Jonathan was a quarterback on his football team. He played soccer and baseball. He came home from practice one day. His back hurt and he felt like he couldn’t walk. That’s when Keondra knew
Something was wrong.
On Wednesday, June 29, 2016,
normal life stopped and their challenging journey began
— a journey that would test them physically, emotionally, and financially.
“I saw people walking back and forth. It was getting dark.” Finally, doctors told her they found a tumor on Jonathan’s spine. “I’m like — neuroblastoma What is that? When you hear the word “cancer,” you feel like someone is going to leave you.”
“I saw people walking back and forth. It was getting dark.” Finally, doctors told her they found a tumor on Jonathan’s spine. “I’m like — neuroblastoma What is that? When you hear the word “cancer,” you feel like someone is going to leave you.”
After five years, Jonathan’s cancer journey is far from over.
And for the next child diagnosed,
the journey is just beginning.
Jonathan is now 14 years old and going to high school. His cancer has relapsed four times. Due to the complexities of his treatment, Keondra and Jonathan are traveling up and down the East Coast to several hospitals. Jonathan is currently in a clinical trial in New York City. Keondra said, “Without support from Connor’s Heroes, we couldn’t afford to travel for treatment.”
This year, assistance from Connor’s Heroes will help over 100 children who are in active treatment. When you donate, you become part of their community of heroes.
means a family can receive financial assistance when they have to travel outside of Richmond, Virginia for a specialized treatment or a clinical trial.
can fill a Heroes Bag and Backpack with crafts, games, personal items and, best of all, an iPad.
can make a child’s hospital room on the Bone Marrow Transplant unit feel more like home. When Jonathan was in the BMT unit, volunteers decorated his room with holiday lights, pillows, and posters.
can help a family with groceries or gas. Once a month, Keondra receives a grocery gift card with an encouraging note.
can send a Family Fun Pack right to a child’s doorstep. Inside is everything a family needs for a fun night playing board games or watching a movie.
A message from Celia Tetlow Martin, Executive Director, Connor’s Heroes:
You play a critical role in Jonathan’s cancer journey and are a part of his future. Jonathan and Keondra are not alone because generous people donated to Connor’s Heroes. When you give, you join our community of heroes who help a child with cancer.
Your gift can make sure families who have a child in active treatment continue to receive support from Connor’s Heroes. And the next hero family who registers will receive financial assistance when they need it the most, and emotional support through every personal note, email, phone call, and visit.
You are helping Connor’s Heroes support every family as our program staff safely care for them during the pandemic.
Thank you!
