Students across Virginia will soon kick off Olive Garden’s 15th-annual Pasta for Pennies fundraising program benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) School & Youth campaign. A collective effort by millions of students, parents, teachers and school administrators, Pasta for Pennies has raised more than $42 million since its inception, funding research and services for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma patients and their families. In 2008 alone, the grassroots campaign raised a record $5.8 million in student contributions.

As a pediatrician, my life’s work is about caring for children. Next month, we each have an opportunity to use our voice and vote for leaders in our commonwealth and our nation. Before we cast our votes, as parents and citizens we have to ask the question, “Who’s for kids, and who’s just kidding?“ We need to look carefully at the “children’s agenda” that each candidate has put forth. Forget political party; race, gender, and family. Avoid campaign ads—do what I tell my patients and their parents every day in my practice: Turn off the television! Instead, take a look at their campaign materials and ask some hard questions.

Baylor Rice will give a free presentation on “Improving Memory & Focus from ADD to Alzheimer’s” tomorrow at noon and 7 p.m. at South River Compounding Pharmacy, 3656 Mayland Court. The VCU Medical Center speech department is sponsoring a Richmond Laryngectomy Support Group meeting tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. at the Stony Point Surgery Center.