--- title: "Fulfilling a Dream: The Scholarship Program" description: TVF Scholarship Committee knows the importance of helping patients realize their dreams of going to college or other post high school opportunities image: https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hubfs/title893252043.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   # Fulfilling a Dream: The Scholarship Program Posted by [The Valerie Fund](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/author/the-valerie-fund) on 3/24/16 4:17 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Unless your child is attending a tuition free college (and there are a few of those schools out there), the average cost of getting a four - year degree is now conservatively priced at $180,000 (private) and $95,000 (in state public). While these figures include virtually all of the costs associated with higher learning---tuition, housing, meals, books and school supplies, fees and transportation--- not many people can avoid the sense of sticker shock and foreboding when thoughts turn to paying for this privilege. As education costs continue to rise, The Valerie Fund Scholarship Committee has seen a steady increase in applications from both pediatric cancer patients and those living with blood disorders. “These are outstanding kids,” says committee member Debbie Schiller, “they’re hardworking and highly motivated to get the best education they can. Their applications reflect a universal anxiety about how to make up the difference between tuition costs and what their families can afford to pay.” ![title248665931.png](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/title248665931.png?width=449&name=title248665931.png "title248665931.png") --- The Valerie Fund Scholarship Committee recognizes the importance of helping patients realize their dreams of going to college or pursuing other post high school opportunities. Since its formation, the Committee’s priority has been to ease financial obstacles for children who have already survived daunting medical issues. The number of deserving candidates and continually escalating tuition costs are responsible for the significant increases the Scholarship Committee has authorized. In 2015, 72 students received scholarships in amounts ranging from $750 to $19,000, for a total funding $245,000.  Many families try to put money away in a college fund for their children, but for those whose child is diagnosed with a life-threatening or long term illness that college savings must often be diverted to cover costs associated with a serious illness even for families with private health insurance. “If we are determined to make sure the kids survive physically and emotionally,” says Schiller “how can we not help them get the education that they need to be successful and fulfilled?” ![title134334420.png](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/title134334420.png?width=250&name=title134334420.png "title134334420.png")That’s exactly what a donor had in mind nine years ago when he earmarked a gift to establish a scholarship program so that Valerie Fund patients could continue their education after high school with a little help.   The scholarship program is open to students who are attending four-year college, community college, or vocational school full-time, but until recently, awards were very modest, limited to a maximum of $700 per year.  Recipients were grateful because the scholarships helped to defray tuition or the cost of books, but The Valerie Fund’s Board determined it was simply not enough. In 2011, The Valerie Fund made increasing the number and dollar amount of its scholarships a priority. Donors welcomed an opportunity to help make education more accessible for young people who had fought hard to arrive at the day when education was the next logical step.  The first named scholarships, the Lervolino-Cade Scholarships, were created in the 2011-12 academic year, and in 2015-16 two dozen students were the recipicents of named scholarships.  Schiller said,  “I read all of the applications in one sitting, simply amazed at the way virtually every single applicant expressed a determination to transform their experience as a patient into a career that would help others. So many of these kids were inspired by their experience at The Valerie Fund Centers.  And almost every one has outstanding need, outstanding personal characteristics, or both, that made them worthy of these scholarships.”![title893252043.png](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/title893252043.png?width=248&height=328&name=title893252043.png "title893252043.png") Richard, a Valerie Fund patient at the [Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Center](http://www.chop.edu/locations/specialty-care-surgery-center-voorhees#.VvQtPuIrK70) in Voorhees, New Jersey, was recruited to pitch for his college team and planned to become a high school math teacher. His cancer diagnosis two weeks before the start of college changed all that.  He now will work toward a career in cancer research. For the 2016 -2017 school year, Richard plans to attend medical school and The Valerie Fund will continue their support.    ---   [![THE STAR LEDGER HIGHLIGHTS THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1822020/5727d38f-696b-4cf9-84fd-1266cbf34a19.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1822020/5727d38f-696b-4cf9-84fd-1266cbf34a19) ---   Topics: [Pediatric Cancer](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/pediatric-cancer), [Blood Disorders](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/blood-disorders), [cancer](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/cancer), [scholarship](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/scholarship), [scholarship program](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/scholarship-program) ## 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) - [fundraising (45)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/fundraising) - [childhood cancer (37)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/childhood-cancer) - [patients (37)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/patients) - [Pediatric Cancer (35)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/pediatric-cancer) - [events (34)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/events) - [new jersey (34)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/new-jersey) - [2020 (30)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/2020) - [nonprofit (29)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/nonprofit) - [walk (29)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/walk) - [Non-profit (28)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/non-profit) - [caregivers (28)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/caregivers) - [awareness (27)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/awareness) - [centers (27)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/centers) - [oncology (27)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/oncology) - [pediatric (26)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/pediatric) - [#BecauseofValerie (25)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/becauseofvalerie) - [cancer (24)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/cancer) - [5k (23)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/5k) - [Charity (21)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/charity) - [ambassadors (21)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/ambassadors) - [community events (20)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/community-events) - [sickle cell (19)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/sickle-cell) - [walkathon (17)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/walkathon) - [education (16)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/education) - [thanksgiving ball gala (15)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/thanksgiving-ball-gala) - [Meet the Staff (14)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/meet-the-staff) - [hematology (14)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/hematology) - [advocate (12)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/advocate) - [give back (12)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/give-back) - [camp happy times (11)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/camp-happy-times) - [run (11)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/run) - [TVF Playlist (10)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/tvf-playlist) - [moms (9)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/moms) - [interns (8)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/interns) - [scholarship program (8)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/scholarship-program) - [40 years (7)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/40-years) - [child life (7)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/child-life) - [scholarship (7)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/scholarship) - [survivor (7)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/survivor) - [team captains (7)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/team-captains) - [Center Staff (6)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/center-staff) - [grace's house (6)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/graces-house) - [social worker (6)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/social-worker) - [volunteer (6)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/volunteer) - [world subaru (6)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/world-subaru) - [Virtual Walk & Run (5)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/virtual-walk-run) - [national childhood cancer awareness month (5)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/national-childhood-cancer-awareness-month) - [philanthropy (5)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/philanthropy) - [verona (5)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/verona) - [volunteers (5)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/volunteers) - [Holiday Giving (4)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/holiday-giving) - [Kids Ice Cancer (4)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/kids-ice-cancer) - [Philantrophy (4)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/philantrophy) - [educational liaison (4)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/educational-liaison) - [jag-one physical therapy (4)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/jag-one-physical-therapy) - [learning depots (4)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/learning-depots) - [national sickle cell awareness month (4)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/national-sickle-cell-awareness-month) - [psychologists (4)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/psychologists) - [psychosocial support (4)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/psychosocial-support) - [sponsors (4)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/sponsors) - [Founders (3)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/founders) - [NJ Auto Retailers (3)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/nj-auto-retailers) - [The Grove (3)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/the-grove) - [camp (3)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/camp) - [careoke (3)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/careoke) - [holistic healing (3)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/holistic-healing) - [integrative medicine (3)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/integrative-medicine) - [nutrition (3)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/nutrition) - [raffle (3)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/raffle) - [rook (3)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/rook) - [rook coffee (3)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/rook-coffee) - [science (3)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/science) - [side effects (3)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/side-effects) - [taste of giving (3)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/taste-of-giving) - [2021 (2)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/2021) - [Wellness (2)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/wellness) - [american express (2)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/american-express) - [art (2)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/art) - [baltusrol (2)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/baltusrol) - [burger king (2)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/burger-king) - [doctors (2)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/doctors) - [donors (2)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/donors) - [late effects (2)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/late-effects) - [monmouth medical center (2)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/monmouth-medical-center) - [palliative care (2)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/palliative-care) - [rec day (2)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/rec-day) - [subaru (2)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/subaru) - [support group (2)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/support-group) - [2018 subaru forrester (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/2018-subaru-forrester) - [CoCo Vandeweghe (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/coco-vandeweghe) - [Giving Tuesday (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/giving-tuesday) - [Jersey Mike's (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/jersey-mikes) - [Justin Gimelstob (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/justin-gimelstob) - [LITE (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/lite) - [Madison Keys (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/madison-keys) - [Publication (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/publication) - [Tennis (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/tennis) - [The Bryan Brothers (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/the-bryan-brothers) - [The Hilton Short Hills (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/the-hilton-short-hills) - [Valerie (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/valerie) - [Valerie's Monthly Membership (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/valeries-monthly-membership) - [amazon smile (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/amazon-smile) - [captain hope (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/captain-hope) - [dietitian (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/dietitian) - [hope (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/hope) - [long term care (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/long-term-care) - [long term follow up (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/long-term-follow-up) - [magic (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/magic) - [morristown medical center (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/morristown-medical-center) - [out-patient (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/out-patient) - [out-patient cancer (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/out-patient-cancer) - [store (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/store) - [tennis exhibition (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/tennis-exhibition) - [transportation (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/transportation) - [website (1)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/website) - [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" }, "datePublished" : "2016-03-24T20:17:49.000Z", "headline" : "Fulfilling a Dream: The Scholarship Program", "image" : [ "https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hubfs/title893252043.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/fulfilling-a-dream-the-scholarship-program", "@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" } } ```