Today's Helping Hero: RPDO
Helping Kids Was A Natural Fit For Local Dentist
Connor’s Heroes awarded Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics (RPDO) with our Hero Group Of The Year Award. Kevin Bibona, DDS shares why volunteering was a natural fit for his team.
Kevin discovered Connor’s Heroes through a post on our LinkedIn page. That post led to a phone call with a board member, and that call became a coffee with Celia, our Executive Director. Kevin couldn’t wait to tell his team. After all, helping kids is what RPDO does every day — reaching out to children with cancer seemed like a natural fit.
And fit in they did! RPDO is our go-to for volunteers at family events. They were holiday elves at our annual Holiday party. They cheered on the kids at the Heroes Art Balls. Kevin still talks about meeting hero Riley. “Spending time with him at the holiday party, I couldn’t help but feel happiness. Seeing him on stage at the Heroes Art Ball was amazing!”
He even incorporates Connor’s Heroes into his patients’ office visits. “We have displays in our office about Connor’s Heroes, including a Heroes Backpack a child receives after diagnosis.”
Partnering with Connor’s Heroes personally affected Kevin. “I didn’t appreciate the range of services Connor’s Heroes offers families. Now I see how Connor’s Heroes is there every step of the way for everyone, regardless of their background. Sometimes the gift of time and kindness are exactly what people need. Connor’s Heroes does that in spades.”
RPDO feels like they’re giving back. What they’re really doing is giving hero families wonderful memories during a difficult time.
If you are a business who, like RPDO, believes in giving back to your community, contact Connor’s Heroes. Dayna, Community Engagement Manager, will gladly get you started. Contact her at dayna@connorsheroes.org or (804) 897-1272.
Swim Marathon Raises Money For Research
Local Swim Team Funding Important Cancer Research
The Ashland Barracudas made a big splash — AGAIN!
This year’s swim marathon raised more than $16,000 for our bone marrow transplant program and pediatric cancer research! Every stroke. Every splash brought us closer to better treatments for kids fighting cancer.
Thanks to all the money raised by Ashland Barracuda Swim Marathons, Connor’s Heroes can support Dr. Elizabeth Krieger’s research at CHoR. Recently she made a big discovery that will improve the treatment of children with high-risk leukemia needing a bone marrow transplant. Dr. Krieger shared her exciting news in an impact report shared below. We expect another important breakthrough in the next phase of her research. Stay tuned!
Dr. Elizabeth Krieger’s Research Update: Enhancing Telomere Length Measurement for Improved
Outcomes in Pediatric Cancer and Transplant Research
For many children with high-risk leukemia, a bone marrow (stem cell) transplant offers the best chance for a cure. After transplant, the donor’s immune cells help eliminate any remaining cancer cells. However, these same cells can sometimes attack the child’s healthy tissues, causing a serious complication called graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The challenge is finding the immune system’s “Goldilocks zone”, an immune response that is strong enough to prevent leukemia from returning and fight infections, but not so strong that it harms the patient.
Thanks to donor and community support, including Connor’s Heroes, Dr. Krieger’s research has made a major step forward in improving how she measures telomeres – the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that play an important role in cell health and recovery after transplant.
What Was Accomplished
Dr. Krieger and her team successfully developed a new method called Nano-STELA that makes telomere testing much faster, simpler, and more affordable than previous approaches. Traditional methods require complex laboratory procedures and can be difficult to scale for clinical use. Dr. Krieger and her team’s new process dramatically streamlines sample preparation while preserving the accuracy and detail needed for patient care and research.
Why This Matters
A key breakthrough of Nano-STELA is its ability to measure individual telomeres, rather than providing only an average estimate. This gives researchers a much clearer picture of cellular health and can reveal important differences that may be missed by conventional testing methods.
More precise telomere measurements could help clinicians better understand disease risk, monitor treatment responses, and make more informed decisions for children undergoing cancer treatments or cellular therapies. The ability to track telomere changes over time may also provide valuable insights into recovery and long-term health outcomes following transplantation.
