Milk Bar
Diane Koontz
Healixa
Laura Markley
NRV
Will Maixner
DaVita Kidney Care
Juliana Moreno
Hero Parent
Conrad Simmons
Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU
Karrie Southall
RiverFront Investment Group
Katie Noller Tyson, MD
VCU Health
Kevin Wright
Value Added Distributors
Officers
Tamara Griffin, Chair
Capital One
Marla Fergerson, Vice Chair
MSC Industrial Supply
Zach Isbell, Secretary
JLL
Carrie Geldreich, Treasurer
Fahrenheit Advisors
Board Members
Gwendolyn Carnes
Markel
Marisa Cherry
VMWare
Lisa Spickler Goodwin, Esq.
Founder
Hirschler
Cathy Heizer
Volunteer
Austin Harris
Milk Bar
Diane Koontz
Healixa
Laura Markley
NRV
Will Maixner
DaVita Kidney Care
Juliana Moreno
Hero Parent
Conrad Simmons
Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU
Karrie Southall
RiverFront Investment Group
Katie Noller Tyson, MD
VCU Health
Kevin Wright
Value Added Distributors
Connor’s Heroes Foundation Advisory Council
We are grateful for our long-standing partnership with Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU and the VCU Massey Cancer Center. Our Advisory Council is made up of physicians and scientists from the medical field who dedicated their lives to fighting childhood cancer.
Robyn Dillion, LCSW, C-ACYFSW
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU
Elizabeth Krieger, MD
Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU
Joseph Laver, MD, MHA
Chief of Hematology/Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU
Children’s Hospital Foundation Endowed Chair in Pediatric Cancer Research
Elias Neujahr, MHA, MBA
President, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU
Jeniece S. Roane, MS, RN, NE-BC
Associate Vice President of Operations, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU
Jennifer Rohan, PhD, LCP
Associate Professor, Director of Psychosocial Clinical Care and Research – Hematology and Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU
India Yount Sisler, MD
Associate Professor, Clinical Director Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU
Dory Walczak MS, RN, NE-BC, CPHQ, LSSGB
Nursing Director, Acute & Critical Care Pediatrics, Child Life Program
Contact Us
(804) 897-1272
admin@connorsheroes.org
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 5512, Richmond, VA 23220
Office Address:
1840 West Broad Street Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23220
Connor’s Heroes Foundation
501(c)(3) non-profit organization. EIN: 20-4992632
© 2019 Connor’s Heroes Foundation
Financials
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Connor’s Heroes is committed to being good stewards of the funding we receive from individuals and corporations. You can trust that the money you give to Connor’s Heroes Foundation goes directly to helping area children with cancer and their families. If you would like to receive a copy of our Financial Statements or Form 990, please send an email to celia@connorsheroes.org or call (804) 897-1272. You can also view our profile at giverichmond.org. Our tax identification number is: 20-4992632.
Research
Research
Childhood cancer receives less than 4% of federal funding for cancer research. This percentage has not changed since Connor’s Heroes started in 2006. Connor’s Heroes actively funds two research funds based in Richmond, Virginia. The discoveries they make in our community will help children all over the world.
The Connor’s Heroes Pediatric Cancer Research Fund
When Connor’s Heroes began, Richmond did not have a research center for pediatric cancer. We decided to change that. We worked with the VCU Massey Cancer Center, Children’s Hospital Foundation and Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU to establish The Connor’s Heroes Pediatric Cancer Research Fund. It is the only endowed research fund in Richmond for pediatric cancer.
The Jamie Hess Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Fund
Jamie Hess’ parents established the fund after Jamie died from leukemia while on the BMT Unit in 2002. The Hess family started partnering with Connor’s Heroes in 2007 by encouraging us to support the pediatric patients who were isolated on the adult BMT Unit, and to continue to raise money for Jamie’s Fund. Today, our volunteers decorate the rooms of any child on the BMT Unit and we created the Room of Possibilities Family Room.