VCU news

By Carrie Carroll

The staff of the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Clinic at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, VCU Medical Center and ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation will host their annual celebration honoring graduating high school students who have received care at the Hematology and Oncology Clinic.

The ceremony will be held Friday, June 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Hermes A. Kontos Medical Sciences Building, 1217 E. Marshall St. A luncheon will begin at 11 a.m. followed by the formal ceremony in the auditorium at noon. Gov. McAuliffe will be speaking at 12:20 p.m. The event is open to invited family, school representatives and the media.

This year, 29 students representing 15 public schools and one home school program from across Virginia will be recognized for their accomplishment.

This includes 20 oncology, seven sickle cell and two aplastic anemia patients. The students have continued their academic studies while often undergoing treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, transfusions and bone marrow aspirations.

Recognition of the seniors will be made by Alma Morgan, educational consultant at the VCU Medical Center; Gita Massey, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics in the Division of Hematology and Oncology; and local school division representatives.

Scholarships provided by ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation and the Sickle Cell Association of Richmond – OSCAR will be presented during the ceremony.