Goochland Senior Honors Her Mother’s Cancer Journey Through Fundraising and Advocacy
- Steve Thornton
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
1: Kyranna Stratiou with the Hawthorne Cancer Foundation, Board of Directors
My name is Kyranna Stratiou, and I am a senior at Goochland High School.
Earlier this year, when my mom was diagnosed with two different cancers—colon cancer linked to Lynch Syndrome and a separate form of breast cancer—my world changed. Watching her navigate the unknown with courage and faith opened my eyes to just how many people still don’t know about the importance of cancer screenings, genetic testing, early detection, or the resources available to families facing this journey.
Because of her experience, I chose to dedicate my senior project to raising awareness and supporting organizations that help cancer patients every day. I set up outreach tables, spoke at our school’s Pink Out volleyball game, and met with students during lunches and at football games. My goal was simple: to help others learn what my family only discovered once cancer entered our lives.
Through those efforts, I raised $1,402 for The Hawthorne Cancer Foundation and Pink Chair Project RVA—two programs that mean so much to the community they serve. The Hawthorne Cancer Foundation supports patients throughout the Richmond region with financial assistance, support groups, comfort items, educational materials, gas cards, and more. Pink Chair Project RVA, one of Hawthorne’s pillars of support, provides free power-lift recliners to breast cancer patients recovering from surgery or treatment.
I am especially grateful to Mrs. Caruthers, who guided and encouraged me throughout this project. And to my mom, who showed me what real strength looks like—I love you more than words can ever say.
MY MOM’S JOURNEY
My mom, Laurel Heiser, a licensed clinical social worker, often says becoming a cancer patient changes one’s entire perspective. She remembers the shock of hearing, “You have cancer,” not once but twice. She took control of her care—asking questions, seeking second opinions, reading everything she could, and searching for doctors who truly listened.
She eventually underwent immunotherapy as part of the Niche-2 trial, colon surgery in May, and later breast surgery followed by radiation. Thankfully, early scans and bloodwork show that the treatment worked.
She is deeply grateful for the incredible care teams at Johnston-Willis Hospital, VCU Health, and her Patient First primary care provider. She is also thankful for the love and support from family, friends, and her church community at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, and the comfort provided by the Pink Chair Project RVA.
HOW THE FUNDS WILL HELP
The $1,402 raised will support The Hawthorne Cancer Foundation’s Fall Campaign and Pink Chair Project RVA, specifically providing gas and grocery gift cards to patients who struggle with transportation and basic needs while undergoing treatment.
Both the Hawthorne Cancer Foundation and Pink Chair Project RVA rely entirely on donations to continue supporting families like mine.
1:Kyranna Stratiou presenting a donation check to Robin Yoder | 2. Kyranna Stratiou and her Mom, Laurel Heiser
The Hawthorne Cancer Foundation : www.thehawthorne.org
Why the Hawthorne Cancer Foundation?
For nearly six decades, the Hawthorne Cancer Foundation has been a trusted source of comfort, compassion, and practical support for cancer patients across Central Virginia. The Pink Chair Project RVA is a natural extension of this mission—providing a high-impact, deeply personal recovery resource that fills a critical and often unmet need.
Hawthorne’s three pillars of support work together to lift patients through every stage of their journey:
Financial Grants – easing the burden of treatment-related expenses
Transportation & Food Assistance – ensuring access to care and daily essentials
Pink Chair Project RVA – offering tangible comfort and recovery support at home
Together, these pillars reflect Hawthorne’s unwavering commitment to:
Comfort
Recovery
Dignity
Practical Aid
Community Connection
Through these combined efforts, Hawthorne empowers patients and families with the strength, resources, and compassion needed to navigate cancer with confidence and hope.
Pink Chair Project RVA : www.PinkChairProjectRVA.org
Donation : https://givebutter.com/RB6EV9
About the Pink Chair Project RVA
Pink Chair Project RVA provides electric lift-recliner chairs to breast cancer patients recovering from mastectomy, reconstruction, or other related surgeries. Many patients are unable to lie flat or push themselves up from a seated position during early recovery, and this chair is meant to give you:
A safe and comfortable place to rest
Reduced strain on your chest, arms, and core
Better sleep in supportive positions
More independence at home
A healing space made just for you
This chair is a gift of care, compassion, and community — and we hope it truly makes a difference.