Heart of the Family 💙 Everett
Everett spit up his meds, so there were a few times where I actually wore a raincoat and gloves in the clinic. I laugh about it now because it seems ridiculous, but when you’re in the middle of it all, you just improvise and do what you have to do.
Danielle: My pregnancy with Avery began the same week that Everett got sick. I took a pregnancy test on Sunday, told Seth (who was out of town on business) on Tuesday, and then Everett started with a fever on Thursday that just wouldn’t stop. He was 19 months old at the time. He was so sick and only wanted to sleep on me, but then he started to pee through his diaper because of all of the steroids and chemo. I worried about it being absorbed into my skin during the early stages of my pregnancy, so I would put puppy training pads across my chest and lap. He went through a patch where he spit up his meds (which ended up on me), so there were a few times where I actually wore a raincoat and gloves in the clinic. I laugh about it now because it seems ridiculous, but when you’re in the middle of it all, you just improvise and do what you have to do.
Then the pandemic hit, and suddenly there were so many new- and hard-implications for us as parents of a very sick toddler who was also about to become a big brother.
Danielle: This happened in the fall of 2019 — when cancer and early pregnancy symptoms were the “only” things we thought we’d have to contend with. Then the pandemic hit, and suddenly there were so many new and hard implications for us as parents of a very sick toddler who was also about to become a big brother. My parents live in California, and Seth’s are in Georgia. Right when I was approaching my due date, Everett was in the middle of his delayed intensification treatment, which made his immune system especially compromised. On top of that, the protocols for traveling during COVID made it nearly impossible for either set of grandparents to come and be with him when it was time for me to have the baby.
Seth: I drove her to the hospital and dropped her off with her bag, we kissed each other goodbye, and then I watched her C section live on Facetime with Everett. I came back and picked her up three days later and met Avery for the first time.
Seth: Sometimes you just want extra hands and arms, if not to hold the baby, then to run the vacuum or push a swing, clean up after dinner. Because of our situation and because of COVID, we haven’t been able to have anyone help. We’ve always watched March Madness every spring, so now our motto is “Survive, then advance.” Just get through this round. Then think about the next. Our first opportunity to finally be around other family — and maybe get a date night — will be this month when we go to the beach. We’re cautiously optimistic, and yet, cancer can be unpredictable so we’re trying not to get our hopes up too much.
Danielle: We’re grateful that he’s doing well and amazingly, never lost his boundless energy. Me, on the other hand? There are so many days when I feel like I’m on the verge of losing it, and sometimes I do — because it’s just all been so much. We get to nap time, then figure out how to get to dinnertime, and bedtime. It’s like being in a marathon, except that you feel like you’re sprinting the entire time. For us, the finish line is right before his 4th birthday — when he’ll finish his treatment. If there’s a silver lining to this, it’s that he was so young when he was first diagnosed, he probably won’t be able to recall too much of those first months in the clinic. We’re hoping that time will dull some of the sharper edges of this for him — and for us.
Everett’s cancer journey is not over.
And for the next child diagnosed with cancer, it is just beginning.
As we recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, make your donation so a family will never face their child’s cancer alone. You can make sure the next hero family receives financial assistance when they need it the most, and emotional support through every personal note, email, phone call, and visit. As the world looks for hope, guidance, and support, our childhood cancer families don’t have to look far. Hope, guidance, and support are the pillars of Connor’s Heroes mission.
About the authors:
Kristin Seward
Kristin is a portrait photographer and photojournalist whose passion is finding and telling stories of hope within the community. She became involved with Connor’s Heroes after spending time with Katie Tyson and her family. Katie and Jim’s son, Callen, was diagnosed with leukemia. Over the course of two years, Kristin documented several other Connor’s Heroes hero families — both during and after treatment — for the “Heroes of RVA” and “RVA Cures” campaigns. She is honored to be able to do this project with her dear friend and fellow Compassion Photographer, Patience Salgado.
Patience Salgado
Patience Salgado is a Compassion Photographer who has had the honor of serving and photographing families in the passages of both birth and pediatric hospice for the last 12 years. The Salgado family found themselves on their own medical journey when their son Jamie was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in the summer of 2019. Walking this path together has solidified her heart belief that there is beauty in the dark and power in the light. Her hope is to see and honor each part of your story and reflect all the beautiful humanity it holds.
Heart of the Family 💙 Emory
Osteosarcoma is sneaky, as most cancers are. If it comes back, it tends to show up in the lungs. Emory’s family was told that she was lucky, that the cancer had been confined to her right leg only.
As we sat and talked, she tapped her leg with a piece of metal “treasure” she had found while they were at the park. The tiny metallic clangs echoed through the picnic pavilion. A group of young campers sat at the table behind us, eating their snacks. A few of them stole sideways glances, curious looks and whispers.
“When can we go down to the playground?” she asked, boredom creeping into her voice. Realizing we were probably on borrowed time, her mom and sister packed up their things and we made the short trek down the path to the bright red, green, and yellow structure.
