January 2025 Heroes Art Session
Where Courage Meets Creativity
This January, the first Heroes Art Session of 2025 brought together creativity, courage, and community to officially count down to our biggest event of the year: The Heroes Art Ball, happening on Friday, May 9!
At the heart of The Heroes Art Ball are 11 childhood cancer heroes, ranging from toddlers to teens, along with their families. These brave children will take center stage as our guests of honor at the gala. They symbolize the strength of hundreds of young warriors battling cancer with Connor’s Heroes community of heroes by their sides.
We treated our 11 heroes to a day that felt straight out of a Hollywood premiere. Makeup and hair stylists prepped them to pose for portraits. A video crew was on hand to capture the children’s inspiring stories on video.
The Real Magic Is Just Beginning
Over the coming months, at our monthly Heroes Art Sessions, childhood cancer heroes will partner with artist mentors to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Every child’s creativity and story will shine through in their art.
We will feature these masterpieces during the live auction at the gala. Every dollar raised at the Heroes Art Ball will support Connor’s Heroes programs and services, helping families navigate the complexities of childhood cancer with access to vital financial, emotional, and community support.
With the brushstrokes of our young heroes to the support of donors like you, the Heroes Art Session is a powerful reminder how hope comes in many forms — through art, community, and friendship.
Childhood Cancer Heroes: Aaliyah, Abby, Aina, Archer, Ava, Everett, Hudson, Jericho, Journey, Margot, Ruby, Sydney, Tallulah, Xaria
Artist Mentors: Jennike Duignam, Alex Georghiou Frankart, Nancy Jacey, Kathleen O’Connor
Volunteers: Collab Beauty with Ashley & Kristen, Anna, Ana, Cynthia, Emily, Kristen, Kristie, Olivia, Maddie, and Phyllis, Nancy Parker Photography
Photo Credit: Hysell Photography + Sheldon Victoria Ekirch
About Heroes Art Session With Childhood Cancer Heroes And Their Families
Our Heroes Art Sessions provide a supportive environment in which childhood cancer heroes and their siblings can make art and build community with other hero families. At the sessions, you feel a collective sense of healing by creating and being together. We are grateful to Visual Arts Center for giving us the space for an open studio. And to our donors who allow the Heroes Art Sessions to happen at no cost to our families and to supply the artists with their materials.
Connor's Heroes Is Hiring
Connor’s Heroes is a small but mighty team dedicated to providing hope, guidance, and support to children with cancer and their families. We’re hiring an Administrative & Event Coordinator to join up with Celia, Jillian, Dayna, and Ceci as we help families in our community. If you have experience in event planning, administrative support, or nonprofits, and are looking to make an impact in a meaningful way, we’d love to hear from you! At Connor’s Heroes, we believe every individual can be a hero to a child with cancer. We welcome all who share our passion for our mission!
To apply, click here to go to CF Engage website. You will find the job description, salary and link to apply.
Meet the team who you would work with: About Us
Holiday Celebrations 2024
Jingle Bells ALL THE WAY!
Childhood cancer hero families were treated to a holiday experience that gave them special holiday memories. Families with a child in active treatment were invited to our annual Holiday Open House. This year, we partnered with CelebrateRVA — another local nonprofit. CelebrateRVA has a joyful party space specifically made to host birthday parties for underserved children. They let us redecorate it and turn it into a Winter Wonderland.
At the Holiday Open House, families sipped from a cozy hot chocolate bar, enjoyed a buffet of desserts, got crafty at holiday stations, and spent magical moments with the big man himself — Santa! Kids left with arms full of presents from their holiday wish lists. Parents/caregivers received a $250 Visa gift card to help with holiday expenses.
Check out our album of photos from the holiday open house — including adorable pictures of the kids with Santa!
Dominion GardenFest of Lights
We were excited to once again offer hero families complimentary tickets to the amazing Dominion GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter. The light display features millions of lights, botanical decorations, and model trains. After spending an evening under the lights, it is easy to see why it keeps getting voted the Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights in the U.S.! (USA Today 10Best contest; 2024 & 2023). Check out the fun the families had together.
Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy
Connor’s Heroes received a grant for one of the hottest tickets in town: The Richmond Ballet performance of the Nutcracker. With its stunning choreography, lavish sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, The Nutcracker is a magical experience for audiences of all ages! For many of the families, this was their first time experiencing the Nutcracker Ballet.
