The essays students submit as part of the application reveal a special combination of determination, wisdom and humility. A number of scholarship recipients tell us they are planning careers influenced by their experiences as patients, crediting their illnesses for career choices that include pediatric oncology and radiation oncology, social work, nursing and research.
Sharon Weintraub, who is a Board member of the Scholarship Committee, recognized the achievements of the students. "Every single scholarship applicant told their own unique story, and every one managed to transcend their illness and find their strength. They are an incredible group of young people and so deserving of these scholarships."
Richard is a first-year medical student attending Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Scholarship recipients are selected by a committee of The Valerie Fund Board members based on merit, need or a combination of both. These named scholarship recipients are going to renound schools across the country including, Colombia University, Brown University, Villanova University, and Cornell University.
There are also eight recipients who are completeting their degrees in their homestate of New Jersey at, Caldwell University, Rowan University, The College of New Jersey, Felician College, Stevens Institute, Montclair State University, and Kean University.
Samantha is a sophomore at Villanova University
Deb Schiller, another Board member of the Scholarship Committee, is amazed at how far the program has come over the years. "I am thrilled and proud at how this scholarship program has grown. In the first year we awarded only $17,000."
The ability to provide financial support to an increasing number of Valerie Fund patients was made possible by the generosity of the named scholarship gifts including, the Julia L. Weintraub Scholarship, the Justin Garvey Scholarship, the Yaris Family Scholarship, and so many more.
The 2016-2017 Named Scholarship recipients will be awarded on Thursday, January 5th, at a ceremony in Maplewood, New Jersey.
After their nine-year-old daughter Valerie succumbed to cancer in 1976, Sue and Ed Goldstein were determined that no family should have to travel great distances to receive state-of-the-art medical care. Today, more than 6,000 children with cancer and blood disorders benefit immeasurably by receiving their medical treatment close to home in a child-centered environment. The Valerie Fund ensures they do not have to rely on insurance reimbursements to receive a range of customized therapeutic services that enhance their quality of life. For more information, please visit www.thevaleriefund.org.