Last Spring, Emory began complaining that her leg hurt, though never enough to wake her up from her sleep or keep her sidelined from doing all the things she loved so much, like gymnastics. It was likely growing pains, everyone had reasoned, especially since there was no redness or swelling- no other red flag that would point to something much scarier. They went on about their lives for the next few months, but at Emory’s next well-visit, her mom, Jen, circled back to it one more time. Yes, it was still bothering her. The doctor ran his hand down Emory’s right leg.
This time, his tone shifted immediately. “You need to go down to VCU today,” he told them.
It was a Thursday when they were sent to the hospital. Jen dismissed the thought that it could be anything other than an injury. It wasn’t until the following week, after doctors read through scans and X rays (and Jen had tried unsuccessfully to read the expressions of the poker-faced techs), that they were finally told it was a form of bone cancer — an aggressive type known as osteosarcoma. The date was August 6, 2020.
Osteosarcoma is sneaky, as most cancers are. If it comes back, it tends to show up in the lungs. Emory’s family was told that she was lucky, that the cancer had been confined to her right leg only. They could target it with all of the arsenal they had available (30 weeks of chemo), but they would also need to make a heavy decision about the reconstruction of her right leg: they could do a replacement of her femur (essentially a prosthetic within her leg), or amputate.
When they explained the options to their then 6 year old, she responded simply but firmly: “Cut it off.”
There was no back and forth. She understood what it meant, and also what it didn’t mean. Choosing the in-leg prosthesis- while seemingly not as drastic- would require multiple surgeries over the course of her life, would mean more deterioration of the bones in her leg, and a bigger chance of relapse. Even though she couldn’t possibly wrap her head around a lifetime of implications that had yet to present themselves, Emory made the choice to not have to be a patient for the rest of her life. Get rid of the cancer, and get back to living.
So last October, while most kids were picking out Halloween costumes, Emory was picking out the “skin” that would go onto the top of her new leg. And at Christmas time, while shiny new toys are being unwrapped and parts to playsets are being assembled, a little girl learned how to attach a brand new rainbow leg to her stump.
“What happened to your leg?”
“It got sick and the doctors had to take it off,” Emory replied, as if this was common playground chat
And on this unusually mild August morning — which just happened to be the 6th (because there are no coincidences here) — Emory called to me from the top of the slide, hopping off to see the back of my camera and giggling at herself. I watched as her big sister, Elena, helped her across the monkey bars, and then stood by — a posture of protectiveness and pride — as a boy walked up to Emory, clearly calculating his approach.
“What happened to your leg?”
“It got sick and the doctors had to take it off,” Emory replied, as if this was common playground chat
“That sucks…” the boy said, and I noted that maybe kids are actually more capable of holding these delicate spaces than a lot of adults.
“Yeah, but it’s better now.” She shrugged. And with that, she turned and ascended the slope of the slide, pulling her way to the top. Because if there’s anything to know about Emory, it’s that she’s not letting anything slow her down.
Emory’s cancer journey is not over.
And for the next child diagnosed with cancer, it is just beginning.
As we recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, make your donation so a family will never face their child’s cancer alone. You can make sure the next hero family receives financial assistance when they need it the most, and emotional support through every personal note, email, phone call, and visit.
About the authors:
Kristin Seward
Kristin is a portrait photographer and photojournalist whose passion is finding and telling stories of hope within the community. She became involved with Connor’s Heroes after spending time with Katie Tyson and her family. Katie and Jim’s son, Callen, was diagnosed with leukemia. Over the course of two years, Kristin documented several other Connor’s Heroes hero families — both during and after treatment — for the “Heroes of RVA” and “RVA Cures” campaigns. She is honored to be able to do this project with her dear friend and fellow Compassion Photographer, Patience Salgado.
Patience Salgado
Patience Salgado is a Compassion Photographer who has had the honor of serving and photographing families in the passages of both birth and pediatric hospice for the last 12 years. The Salgado family found themselves on their own medical journey when their son Jamie was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in the summer of 2019. Walking this path together has solidified her heart belief that there is beauty in the dark and power in the light. Her hope is to see and honor each part of your story and reflect all the beautiful humanity it holds.
September Heroes Art Session
We hosted another Heroes Art Session on Sunday, September 19 at the Visual Arts Center. Our Heroes Art Sessions are a monthly tradition for our hero families. Also returning — after a long time away — were two hero artists: Jennike and Sarah. Sarah couldn’t contain her excitement
“As soon as the first kid walked to my table, it was as if no time passed. We were back making messes, painting, and creating. I love watching the kids express themselves with every brush stroke or drawing. I take the art created by each child and work it together into one expressive piece. What we create is full of heart, soul, joy and hope.”
Hero Artists: Jennike Duignam, Sarah Cross, Emily Griffin
Childhood Cancer Heroes: Charlotte, Austin, Aubrey, James, Jaiden, Holden, John, Jayda, Kennedy, Javi, Zuri, Liana, Valentin, and all their super sibling sidekicks!
