2024 Circle Of Heroes Reception
The Circle Of Heroes Reception honored the individuals who generously give at the leadership level to Connor’s Heroes. This year’s reception featured two powerful speakers: a mom whose child is currently benefiting from Connor’s Heroes support, and the mom who founded the organization. Together, they shared their emotional journeys and the impact Connor’s Heroes has had on their families.
“Mommy, take a bow!”
Elizabeth’s son James was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in 2021. Now four years old and in post treatment, James stood proudly by his mom’s side as she reflected on the early days of his treatment. The iPad in his Heroes Bag and Backpack got him through his first hospital stays. A time she described as “raw and scary.”
Elizabeth, James, and her husband Joe continue to find a community of support through Connor’s Heroes. The family loves the Heroes Art Sessions and other family events — especially the End Of Summer party at Hardywood.
“I’ll never forget taking him to the party at Hardywood. It was the first time I got to watch him play with another child since he was diagnosed,” Elizabeth said describing an important moment in his cancer journey.
“Can’t do what we do without you.”
The next speaker, Lisa, brought the evening full circle. Lisa is the mom to a very special hero: Connor. The family started Connor’s Heroes in 2006 after Connor was diagnosed with ALL (the same cancer as Elizabeth’s son James) when he was a preschooler. Today, Connor is a law student at UofR!
Lisa reflected on how much the nonprofit has grown — from increasing patient support to funding critical research, all with support from the community. “Connor’s Heroes has stayed true to its mission. I am gratified to see how far it has come and how far it is going to go!”
Elizabeth and Lisa represented two sides of the same powerful story: a mother who discovered a community of heroes ready to help, and the other, a mother who ensured that no family would face their child’s cancer alone.
Leave a legacy to children with cancer
If you want to be a part of our Circle of Heroes, contact Celia, Executive Director. You can email her at celia@connorsheroes.org or call (804) 897-1272. You can easily give online — even setting up monthly payments to make giving easier. Click here for our secure website.
You may want to leave a lasting legacy to children with cancer. Visit our website to learn how you can donate securities, donor advised funds, or planned gifts. https://www.connorsheroes.org/legacy-giving/
Thank you to Nicholas Ratcliff for taking photos at the reception, and to The Heritage for hosting.