The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Look at how you made the season bright for childhood cancer hero families:
$31,750 in Visa gift cards given to hero parents/caregivers
168 toys and gift cards for children at the Holiday Open House
249 Lewis Ginter Festival Of Lights tickets
144 WaWa pretzels for Holiday Open House
127 children in active treatment for cancer
64 pictures with Santa
124 gingerbread houses
68 Nutcracker tickets
12 volunteers at the Holiday Open House
4 elves (aka Connor’s Heroes Staff)
1 new community partner – CelebrateRVA
1 new BFF – SANTA!
Thank You To Our Holiday Heroes
Over the holidays, parents and caregivers are juggling the emotional stress of their child’s diagnosis with the financial stress of giving their family the holiday they deserve after a difficult year. The Holiday Hero Fund provided each family in active treatment a $250 VISA gift card, tickets to Lewis Ginter GardenFest of Lights, presents from their holiday wish lists, and a wonderful Holiday Open House.
The Holiday Heroes Fund was fully funded thanks to our community of heroes, especially The Heizer Family, The Fergerson Family, participants in The Opie Open Golf Tournament, Richmond Ballet For All and The Richmond Christmas Mother Fund. Below is the list of caring people who donated to the Holiday Hero Fund:
Ms. Adams • Mr. and Mrs. Andrews • Ms. Asay • Mr. and Mrs. Askin • Mr. Biller • Mr. and Mrs. Bishop • Mr. Blackwell • Mr. and Mrs. Block • Mr. Bolton, III, D.D.S. • Mr. Brammer • Mr. and Mrs. Bray • Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter • Mr. and Mrs. Chalkley • Mr. and Mrs. Coffin • Mr. and Mrs. Coleman • Commercial Plastering and Drywall, Inc. • Cowardin’s Jewelers • Mr. Craft • Mr. and Mrs. D’Arville • Mr. Durrett • Ms. Earley • Mr. and Mrs. Fergerson • Mr. Fieseler • Ms. Fisher • Mr. Fuller • Mr. Harvey • The Heizer Family • Mr. Hollins • Hudson Group Realty, Inc • Mr. Hughes • Mr. and Mrs. Ivins • Mr. Johnson • Kamco Building Supply • Ms. Keeler • Mr. Kelley • Mr. and Mrs. Knight • Ms. Lane • Mr. Lemieux • Mr. Love • Mrs. Loverro • Mr. and Mrs. Martin • Drs. Massey • Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas • Old Dominion Drywall, Inc. • Dr. and Mrs. Peyton • Mr. and Mrs. Porter • Mr. and Mrs. Pritchard • Richmond Ballet For All • Richmond Christmas Mother Fund • Mr. and Mrs. Schoepke • Mr. and Mrs. Smith • Mr. and Mrs. Stump • Ms. Tirs • Mr. and Mrs. Tolley • Drs. Tyson • Ms. Weymouth • Mr. Wilberger • Mr. and Mrs. Wright • Mr. and Mrs. Zyglocke •
Today's Helping Hero: Alisha Trammell
Today’s Helping Hero: Alisha Trammell
Alisha volunteered her talents as a family photographer. She did the best (and fastest) photo shoots in Richmond. A pop-up portrait in 5 minutes! With the beautiful VMFA as their backdrop, 18 childhood cancer hero families had their family photo taken by Alisha.
Alisha volunteered as a way to give back to Connor’s Heroes after her family had been the recipient of our support. She is mom to Fisher — a 7-year-old boy who had a bone marrow transplant last year.
Thank you Alisha for being a hero. And a thank you to our community of heroes for allowing these families to capture a special moment together. Follow her on Instagram @alishamarie_photography
If you are a photographer, why not volunteer to photograph Connor’s Heroes events? You can test out new techniques or improve your skills. We have a calendar full of family and donor events. Email ceci@connorsheroes.org and she will follow up!
14th Annual Heroes Art Ball - Save The Date
000 days 00 hours 00 minutes 00 seconds
Countdown to 14th Annual Heroes Art Ball
Mark Your Calendar: Friday, May 9, 2025 – The Heroes Art Ball is coming!
The Connor’s Heroes Heroes Art Ball isn’t just an event — it’s a night where our community comes together to make a real difference for children battling cancer. This magical evening unites hero families, volunteers, researchers, and local supporters — all working hand in hand to help children and support the mission of Connor’s Heroes.
Before tickets go on sale in March 2025, you can be a part of the Heroes Art Ball in one of these four ways:
1 – Become a Corporate Sponsor
If you work for or own a business that cares about children, especially those in our community, become a corporate sponsor. Sponsorships start at $1,000 and come with incredible perks like a reserved table for your guests. It’s a powerful way to show your company’s commitment to a worthy cause. Contact Celia Martin at celia@connorsheroes.org for more information.
