About ASK
Making Life Better for Children with Cancer
Nothing can prepare you for the words “your child has cancer.” It’s not natural, it’s not fair, but it is real. Children do get cancer and a family’s life is turned upside down.
The numbers add up so quickly – about 500 children each month are treated at the ASK Pediatric Hematology/Oncology clinic. Each one of them, along with their families, needs help dealing with the complex and stressful issues of cancer treatment. Fortunately, a network of support is already waiting for them through ASK.
Our Mission
Since its founding, the mission has remained the same: Making Life Better for Children with Cancer. ASK is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization which provides financial, spiritual, social and emotional support directly to over 1000 children and their families annually.
Vision
To serve as a leading source of support for children with cancer and their families.
Guiding Principles
- We believe in children and families first
- Be mission driven
- Be responsible stewards of resources
- Be ethical
- Be an open and collaborative community partner
- Be proactive as well as responsive
- Be creative and innovative
- Show compassion at all times
History
ASK was founded in 1975 by a small group of parents of pediatric cancer patients at MCV Hospital, Richmond, VA. They joined together to provide mutual support, to search for answers and to deal with the devastating diagnoses. These parents searched for simple pleasures for their children and support for themselves. They started with small changes like books, toys and games for the little ones to help alleviate the anxiety and pain of treatment, and small parent gatherings in the hospital waiting rooms to help reduce their own stress. These parents became the founding members of ASK. Their mission was simple and remains unchanged today as we continue to search for ways to make life better for children with cancer.
Today
ASK continues to walk in the footsteps of its founders, determined in the mission
“Making Life Better for Children with Cancer.” What began as a few small changes slowly grew into an extraordinary organization that has expanded its programs and services to meet the needs of children and families. ASK steps in at the time of diagnosis to help the family deal with the non-clinical side of what’s happening. While the hospital and medical staff focus on the treatment, ASK works to provide the children and their families with the quality-of-life support they need.
ASK enhances the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Department at VCU Health Systems by funding several positions including a psychologist, chaplain, and child life therapist. ASK also provides opportunities for cancer patients and their families to forget about their disease and enjoy life through sponsoring trips to local attractions and sporting events.
Our Funding
ASK receives funding from a variety of sources including local corporations, foundations and individuals. ASK's budget for the fiscal year 2008-2009 is $600,000.
2008-990
Audited financials 2008
ASK_AnnualReport
Board of Directors
The
ASK Board of Directors is made up of parents of childhood cancer patients and concerned members of the community as well as the medical staff from the ASK Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic.
Learn more about the ASK Board of Directors »