Join Us At the Ask 5K to Support Local Kids With Cancer

The 2018 Ask 5k & Fun Walk will take place on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at The Diamond. We hope you'll join us!

Update as of April 24, 2017: We had a great turnout for the ASK 5K & Fun Walk — even in the rain. If you didn't join us, there's another opportunity to support ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation by attending the Richmond Flying Squirrels' game at The Diamond on Sunday, May 7, 2017 at 12 noon to cheer ASK's Kourageous Kids as they take a lap around the infield.

It's a shocking statistic: 1 to 2 children are diagnosed with childhood cancer each week in Central Virginia. That's an overwhelming statistic. And it makes us all want to pitch in and do something to help, but sometimes it's hard to know where to start.

Good news: you can start on Saturday, April 22, 2017. If you're looking for a community-minded event that benefits Richmond families and kids fighting cancer and also includes exercise and entertainment, we've got the event for you: the 12^th Annual ASK 5K & Fun Walk on April 22 at 10 a.m. at the Diamond.

ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation is a Richmond-based organization that has raised more than $1.2 million in the 11 years of its 5K & Fun Walk event. All funds raised go toward improving the lives of children who are fighting cancer in Central Virginia. ASK provides social, emotional, financial and educational support to children with cancer and their families.

"Since CLG opened its doors in 2014, we have been a faithful sponsor of the ASK 5K & Fun Walk, because the foundation provides critical help to Central Virginia families and we want to support their work," said Matt Lastrapes, founding partner of CLG and a Richmond personal injury attorney. "This year we will host a Commonwealth Law Group booth on the day of the walk at the Diamond ? we invite you to stop by and say hello!"

ASK is a local organization, founded 42 years ago in a hospital waiting room by parents of kids with cancer. ASK now funds three full-time positions at Children's Hospital of Richmond: a chaplain, a child-life therapist and a child psychologist, who all provide critical support to families facing the life-altering diagnosis and ongoing treatment of childhood cancer. This dedicated team works side by side with the medical staff to make sure local kids receive the support they need.

"ASK serves Central Virginia families from the moment of diagnosis; we're one of a handful of teams in the nation embedded with the medical staff, making a difference when families need it most," said Britt Nelson, ASK Development Director. ASK hosts summer enrichment camps, helps families facing financial hardships, and even partners with the Home Building Partnership of Richmond to help families when they have home repairs they just can't get to because they're dealing with hospitals and doctor appointments.

In March 2016, the ASK Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic at the new Children's Pavilion opened. The ASK Clinic includes exam rooms, an infusion center, a dedicated pharmacy for chemotherapy and special infusion medicines, and space to just have fun with child life specialists during treatment.

The ASK 5K & Fun Walk is a truly unique, inspiring event. Last year, 81 teams participated in the event, rallying around children in our community who have been impacted by cancer.

"There were 1,700 people at the starting line last year to show support for these children," Britt continued. "It's a moving experience to see how much support our community has for our ASK kids and families."

his year, the "Kourageous Kids" will get to do a victory lap around the bases during the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball game on Sunday, May 7. Richmond's Kourageous Kids – including those with cancer and survivor siblings – will take to the field during the Seventh Inning Stretch, where they round the bases, high-five the players, and show us how truly courageous they are.

The ASK 5K & Fun Walk is the ASK Foundation's signature fundraising event. Last year the event raised $155,000. We encourage you to come out and be a part of the event this year ? we'll be there, and we'd love to see you!