2 – Donate to the Silent or Live Auction
Your donation to our auction will raise crucial funds to help hundreds of children. Complete this item donation form https://onecau.se/_73vda1
3 – Join the Planning Committee
Love to volunteer? Love to plan a party? The Heroes Art Ball Planning Committee is where you can do both. Meetings are about once a month (in person or via Zoom). We’d love to have your energy and ideas! Email Celia at celia@connorsheroes.org and tell her you’re interested.
4 – Nominate an Artist
Are you or someone you know interested in being a Connor’s Heroes Artist Leader this year? We are looking for artists to create collaborative masterpieces with our heroes and siblings. Complete this form if interested.
Every step you take — whether through sponsorship, donations, or volunteering — can give a night of hope and joy for children fighting cancer and their families. Let’s make sure The Heroes Art Ball shows them they are never alone in their fight.
“Freedom Of Flight” by Emily Dickey and the childhood cancer heroes inspired the colors in this year’s logo. We auctioned off the painting at the live auction at the 13th Annual Heroes Art Ball. For this year’s Heroes Art Ball, the children will collaborate with Richmond artists and create more masterpieces.
Momcology 2024
Childhood Cancer Hero Moms Relax & Connect
It was with great excitement that Connor’s Heroes sponsored its second Momcology retreat. 14 courageous hero moms came together for a transformative weekend in Sandbridge. These incredible women, all of whom are mothers caring for children with cancer, experienced a rare opportunity to connect, reflect, and heal.
“Momcology was a wonderful opportunity for moms to build connections and relationships with one another. I enjoyed spending quality time with Connor’s Heroes moms and learning more about their families in a more intimate setting.” — Jillian, Connor’s Heroes Program Director
Momcology & Connor’s Heroes Teamed Up
Momcology is a national nonprofit founded in 2011 by mothers of children with cancer. Their team of trained facilitators travel the country to host restorative retreat weekends for moms. Our first retreat took place in 2019. Though COVID temporarily paused the event’s return, we brought it back this year.
At the retreat, these moms formed deep bonds with one another, shared stories, raw emotions, and the challenges they face in their children’s cancer journeys. Through tears and laughter, they found solace in knowing they are not alone. Together, they explored not only what cancer has taken from them, but discovered their strength and resiliency.
On Instagram, one hero mom described the experience:
”So incredibly glad I stepped out of my comfort zone to attend this Momcology event… I found healing in myself I didn’t know I needed and relationships that have forever impacted my life.”
Thank You To Our Donors & Volunteers
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, Connor’s Heroes made sure the retreat was completely free to the moms. More moms attended and benefitted from this life-changing experience. By covering the costs, you gifted these women the opportunity to focus on themselves, recharge, and return home with renewed energy and insights to care for themselves and their families.
A big thank you to everyone who pulled together to give the hero moms this experience. Your generosity changed their lives.
Dionne DiBlasio (Massage Therapist) • Catherine’s Catering • Homemades by Suzanne • Ashley Maglidt (Massage Therapist) • Peace, Love and Little Donuts • Carolyn Perry (Massage Therapist) • Terri Phillips (Massage Therapist) • Abbie Korman • Kristin Watkins • Kelly Freel • Shyndigz • Sandbridge Civic Association
October Heroes Art Session
Heroes Art Session Is Halloween Fun For Childhood Cancer Heroes
Our October Heroes Art Session was a gourd-ishly good time, filled with spooky fun that brought out the Halloween spirit in everyone!
The kids went all out painting pumpkins. They transformed them into boo-tiful works of art. Our volunteers, who always go above and beyond, conjured up some wickedly creative craft stations. Kids learned calligraphy, made glitter shakers, and set up a photo booth. There was no shortage of fang-tastic activities to keep everyone busy.
Halloween may be spooky, but the strength and bravery of these kids is what inspire us. The Heroes Art Session is a time to celebrate them, while creating monstrously fun memories.
