--- title: "#BecauseofValerie" description: The Valerie Fund's mission is to support the comprehensive health care of children with cancer and blood disorders. None of this would have been possible without one girl named Valerie. image: https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hubfs/BLOG%20FB%20Image%20BecauseOfValerie.png --- [![The Valerie Fund](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TheValerieFund_November2017/Images/img-logo.png?width=138&height=230&name=img-logo.png "The Valerie Fund")](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/) - [About Us](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/) - [**About Us**](http://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/) - [Mission](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/) - [History](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/our-history/) - [Impact](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/impact/) - [Leadership](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/board/) - [Junior Board](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/our-sponsors/) - [Our Sponsors](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/financials/) - [Financials](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/financials/) - [News](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/news/) - [Blogs](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/) - [Videos](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/videos/) - [Online Newsletters](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/newsletters/) - [Contact Us](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/contacts/) - [What We Do](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/) - [**What We Do**](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/) - [Our Centers](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/our-centers/) - [Our Programs](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/programs-services/) - [Beyond Our Centers](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/beyond-our-centers/) - [Camp Happy Times](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/camp-happy-times/) - [TVF Scholarship](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/tvf-scholarship/) - [Staff Stories](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/staff-stories/) - [Meet Our Valerie Fund Kids](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/meet-our-kids/) - [You Can Help](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/youcanhelp/) - [**You Can Help**](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/youcanhelp/) - [Donate](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/donations/hope-and-healing.php) - [Volunteer](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/youcanhelp/volunteer/) - [Green Light Initiative](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/green-light-initiative/) - [Events and Campaigns](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/events-campaigns/) - [Kids Helping Kids](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/youcanhelp/kids-helping-kids/) - [In Lieu of Presents](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/youcanhelp/in-lieu-of-presents/) - [Gift Shop](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/store/) - [Events & Campaigns](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/events-campaigns/) - [**All Events & Campaigns**](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/events-campaigns/) - [Signature Events](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/events-campaigns/signature-events/) - [Community Events](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/events-campaigns/community-events/) - [Campaigns](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/events-campaigns/campaigns/) - [Past Events](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/events-campaigns/past-events/) - [Get Inspired](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/events-campaigns/get-inspired/) - [For Patients & Families](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/for-patients-and-families/) - [**For Patients and Families**](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/for-patients-and-families/) - [Our Centers](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/our-centers/) - [Our Programs](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/programs-services/) - [Beyond Our Centers](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/beyond-our-centers/) - [Camp Happy Times](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/camp-happy-times/) - [TVF Scholarship](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/tvf-scholarship/) - [Other Scholarships](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/tvf-scholarship/other-scholarships/) - [Flashes of Hope](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/for-patients-and-families/flashes-of-hope/) - [Mom2Mom Hotline](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/for-patients-and-families/mom2mom/) - [News](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/news/) - [Contact](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/contacts/) - [Volunteer](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/youcanhelp/volunteer/) ### When Valerie Goldstein lost her battle to cancer at the age of 9, her parents Ed and Sue vowed to help families in similar situations gain easier access to more customized care. [All About the Fund](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/) ![](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hubfs/TheValerieFund_November2017/Images/valerie.png) ![valerie.png](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TheValerieFund_November2017/Images/valerie.png?width=368&name=valerie.png "valerie.png") ### The Valerie Fund supports comprehensive health care services focusing on psychosocial programs for children with cancer and blood disorders close to home. [About What We Do](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/) ![](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hubfs/TheValerieFund_November2017/Images/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-05%20at%2011.00.58%20AM.png) ![Screen Shot 2017-09-05 at 11.00.58 AM.png](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TheValerieFund_November2017/Images/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-05%20at%2011.00.58%20AM.png?width=371&name=Screen%20Shot%202017-09-05%20at%2011.00.58%20AM.png "Screen Shot 2017-09-05 at 11.00.58 AM.png") ### Your participation, time or financial gift ensures that children get everything they need to receive the most effective treatment. [Ways to Help](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/youcanhelp/) ![](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hubfs/TheValerieFund_November2017/Images/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-05%20at%2011.02.22%20AM.png) ![Screen Shot 2017-09-05 at 11.02.22 AM.png](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TheValerieFund_November2017/Images/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-05%20at%2011.02.22%20AM.png?width=370&name=Screen%20Shot%202017-09-05%20at%2011.02.22%20AM.png "Screen Shot 2017-09-05 at 11.02.22 AM.png") ### Our Annual Walk Event Donate or Join a Team [Visit the Walk](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/walk) ### Our unique blend of medical care and emotional counseling gives patients and their families the supportive environment they need during treatment and beyond. [Learn More](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/for-patients-and-families/) ### Our Centers - [Children's Hospital of Phila/Voorhees](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/childrens-hospital-philavoorhees) - [Columbia University Medical Center](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/columbia-university-medical-center) - [Monmouth Medical Center](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/monmouth-medical-center) - [Morristown Medical Center](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/morristown-medical-center) - [Newark Beth Israel Medical Center](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/newark-beth-israel-medical-center) - [Overlook Medical Center](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/overlook-medical-center) - [St. Joseph's Children Hospital](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/st.