Classic
Research
Research
Childhood cancer receives less than 4% of federal funding for cancer research. This percentage has not changed since Connor’s Heroes started in 2006. Connor’s Heroes actively funds two research funds based in Richmond, Virginia. The discoveries they make in our community will help children all over the world.
The Connor’s Heroes Pediatric Cancer Research Fund
When Connor’s Heroes began, Richmond did not have a research center for pediatric cancer. We decided to change that. We worked with the VCU Massey Cancer Center, Children’s Hospital Foundation and Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU to establish The Connor’s Heroes Pediatric Cancer Research Fund. It is the only endowed research fund in Richmond for pediatric cancer.
The Jamie Hess Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Fund
Jamie Hess’ parents established the fund after Jamie died from leukemia while on the BMT Unit in 2002. The Hess family started partnering with Connor’s Heroes in 2007 by encouraging us to support the pediatric patients who were isolated on the adult BMT Unit, and to continue to raise money for Jamie’s Fund. Today, our volunteers decorate the rooms of any child on the BMT Unit and we created the Room of Possibilities Family Room.
Ways to Give
Ways to Give
The future efforts and success of Connor’s Heroes mission depend on generous people like you who want to provide hope, guidance, and support to the children battling cancer in Central Virginia. It is easy to give your time, talent or financial gift to Connor’s Heroes.
Donate
If you like to give locally. If you are called to help kids. If you are passionate about pediatric cancer research, Connor’s Heroes makes all three possible. We are a lifeline for local families and an advocate for research. Until we find a cure, Connor’s Heroes will give each family hope, guidance, and support. Donate now to make sure no family faces their child’s cancer alone.
Giving online is easy! You can give at one time or set up a recurring monthly gift. If there is a special hero in your life, you can make a tribute gift in their honor or memory.
You can leave a legacy to help children with cancer in Central Virginia. Connor’s Heroes accepts gifts through donor-advised funds (DAFSs) such as Community Foundation Richmond, Fidelity Charitable and Schwab Charitable. You can name Connor’s Heroes as the beneficiary of an IRA, a Bequest, or a Trust.
The Connor’s Heroes Bag and Backpack a family receives after diagnosis is filled with items purchased off our online wish lists. We have a variety of Wish Lists updated with toys, snacks, gift cards, and special requests by a child. Pick your favorites and ship your order directly to our office.
You can sponsor coffee, lunch or dinner for families in the hospital. A family will find food, fellowship and friendship, just steps from their child’s hospital room.
Set an example for others by joining our Circle of Heroes. You will go above and beyond for our childhood cancer heroes when you commit to an annual gift of $1,000 or more. When you do, Connor’s Heroes will recognize you as one of our most generous donors through this exclusive group.
Leader: $1,000-$2,499
- Listing on the Circle of Heroes donor wall at the entrance of Connor’s Heroes office
- Printed and online recognition in the Heroes Honor Roll
- Special invitation to an exclusive Circle of Heroes event
Sustainer: $2,500 – $4,999
- Invitation to the VIP Heroes Art Ball reception and preferred event seating
- Listing on the Circle of Heroes donor wall at the entrance of Connor’s Heroes office
- Printed and online recognition in the Heroes Honor Roll
- Special invitation to an exclusive Circle of Heroes event
Visionary: $5,000 or more
- Two tickets to the Heroes Art Ball
- Special recognition in our monthly e-newsletter, Heroes & Hope, sent to more than 3,000 families, supporters, researchers, caregivers and volunteers
- Invitation to the VIP Heroes Art Ball reception and preferred event seating
- Listing on the Circle of Heroes donor wall at the entrance of Connor’s Heroes office
- Printed and online recognition in the Heroes Honor Roll
- Special invitation to an exclusive Circle of Heroes event
The Hero Squad is made up of professionals and community volunteers. The Jr. Hero Squad are students from toddlers to teen. All pledge to raise money for Connor’s Heroes during a month-long campaign.
You can turn a special day into a giving day and raise money to help a child with cancer. Connor’s Heroes makes it easy for you to set up a website where you can collect donations from your friends and family in honor of your special day.
Connor’s Heroes opened five rooms on the pediatric hematology and oncology floor of the expanded Wonder Tower at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. The rooms were much-needed spaces for Connor’s Heroes staff, patients, care teams and researchers.
Volunteer
Do you live in Central Virginia, and would you like to give your time to help a child battling cancer? Register online. A staff member will contact you about helping children who are in treatment in Richmond, Virginia. There are several ways you can volunteer.
- Host a snack drive for the Connor’s Heroes Family Room on the 12th floor of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
- Volunteer at a Heroes Art Session helping the kids create!
- Ask how your church, service organization, scouting, student group, or business may be able to help children with cancer.
- Volunteer for the Heroes Art Ball.
- Host a giving party where your guests bring items for Connor’s Heroes Bags and Backpacks specified on our Amazon Wish Lists.
- Host a snack drive for the Connor’s Heroes Family Room on the 12th floor of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
- Volunteer at a Heroes Art Session helping the kids create!
- Volunteer for the Heroes Art Ball.
- Host a giving party where your guests bring items for Connor’s Heroes Bags and Backpacks specified on our Amazon Wish Lists.
Attend an Event
The Heroes Art Ball is our signature fundraising gala. It is a magical night that brings together our hero families with the volunteers, researchers and the community who support them. Throughout the year, there are fun runs, restaurant charity nights, art openings and family-friendly events raising money for Connor’s Heroes or the Connor’s Heroes Pediatric Cancer Research Fund.
Home
We are here for you.
If your child is diagnosed or treated at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Connor’s Heroes can assist your family during the child’s cancer treatment and beyond.
Who are the Heroes of RVA?
Every week a child in Central Virginia is diagnosed with cancer. Since 2006, Connor’s Heroes has helped more than 1,000 children from infants to teenagers.
15th Annual Heroes Art Ball
Friday May 1, 2026 • Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Connor’s Heroes
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.