The Gracious Posse | A Gracious Challenge: Fight Childhood Cancer with Kindness

Seems like a kindness revolution is upon us. Just last week I spotted these two challenges:

from Parade Magazine

One local organization, ASK Childhood Cancer Foundatio n, strives for kindness all the time. ASK makes life better for children with cancer and their families with Assistance, Support and Kindness. This month ASK challenges us to fight cancer with kindness.

Perhaps you recall reading about ASK in our Gracious Support post covering a Bikes and Brunch event during the 2015 UCI Road World Championships that benefitted ASK. The Wofford family kindly opened their home on Monument Avenue during the final race and hosted a fabulous friend-raiser.

My connection to ASK dates to 1995 when daughter mBf was diagnosed with leukemia. The kindness of the staff, doctors and volunteers always brightened an otherwise dreaded and dreary visit to the clinic. An older volunteer couple provided the highlight of the year: a visit from Santa complete with sweet treats and gifts.

mBf with Santa, brother JDB and yours truly in December 1996

#fightcancerwithkindness

ASK counts on regular folks like them (and us) to continue its mission. If you’d like to

consider these opportunities this month:

Be a mystery reader at ASK’s preschool program (Tuesday or Thursday mornings)
Visit ASK’s after school program (Wednesday afternoons)
Tour the ASK Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic at VCU (early morning or late afternoon)
Meet ASK’s young patients for a Build-a-Bear Party on Sunday, February 26th at 10am, Short Pump Town Center
Donate snacks or art supplies for the clinic (any time)

We’ll Make it Fun!

Please join Alison and me on Thursday afternoon, February 23 at 3 p.m. for coffee at Sub Rosa Bakery in Church Hill followed by a tour of the ASK Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Clinic at VCU. The clinic space’s re-design has transformed a tiny, utilitarian space to a welcoming, serene and upbeat environment for the children and their families. We can accommodate four guests. Contact me at ellen@thegraciousposse.com, and I’ll fill you in on the logistics.

If you can’t attend the brief tour and coffee, perhaps you’d like to donate snacks or art supplies. We’d be happy to take them to the clinic for you. We hope you’ll accept our kindness challenge!