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Dear Friends,
 
In this current economic climate, ASK continues to work hard to make sure that every dollar raised is put to the best possible use.  We are proud to say that we have not had to cut any services to our ASK families in these challenging times.
 
You have many great opportunities to support ASK in the next few months. Please come out to join us in the fun while supporting our local children battling cancer.
 
Sincerely,
 Anne Cuomo
ASK Executive Director
FOR OUR ASK FAMILIES 
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We have many support programs kicking off this spring including a bereavement support group, a survivorship retreat and monthy family discussion groups.  For more information, check out www.askweb.org
UPCOMING EVENTS 
 
 
 
May 5th & 6th - The Ivy Spring Market
 
May 7th - "Making A Difference in May" presented by the Tad DuPriest Foundation
 
May 23 - Wellesley 5k Fun Run
 
For more info on all upcoming events, go to www.askweb.org
HOLIDAYS CHEERS
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Thank you to everyone who helped make this holiday season a little brighter for our ASK families.  With your help, we provided assistance to over forty families and more than 300 ASK kids and their families turned out for our holiday party.
WANT TO HELP?
Donate Now
 
ASK Fun Walk & 5k presented by Anthem - Register Today!
 
Caroline ButterflySaturday, April 24th
Plans are underway for the Fifth Annual ASK Fun Walk & 5k and it looks like this year's event will be bigger and better than ever!
 
Last year's event attracted over 1,000 Richmonders and raised $90,000 to help ASK's programs.  New this year:an expanded family festival featuring new games and activities, a Victory Lap for our ASK kids, and more fun along the event route.
 
To register and learn more, go to: www.askwalk.org.
"Making A Difference In May" for ASK
Save the Date:
Friday, May 7th
Four years ago, a group of friends decided to do something to remember their dear friend Tad DuPriest. The group quickly grew to form the Tad DuPriest Foundation and this year, they hope to raise $100,000 for ASK's programs, making them ASK's the single largest fundraising group.  We are very grateful for the generous and ongoing support of this amazing group. 
 
This year's "Making A Difference in May" event will feature a golf tournament at Providence Golf Course followed by an evening party at Plant Zero.  The foundation also holds several "Dining for a Difference" events at area restaurants throughout the year.
 
To learn more and register, go to www.askandtad.com.
Chaplain's Corner
 
ASK funds several positions at the VCU Children's Medical Center's ASK Hematology/Oncology Clinic including its chaplain.  Here is an update from Jim Bonomo, ASK Chaplain:
 

Pediatric Chaplains for cancer patients can build trusting relationships because the long treatment protocols consist of many outpatient visits and hospital stays.  We are invited into their lives, particularly when they feel frightened or powerless.  I begin a "trust walk" with them.  It is my privilege to listen to their unfolding sacred, personal story.  It enables me to help them cope with a diagnosis, using many methodologies including prayer, sacred writings, centering prayer, guided imagery, journaling, dream work, music and other art forms.

 

I first met Sam Garrett in March of 2006.  At seventeen years old, he was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma.  He was a bright, energetic, all-American boy.  He loved to hunt and fish and possessed a quiet, self-assured personality.  I nicknamed him the "gentleman redneck."  Sam finished treatment quickly, breathing in the present and future in big gulps. 

 

In May of 2009, a chest CT revealed new areas of malignancy.  As he battled this new fight now as man, our relationship grew.  Sam presented a deeper sense of the preciousness of life from enduring a setback and a confrontation with mortality.  He searched scripture for meaning and comfort and invited me to join him. Sam shows me the face of God framed in his unique personhood.  I have a grateful heart for this messenger of God's grace.