Looking Ahead
The first phase developed a breakthrough way to accurately measure telomeres from patient samples. The next phase applies that technology to children undergoing bone marrow transplants to understand how immune recovery affects survival and complications, with the goal of creating bette monitoring tools and more personalized care.
Your support has helped transform Dr. Krieger’s promising scientific concept into a practical, scalable technology with the potential to improve care for pediatric patients now and in the future. It has also led to national recognition at this year’s transplant conference, awarding Dr. Krieger best clinical abstract for this project.
At the award ceremony, The Hess Family presented their highest honor, the Jamie Hess Sportsmanship Award, to swimmers Naami and Parker. This award is in memory of their son Jamie, a Barracuda who passed away from leukemia in 2002. Thank you Barracudas for honoring Jamie’s legacy and for continuing to support Connor’s Heroes year after year!
2026 Volunteer Appreciation Party
Shout It From The Rooftop
Our 2026 Volunteer Appreciation Party
Connor’s Heroes celebrated some truly special people. This year, we took it to new heights. Literally. We gathered on the rooftop of Starr Hill Brewery for our annual Volunteer Appreciation Party. We had a lot to shout about!!!
Congratulations to this year’s award winners:
Hannah Berstein – Community Connector Award
Jessica Cantilo – Artist Of The Year Award
Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics (RPDO) – Hero Group Of The Year Award
Sarah Lordi – Memory Maker Of The Year Award
and the 2026 Volunteer Of The Year was Cecelia Marano.
These honorees went above and beyond, but there were plenty more individuals, corporate partners, and service groups who gave back to their community. Our volunteers may work behind the scenes, but their presence is very real to childhood cancer hero families.
Because of them, kids with cancer don’t face it alone. Neither do their families. That’s not a small thing. That’s everything.
Pictured here are some of the volunteers we celebrated — heroes in every sense of the word.
Want to join them? As a Connor’s Heroes volunteer, you can help at events, behind the scenes, or through quick one-time projects. There’s a role for individuals, families, and corporate partners. Click here to fill out our volunteer interest form. You will receive emails about current opportunities. Don’t miss out!
Meet Our 2026 Interns
Connor’s Heroes is excited to welcome Amelia and Morgan as our summer interns. They are helping Jillian and Dayna with family support and community engagement.
Amelia is studying to be a Child Life Specialist at Christopher Newport University. She is learning how Connor’s Heroes works with the hospital care team.
“Connor’s Heroes is there for the families, and also the doctors and nurses. I put together “Thinking Of You” bags for children in the hospital. I know the toys and crafts will brighten that child’s day. Hopefully they will feel less anxious about being in the hospital making it easier for the doctors and nurses.” — Amelia
Morgan is heading into a Master’s program in Occupational Therapy at Radford. She is seeing how acts of kindness mean everything to a hero family.
“I was amazed that Connor’s Heroes knows every child and every family’s story. Today, I mailed gift cards. I matched each family with their preferred gas station. It would have been easy to put the same card in each card. But no! I mailed a family exactly what they needed.” — Morgan
Morgan and Amelia are gaining valuable experience that will benefit them as they pursue their careers in healthcare. Way to go!
Gala Honored Connor's Heroes 20th Anniversary
Thanks A Million for The 15th Annual Heroes Art Ball
The smiles haven’t faded since the Heroes Art Ball on Friday, May 1, 2026. The Heroes Art Ball is Connor’s Heroes annual gala bringing together childhood cancer hero families and the community who support them. At this year’s gala, we raised over ONE MILLION DOLLARS for local children with cancer.
Because of you, 12 childhood cancer heroes felt loved and celebrated.
Because of you, we honored 20 years of Connor’s Heroes and the thousands of families who have been part of this journey.
Because of you, hope filled the room.
Caught up in the emotion of the night, one hero parent said:
“For us as a family, it was a truly special night. It gave us the opportunity to pause, reflect and celebrate how far we have come in our daughter’s journey.”