Hero Families: Aschemund, Augie, Charlotte, Jericho, June, Lauren, Nikola, and Tecumseh
Volunteers: Olivia, Gurbani, Vishnu, Allison, Taylor, Sheldon, Margo, Chastity, Kristie, Emily, Maddie, Nancy, Hannah, Jess, and Sophie
Photo Credit: Taylor / IG @tbphotography_2023 and Sheldon
Photobooth Pics: Margo Asay
About Heroes Art Session With Childhood Cancer Heroes And Their Families
Our Heroes Art Sessions provide a supportive environment in which childhood cancer heroes and their siblings can make art and build community with other hero families. At the sessions, you feel a collective sense of healing by creating and being together. We are grateful to Visual Arts Center for giving us the space for an open studio. And to our donors who allow the Heroes Art Sessions to happen at no cost to our families and to supply the artists with their materials.
Today's Helping Hero: Chesapeake Bank
Today’s Helping Hero Is Chesapeake Bank.
Chesapeake Bank is a community bank serving the Richmond and Williamsburg areas who goes beyond banking. Each year, Chesapeake Financial Shares holds a large-scale training day that ends with a community service project. They heard about the good things that Connor’s Heroes does for childhood cancer hero families, and thought we would be the perfect charity partner. They contacted Dayna, Program and Volunteer Manager, with a big idea inspired by an even bigger heart.
Together, we organized one of the largest volunteer service project in Connor’s Heroes history, involving 300 enthusiastic Chesapeake Bank employees.
The employees put together 450 care packages, including “thinking of you” gift bags for children in the hospital, gourmet coffee packs for parents, and boxes filled with great snacks. Chesapeake Bank funded the purchase of toys, crafts, snacks, coffee, whatever was needed. The project was so massive, we rented a U-Haul to drive everything from Williamsburg back to our Richmond office!
This incredible effort shows what can happen when a community comes together to support children fighting cancer and their families.
You Can Be A Helping Hero, Too!
If you work for a company who wants to make a difference like Chesapeake Bank did, Connor’s Heroes makes it easy for you. Email Dayna at dayna@connorsheroes.org with your contact information and budget. She will talk with you about the ways your team can volunteer. We have in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities. You too can be a hero to a child with cancer!
2024 Hero Squad
2024 Hero Squad Surpassed Their Goal
Congratulations to the 2024 Hero Squad for their incredible achievement to raise nearly $20,000 during September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month — surpassing their goal.
This dedicated group of compassionate individuals came together with the shared purpose: to support children facing their toughest battle — cancer. Nominated by Connor’s Heroes Board of Directors, their co-workers, and even hero families, the Hero Squad are passionate about giving back, especially to help children.
Congratulations to Lindsay Fulton for being our top fundraiser. Lindsay signed up for the Hero Squad to honor the childhood cancer hero she knows, Kasen. Kasen is a courageous six-year-old in treatment for ALL.
Hero Squad Soiree
We celebrated the Hero Squad with a special party, The Hero Squad Soiree, at Richmond’s top BBQ spot, ZZQ. One of our hero patients, Lindsey, now a sophomore at High Point University, shared her heartfelt story. She reminded us that when we rally as a community, we all become heroes in the fight against childhood cancer.
If you believe in the power of giving back and want to make a lasting impact on children in your community, consider signing up for the Hero Squad (coming September 2025). For the students and teens, we offer the Jr. Hero Squad during the summer. Find out more by visiting: https://www.connorsheroes.org/hero-squad/
2024 Hero Squad
Lauren Bruns • Austin Chinn • Jessi Cole • Jason Ericson • Lindsay Fulton • Jack Griffin • Taylor Anne Moffett • Natalie Peloquin • Alexandra Povlishock • Kelly Sarver • Maggie Smith • Tiffany Smith • Christina Thomas • Jessica Utz • Stella Varga
Join The 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 for September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The Jr. Hero Squad is open to preschool through high school students who try to aise $500 during the summer. READ MORE: www.connorsheroes.org/hero-squad/
Special Delivery for Jr. Chefs
Get ready for a new crew of Top Chefs Junior! These hero kids are ready to test out their culinary skills with gift boxes from Connor’s Heroes. Knowing how much they love to cook, we surprised them with gift boxes mailed straight to their homes. Inside were mixing bowls, measuring cups, aprons, recipe book, cookie mix, rolling pins, kitchen timer, cookie sheets, grocery gift card, and cookie cutters. And a gift card to their favorite grocery store so they could shop for ingredients.
These kiddo master chefs can create mouthwatering dishes with their families. They’re ready to plate up some serious flavor. BAM! Let the culinary magic begin!
Families received these gift boxes thanks to a partnership with Capital One. The team loved sending the kids cooking kits. They purchased everything we needed and packed them up in Connor’s Heroes trademark blue boxes.
By sending these gift boxes, we not only brought smiles to the kids but also reassured their parents that we’re here for them.
