Making A Lasting Difference
Supporting Childhood Cancer Families For 20 Years
One family’s need to ensure no other family felt alone paved the way to 20 years of supporting Virginia families facing childhood cancer. Connor Goodwin was just 22-months-old when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). He would undergo treatment for 2 ½ years. His sister Emily was six-weeks-old when Connor was diagnosed.
“When Connor was going through treatment, we learned how hard it can be on a family,” says Lisa Ivins, Connor’s Mom.
Steve Goodwin, Connor’s Dad, remembers, “Time stood still when we learned that Connor had cancer. On the other side of the clinic doors, a different world awaited. Blood transfusions, chemotherapy, hospital stays, immune system compromise. And the unfathomable emptiness of the unknown course of events that lay ahead.”
Filling The Gaps Of Services For Families
Ivins and Goodwin remember the tremendous support their family received from family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and church. Yet, it was still hard.
“Ever since that fateful day in August of 2003, we have been in awe of the courage of the children who battle cancer and the compassion and selflessness of those who provide care. We are also mindful of the struggles that engulf families during this battle,” says Goodwin.
“We met families who did not have the same support,” recalls Ivins. “We couldn’t imagine how they were doing it.”
While having a son battling cancer, Connor’s parents planned for nearly a year before starting Connor’s Heroes in May 2006 — just two months after Connor finished his cancer treatments.
“We ultimately decided that we could start Connor’s Heroes to fill the gaps in services provided by other nonprofits as well as help fund research,” says Ivins.
Supporting Pediatric Research
In the United States, pediatric cancer is the #1 disease killer of children, but only 4% of federal funding supports research. Connor’s Heroes works to ensure more funding is available locally for childhood cancer research. In November 2007, Connor’s Heroes established a pediatric cancer research endowment fund. The nonprofit was the only childhood cancer organization in Richmond to not only support families but also fund research in Central Virginia.
In April 2025, Connor’s Heroes funded, and continues to fund, Richmond’s first pediatric brain tumor biobank to advance research and treatment at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
“We are so gratified to see the organization have a life far beyond our family and its founders,” says Ivins.
Connor’s Heroes’ volunteers, donors, and staff work tirelessly to deliver backpacks full of goodies and essentials for hospital stays to children receiving cancer treatments, host fun events like art sessions, and plan the organization’s largest annual fundraiser the Heroes Art Ball.
“Connor’s Heroes has been a part of our family for over 20 years,” explains Ivins. “It has been truly amazing to see our mission put into action.”
Today Connor is preparing to celebrate his 25th birthday. He is a third-year law student at the University of Richmond Law School with dreams of becoming a public defender.
“Anyone can be a hero,” says Goodwin. “The fact that people continue to give of their time and treasure to help kids with cancer and their families is something for which we are always grateful.”
AUTHOR: Written with support by Michelle Nunnally
This year marks 20 years that Connor’s Heroes has been a part of the community. Connor’s Heroes is dedicated to helping the families in Central Virginia cope with childhood cancer and our community’s researchers conquer it. Our mission is to build a community of heroes who provide hope, guidance, and support. 📲 Make a gift / 🦸 Support a Hero / 🧑🧑🧒🧒 Join us.