At the Heroes Art Sessions, the children collaborate with top Richmond artists. Together, they create art that express their cancer journeys. You have a chance to own a piece from this original collection when it is put up for auction at our 11th Heroes Art Ball on May 6, 2022!
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Jonathan
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!
Hero Dad Pledged His Birthday
Happy Birthday to hero dad, Tom. Tom turned his birthday day into a GIVING DAY. It was easy. All he did was pledge his birthday to Connor’s Heroes. Connor’s Heroes set him up with a personal fundraising page to collect donations online. Tom stood by his daughter Charlotte’s side as she underwent a long, difficult treatment for ALL. The family celebrated the end of her treatment with a neighborhood parade so big that it made the evening news.
Using our online giving tools, Tom raised close to $1,000 from his family, friends, and co-workers. Asked why he pledged his birthday, Tom said:
“2020 and some of 2021 showed all of us how critical it is that organizations like Connor’s Heroes keep their mission going — even when in-person events were put on pause. Childhood cancer families still needed financial and emotional support. Even today, Connor’s Heroes helps our family. By pledging my birthday to Connor’s Heroes, I did my part to make sure their mission continues.”
If you would like to learn more about pledging your birthday (anniversary, wedding, or any special occasion), visit:
https://www.connorsheroes.org/pledge-birthday/
Here is a cute video of Charlotte from 2020:
https://www.connorsheroes.org/heroes/charlie-2020/
Once Upon A Child Shopping Nights
DATE: Fridays for the month of September 2021
LOCATION: Once Upon A Child Midlothian • 9770 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23235
EVENT DETAILS: For Fridays during September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Beer, Once Upon A Child will donate 15% of Fridays' sales to Connor's Heroes.
For store location and hours, visit their website: www.onceuponachild.com/locations/richmond-va-midlothian
In 2020, Once Upon A Child held this fundraiser. They raised so much money, we honored them as a Helping Hero. Read their blog post.
Easy Living Moto Show
DATE: August 28, 2021
TIME: Noon – 5 pm
LOCATION: Departure Bike Works • 1729 Arlington Rd. Richmond VA
EVENT DETAILS: Beer, food and bands for this two-wheel (or not) motorcycle show. Proceeds from the event will support Connor’s Heroes. You can buy a chance to win a custom-made 72 HD shovelhead. Raffle tickets are $25 a piece or 5 for $100. The drawing will be on IG LIVE Aug 29th, the day after the show. Tickets are available via Venmo, PayPal or cash in person. Details are: Venmo is @justin-spears-10 • PayPal is @justin5000 or justin5000@gmail.com
Please put your name in the comments and if using PayPal, use friends and family option. ALL others will be immediately refunded.
11th Heroes Art Ball
11th Heroes Art Ball
DATE: May 6, 2022
LOCATION: John Marshall Ballroom
Hotel John Marshall
101 N 5th St, Richmond, VA 23219
EVENT DETAILS: Connor’s Heroes held its first Heroes Art Ball over a decade ago. The Heroes Art Ball is more than a fundraising event. It is a magical night for our hero families and guests — while raising funds to support the important work of Connor’s Heroes. Save the date for the 11th Annual Heroes Art Ball on May 6, 2022! You can be a part of the Heroes Art Ball at the gala or online from home.
August Heroes Art Session
“We are super excited to hang out and make some art!” — Easton’s parents!
Our hero families and volunteers masked up for an afternoon of creative fun. We came together for our monthly HEROES ART SESSIONS at the Visual Arts Center on Sunday, August 16. The hero kids made dragonflies, painted beach and ocean animals, and even tried out water colors. Dale Knight, one of our amazing volunteer artists, was excited to be back in the studio painting with the kids. The children worked with her on a beautiful painting of a deep sea fish. You may see this piece again when it is put up for auction at our 11th Heroes Art Ball on May 6, 2022!
Celia posted this message about the 11th Heroes Art Ball scheduled in 2022: www.connorsheroes.org/heroes-art-ball-11
You can see who came to our HEROES ART SESSION in July: www.connorsheroes.org/heroes-art-sessions-return
Our August Hero Artists were: *Zuri, Sofia, Mason, *James, Mary, Georgie, Grayson, *Charlotte, *John, Ben, *Gabby, Gavin, *Easton, Lawson, Corinna, *Kennedy, Adam, *Nairoby, Daenerys, *Emory, *Thomas and Laurel.
Video: Tracey from RiverFront
Say "Hi" to our first official visitors! See how RiverFront Investment Group (RIG) packed hope and care into a backpack or tote bag going to a hero family soon after their child's cancer diagnosis.
Hi I'm Tracey DeSanto with RiverFront Investment Group. And today we stuffed backpacks and parent totes and parent folders for our community partner, Connor's Heroes, this year. We had a lot fun. We had groups of about 20 people coming in two different shifts to stuff bags. We cleared them out of supplies. So, there will be plenty of families who will have supplies for them.