We invite you to relive the evening in photos and video.
Meet Our Hero Of The Year: Lisa Ivins
Lisa’s story began when her son Connor was diagnosed with leukemia at 22 months in 2003. After he successfully completed treatment, she co-founded Connor’s Heroes in 2006. In this video shown at the gala, people shared their gratitude for Lisa and her vision to make sure no family faced their child’s cancer alone.
Over the past two decades, Connor’s Heroes has supported thousands of children and their families. At the heart is Lisa’s unwavering belief that no family should face childhood cancer alone. That is Lisa’s legacy — a community of heroes built from one mother’s love.
Thank You To Our Sponsors & Guests
The success of this year’s gala is a testament to our incredible community: the 750 wonderful guests, gracious sponsors, table captains, hundreds of people who bid from home, and our amazing volunteers.
For 20 years, we’ve built a community of heroes. And the work is far from over. We can keep up the momentum. Whether it’s by volunteering, hosting a gift card drive, sponsoring meals in the hospital, or sharing on social media. The Heroes Art Ball was one night. Let’s build a legacy of caring together for local childhood cancer hero families.
April Heroes Art Session
Childhood Cancer Heroes Create Art for Connor’s Heroes Big Night
The April Heroes Art Session was full of energy and excitement! Kids were buzzing about the upcoming Heroes Art Ball on Friday, May 1. They showed off the art they made and wondered which piece will raise the most money for cancer heroes. The gala is going to be a big, special night for everyone.
The amazing artwork made at the Heroes Art Session will be auctioned off at The Heroes Art Ball. If you didn’t score a ticket to the sold out event, no problem! The online silent auction is open to everyone. It features more artwork created at the Heroes Art Session. And a swag shop with art on tumblers, coffee mugs, towels, etc.
Visit the gala website to learn more about The Heroes Art Ball: http://onecau.se/hab
Childhood Cancer Heroes: Abby • Ava • Aina • Anastasia • Becca • Charlotte B. • Charlotte W. • Graeme • Gus • June • Kennedy • Holden W. • Hudson • Lauren • Margot • Riley • Ruby • Spencer • Thomas • Victoria • Whit • William • Wyatt
Hero Artist Mentors: Mary Beth Blackwood • Jessica Cantilo • Alex Georghiou Frankart • Josie Gutowski • KK Harris • Emily Healy • Lauren Robinson • Linda Shaw • Frankie Slaughter
Volunteers: Margo A. • Kristie F. • Cecelia M. • Junior League Of Richmond • Anna S.
Picture Credit: 410 Productions, Sarah Lordi Birthing Light Co., Divya Raman, Hysell Photography
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.
Dillards Rolls Out Red Carpet
VIP Shopping Experience For Heroes
Dillard’s at Stony Point Fashion Park hosted a VIP shopping experience for the childhood cancer heroes honored at the 15th Annual Heroes Art Ball. Thanks to your donations and the generosity of Dillards, VIP hero families shopped for the perfect outfit for the gala. Helping them shop were volunteers from Serendipity Hair Studio, Richmond’s Junior League, Collab Beauty, and Cecelia M. Get ready to watch the kids shine at the gala on May 1st.
Thank you to Julie and the staff at Dillard’s for making each hero family feel like a movie star!
Photos by Sarah Lordi
March Heroes Art Session
Childhood Cancer Heroes Spring Into Art
The creativity continued at the March Heroes Art Session. Artists eagerly set up their stations, ready for the childhood cancer heroes to add their artistic flair. Jessica was back with her metal pouring. Ian revved up the kids with a graffiti-inspired piece. Dylan returned with a large canvas the kids filled with colors and their imagination.
You can own one of these amazing art pieces created at a Heroes Art Session. We will auction off the art at The Heroes Art Ball on May 1, 2026. You can bid to win an artist’s piece in our online auction or at the live auction at the Heroes Art Ball. If you can’t attend, you can participate from home. The online silent auction is open to anyone anywhere.
