Ways You Can Help

6th Annual Advocacy Day & Awards Program

“Working on Behalf of Children’s Health”

Register now to attend Children’s Hospital’s Annual Advocacy Day & Awards Program on Thursday, Sept. 24 from 6:30 p.m.- 8 p.m. at the hospital’s main location, 2924 Brook Road, Richmond VA 23220.

This free event will feature a program entitled “Partners on the Path: Nurturing the Spiritual Journey of Children with Special Needs and their Families” as well as the presentation of the hospital’s annual Spirit of Advocacy Awards.

Facilitated by Rev. Dr. Cathie Stivers, Children’s Hospital’s chaplain, the program will use guided conversation, story telling and resource sharing to help guests learn about the spiritual experiences of children with special needs and their families.  Participating in the conversation will be:

  • Susie Nash, a former counselor with Comfort Zone Camp and now the Family Services Coordinator for Full Circle Grief Center.  Nash’s daughter passed away eight years ago at the age of 14 from a rare metabolic disorder.
  • Christi and David Hancock, whose daughter was born with Trisomy 13 yet enjoyed three months of life with her parents and twin siblings before passing away.
  • Angela Taylor, a social worker with the Henrico County Department of Social Services, licensed minister of outreach and mother of a 14-year-old resident of Children’s Hospital’s Transitional Care Unit (TCU). Her son’s twin did not survive infancy.
  • Sue Swadley, mother of two young adult children with special needs, wife of a Methodist minister and employee with Child Development Resources, which assists families in transitioning their children with special needs from early intervention programs to school-provided services.

Registration Information

The program is free, but registration is required.  To register, contact Laura Allen at 804-228-5921 or lpallen@chva.org. The first 25 families to register will receive a copy of the book, “How to Bury a Goldfish (and Other Ceremonies and Celebrations for Everyday Life)” by Virginia Lang and Louise Nayer.  The first 25 clergy or other spiritual/faith leaders to register will receive a copy of the book, “Welcoming Children with Special Needs: A Guidebook for Faith Communities.” All attendees will receive a resource packet. 

Spirit of Advocacy Awards

Following the panel discussion, the hospital’s Spirit of Advocacy awards will be presented, one to a hospital patient or family member and one to a community partner.  The awards were created in 2004 by Children’s Hospital to formally recognize a family or family member of a Children’s Hospital patient for their efforts in advocating for the health care needs of their child or the broader needs of children of the community. In 2005 a Community Partner Award was added to recognize the efforts of professionals who use their position and skills to advocate for children’s healthcare.  Winners for both awards will have taken a positive action in regard to some aspect of advocating for legislative or safety initiatives, influencing funding sources or new program development, obtaining healthcare services for children, influencing improvements to the community for children with special health care needs, and/or suggesting improvements to health care services.

To view this year’s list of Spirit of Advocacy 2009 Nominees, please click here.

2008 Award Winners

In September 2008, Children’s Hospital announced the winners of the 5th Annual “Spirit of Advocacy” Awards in two categories: the Family Advocate Award and the Community Partner Award.

The Family Advocate Award was presented to Nick Schiaffo. Nick and Gina Schiaffo lost their son Danny to a meduloblastoma, a pediatric brain tumor in 2000. Prior to Danny’s death, Nick made a promise to his son that he would continue the fight for brain tumor awareness and research. Since that time, Nick has made certain that the courage Danny displayed while fighting cancer would never be forgotten. He has spoken several times as an advocate for both VCU Children’s Medical Center and Children’s Hospital for Children’s Miracle Network-Richmond at events including both the radiothon and telethon. He has appeared before the General Assembly and Congress on numerous occasions to discuss the need for higher prioritization and funding of brain tumor research. Currently, Nick volunteers for Lifenet to speak at high schools discussing the organ donor program where his own son gave a last gift of sight by donating his corneas.

The Community Partner Award was presented to Lynda Gunn, Kohl’s A-Team Coordinator. Kohl’s area Department Stores have partnered with Children’s Hospital over the last 7 years and have provided support financially and through volunteer hours for the hospital’s health and safety educational awareness programs which include events, safety posters and commercials. Throughout the year, Kohl’s Cares for Kids merchandise is sold with 100% of the next profits donated to support health and educational opportunities for children. Each purchase supports programs designed to meet the needs of children. Since July 31, 2001, Kohl’s has donated $533,581.36 to help support the mission of Children’s Hospital.

The information on this site is provided for informational and educational purposes only; it does not contain specific medical advice. If you have specific health questions or problems, consult a health care professional for personal medical advice.