Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU to Honor High School Graduates Treated for Cancer and Blood Disorders

By Cheryle Rodriguez

The Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU will host its annual celebration in honor of graduating high school students who have received care from the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Clinic.

The ceremony will be held Friday, June 7, from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the Hermes A. Kontos Medical Sciences Building, 1217 E. Marshall St.  Media must be escorted on hospital property.  Representatives from the VCU Public Affairs will be on hand. 

The Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Clinic and the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation are hosting the event. The 21 students who are being honored include nine from public schools, three from private schools and two students who were home schooled. 

The 14 oncology or hematology patients, five sickle cell patients and two hemophilia patients continued their academic studies while undergoing treatment.

This year’s keynote speakers are Mike Rhoades, VCU’s associate head men’s basketball coach, and Charlie Mingroni, a cancer survivor.  Alma Morgan, educational consultant, Gita Massey, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics in the Division of Hematology and Oncology, and local school division representatives will recognize the seniors.

Scholarships will be provided by ASK and the Sickle Cell Association of Richmond.