Visit the gala website to learn more about The Heroes Art Ball: http://onecau.se/hab
We tried to bring in Spring’s warm weather by serving Kona Shaved Ice to everyone. Oh well, maybe for the April Heroes Art Session.
Childhood Cancer Heroes: Ava • Aina • Aschemund • Anastasia • Charlotte • Gus • Holden • June • Kennedy • Lauren • Margot • Mykahi • Riley • Spencer • Tallulah • Tecumseh • Victoria • Violet • William • Wyatt
Hero Artist Mentors: Alex Frankart • Anna Morgan • Beth Anne Booth • Constance Bowden • Dylan Lynch • Frankie Slaughter • Jessica Cantilo • Hope Morgan • Ian Hess • Joshua Barber • Josie Gutowski • Monica Wilmore • Michele Vida Rainer • Nancy Jacey
Volunteers: Albert • Cecelia • Junior League Of Richmond • Kristie • Phyllis
Picture Credit: 410 Productions, Kassi Thomas, Sarah Lordi Birthing Light Co.
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.
Meet Amanda, New Development Director
Amanda brings a relationship-driven approach to fundraising and a passion for connecting people to moments that matter. She has experience in nonprofit operations, communications, and donor engagement. She’s worked with organizations including United Way and Bridge of Life, supporting international healthcare initiatives. Amanda holds a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management and is a proud Hokie.
She is driven to build meaningful connections that expand impact and ensure more families receive the support they need when they need it most. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling internationally and seeing live music.
Learn More About Amanda:
What are three words that best describe you?
Compassionate, adventurous, resourceful
What is something you love to do that most people would never imagine:
I feel most myself when I’m completely unplugged, whether that’s exploring remote wilderness, diving 75 feet underwater, or discovering a new destination.
The best thing someone ever taught you:
You don’t have to have it all figured out to move forward, and to allow yourself to be where your feet are along the way.
Your favorite singer/band:
Goose
February Heroes Art Session
February Heroes Art Session Full Of Joy
Just when we thought January’s Heroes Art Session was the biggest one yet, February’s Heroes Art Session was bigger. Dozens of artist mentors returned to work on their collaborative pieces with childhood cancer heroes. While others set up art stations for the first time. For a few beautiful hours, local childhood cancer heroes did not have appointments or treatments, but had color, creativity, and community.
Honoring Childhood Cancer Heroes at the Heroes Art Ball
Each Heroes Art Session builds up to our biggest celebration of the year: The Heroes Art Ball on May 1, 2026. At The Heroes Art Ball, you can bid to win an artist’s piece (created at an Heroes Art Session) in our online auction or at the live auction at the gala. This year, we will honor the 20th Anniversary of Connor’s Heroes.
You can be a part of this milestone celebration. Tickets are on sale starting March 1, 2026. If you can’t attend, you can participate from home. The online auction is open to anyone anywhere.
Visit the gala website to learn more about The Heroes Art Ball: http://onecau.se/hab
Childhood Cancer Heroes: Ava • Aina • Aschemund • Anastasia • Charlotte • Gus • Holden • June • Kennedy • Lauren • Margot • Mykahi • Riley • Spencer • Tallulah • Tecumseh • Victoria • Violet • William • Wyatt
Hero Artist Mentors: Alex Frankart • Amber Kuper • Constance Bowden • Courtney Balson • Emilia Texler • Emily Dickey • Hope Morgan • Ian Hess • Jennike Duignam • KK Harris • Lacy Heiberger • Lauren Robertson • Linda Shaw • Maddie (Koerber) Humphrey • Marty Mitchell • Mary Beth Blackwood • Michele Vida Rainer • Nancy Jacey • Shana Blakley • Zara Stasi • Hallie Wilson
Volunteers: Albert N. • Ana S. • Cecelia M. • Emily G. • Junior League Of Richmond • Kristie F. • Patricia B. • Phyllis G. • Trinity W.
Picture Credit: 410 Productions, Divya Raman, Taylor Schooley, and Tabitha Buchanan Photography
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.