-josephs-children-hospital) ## Supporting children with cancer and blood disorders since 1976 [![Donate](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1822020/f5fd0642-8c84-439d-b936-77fbecbe7166.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1822020/f5fd0642-8c84-439d-b936-77fbecbe7166) # The Valerie Fund Blog   # #BecauseofValerie Posted by [The Valerie Fund](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/author/the-valerie-fund) on 1/21/20 2:24 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Valerie photo 1970s](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Valerie%20photo%201970s.jpg?width=250&name=Valerie%20photo%201970s.jpg) *Valerie Goldstein* The Valerie Fund's mission is to provide support for the comprehensive health care of children with cancer and blood disorders. We focus on the patient and the family who loves them. Our philosophy is that to truly heal a child, that child must be treated emotionally, socially, and developmentally as well as medically. Their families get support as well, which makes a world of difference for everyone. None of this would have become a reality without a remarkable call to action that would honor Valerie's memory.  The year was 1970.  Three-year-old Valerie Goldstein was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a cancer of the bone. For the next six years, Valerie's parents, Ed and Sue, built their lives around Valerie's illness and treatments. This meant traveling from their home in New Jersey to New York City in order to get the most advanced pediatric oncology treatment available - a 90 minute drive each way so Valerie could meet with doctors, receive chemotherapy or radiation treatments, have surgeries, and make multiple hospital stays. Even through the nausea and discomfort following chemotherapy, Valerie had to endure the 90 minute ride home from NYC.  ![Goldsteins 1974](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Goldsteins%201974.png?width=600&name=Goldsteins%201974.png) Meanwhile Valerie's sister, Stacy, remained at home with friends, family, or babysitters as Ed and Sue wanted to be there for Valerie for her journey. This took an emotional and physical toll on the entire family, sapping their energies at a time they needed them most.  ![IMG_1605](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_1605.png?width=600&name=IMG_1605.png) *Ed & Sue Goldstein, nominated for the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award* After Valerie succumbed to her cancer in 1976 at the age of nine , Ed and Sue were convinced there had to be a better way for the children and their families of New Jersey to receive treatment for life-threatening illnesses such as cancer and blood disorders. They envisioned a place that could provide families with regional outpatient treatment centers at top pediatric hospitals within an hour's drive of most of the state's population, providing state-of-the-art medical and emotional care in a happy, upbeat child-focused environment. Forty-four years later and The Valerie Fund is NJ's leading kid's cancer charity and we provide support to approximately 6,000 kids every year. Families in our area now know they have a support system in place and do not need to face their battles alone.  You can [click here](https://thevaleriefund.org/NJ-Leading-Kids-Cancer-Charity/) to go to a concise rundown of the impact that The Valerie Fund has in new Jersey, New York City, and metro Philadelphia.    ![Goldsteins 2017](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Goldsteins%202017.png?width=600&name=Goldsteins%202017.png) *Ed & Sue with former patients from The Valerie Fund's "Where Are They Now?" book* These services and all of this support would not be possible without Valerie Goldstein and her courageous battle in the early 1970s. This is why we are making 2020 the year of **#BecauseofValerie**.  **#BecauseofValerie** The Valerie Fund Children's Centers are there to keep our kids safe and healthy. **#BecauseofValerie** our educational liaisons are in schools helping children keep up with their education and to teach the other kids why their classmate will attend school via a VGo robot for a while. **#BecauseofValerie** more than 150 kids spend a week each summer at Camp Happy Times. **#BecauseofValerie** specialized Sickle Cell programs support an under served community in our area. **#BecauseofValerie** we offer both transportation assistance and financial counseling for those families who are in need.   ![Stage_ Ed and Sue Goldstein](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Stage_%20Ed%20and%20Sue%20Goldstein.jpg?width=600&name=Stage_%20Ed%20and%20Sue%20Goldstein.jpg) *Ed & Sue at The Valerie Fund Walk & JAG-ONE Physical Therapy 5K in 2018* What will you do #BecauseofValerie? Will you [join us](https://thevaleriefund.org/Walk2020/) at The Valerie Fund Walk & JAG-ONE Physical Therapy 5K? Will you [donate](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/donations/hope-and-healing.php) to The Valerie Fund to keep supporting the children battling cancer? Will you [volunteer](https://thevaleriefund.org/youcanhelp/volunteer/)at one of The Valerie Fund events this year? Will you [host a community event](https://thevaleriefund.org/events-campaigns/community-events/) in your own neighborhood, school, office, etc.?  --- [![Blog Footer-1](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Footer-1.png?width=1600&name=Blog%20Footer-1.png)](https://thevaleriefund.org/)   Topics: [Non-profit](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/non-profit), [#BecauseofValerie](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/becauseofvalerie), [Valerie](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/valerie) ## The Power of Giving ### Learn more about the ways you can help.  ### Join in the fight against childhood cancer and blood disorders: donate, participate in an event, or volunteer your time. Our philosophy is that to truly heal the children whose care we are entrusted, we must treat them emotionally, socially, and developmentally, as well as medically.   ### Subscribe to Blog Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Blood Disorders (47)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/blood-disorders) - 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[why we give (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/why-we-give) see all The Valerie Fund 2101 Millburn Avenue Maplewood, NJ 07040 973-761-0422 :: Phone 973-761-6792 :: Fax ### Follow Us:   #### [Contact Us](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/contacts/) ### Join Our Mailing List: #### [Donor Privacy](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/financials/) ![](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hubfs/TheValerieFund_November2017/Images/charityNavigatorLogo.jpg) ©2026 The Valerie Fund. All Rights Reserved. | We are a 501(c)(3) charity ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "The Valerie Fund", "url" : "https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/author/the-valerie-fund" }, "dateModified" : "2020-01-21T19:24:31.092Z", "datePublished" : "2020-01-21T19:24:31.000Z", "headline" : "#BecauseofValerie", "image" : [ "https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hubfs/BLOG%20FB%20Image%20BecauseOfValerie.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/becauseofvalerie", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hubfs/Valerie%20Fund%20Logo_HEX%20and%20RGB-2.png" }, "name" : "The Valerie Fund" } } ```