In keeping with our mission of treating the whole child and family, the caregivers at The Valerie Fund Children’s Centers use every available resource to ensure the well-being of their families. Many of those most vulnerable have benefited from specially designated emergency funds.

As many as two out of every three childhood cancer survivors will develop at least one late-onset complication. These situations can require an additional and specific set of responses from a patient's team of caregivers. The Valerie Fund is thrilled to introduce you to one of our newest caregivers who specializes in this group of patients. 

The Valerie Fund Children's Centers are home to many healthcare heroes who support our kids during some of the most difficult times of their lives. These caregivers are experts in a variety of practices. We will be showcasing each service provided in our Children's Centers and hearing from the healthcare providers in their own words what they do for our kids and families. In this installment, we are going to learn about the Child Life Specialists and Social Workers.

Although we were physically unable to be together during the 29^th Annual Thanksgiving Ball Gala on November 20, 2020, the virtual platform checked all the boxes that have made this event one of The Valerie Fund’s premier fundraisers.

Thanksgiving is an important time of year. We are reminded to slow down and focus on what we are thankful for and the blessings that have come our way. For our Valerie Fund families, the healthcare professionals who treat their children are at the top of these lists. At the recent Thanksgiving Ball Gala, we honored our Healthcare Heroes by spotlighting individuals from the different disciplines we provide in our Valerie Fund's Children's Centers. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many new challenges for the patients and families of The Valerie Fund in these past months but the staff of The Valerie Fund Children's Centers have never wavered. They are true healthcare heroes who brave the front lines of the hospitals to ensure our kids are not only receiving their regular treatment but are also supported mentally and emotionally during this incredibly difficult time. Here are some stories of our healthcare heroes and how they've been there for our kids. 

Well-being and wellness has been a recurring theme lately on this blog (click here to read about self-care for family caregivers and click here to read about how to reduce stress). It has never been more important to ensure your emotional well-being is taken care of but in today's world it can seem to be more difficult than ever to do just that. Today we are going to take a look at another aspect of emotional wellness.

We celebrate many things in November each year and none are more important or powerful than our own families. No matter who you consider family or what yours may look like, your family is the backbone of your life and the people most likely to be there for you when you need it most. 

November is also National Family Caregiver Month and it is our absolute honor to spend a few minutes discussing the importance of family caregivers when it comes to our heroes of The Valerie Fund. 

Unfortunately, stress is something everyone can understand. We all have stress in our lives and most likely we would all say we have too much of it. Left unchecked, stress can begin to affect both your mental and physical well-being. October has been designated as National Emotional Wellness Month and this week's blog provides some helpful ways to learn how to slow down and breathe.

While emotional wellness is important for everyone, it is critical for parents and families of children treated by The Valerie Fund. A pediatric cancer or blood disorder diagnosis presents new levels of stress for parents and families and it is imperative that everyone be as healthy as possible - physically and mentally - throughout this process. 

There are so many new words and phrases that a family must learn when they begin a journey through pediatric cancer or blood disorders and it can be difficult to keep track of what they all mean. In the coming months we will try to explain what some of these concepts and practices are and hope it can help make this process just a little bit easier. 

We are starting with a discipline that encompasses many tools and practices under one umbrella. Continue reading to learn why integrative medicine can make a difference when battling pediatric cancer or blood disorders.