The Valerie Fund Blog

2019 was quite a year here at The Valerie Fund! Before we dive headfirst into the new year (and new decade!), we wanted to take a look back at the events of 2019. Join us to reminisce on some good times and catch up on some special fundraisers you may have missed!

Topics: camp happy times, 5k, awareness, walk

The month of September means two things: it is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month and it's time for back to school!

Topics: Blood Disorders, moms, sickle cell, awareness, hematology, patients

Logically, I know that a healthy, cancer free body is all that matters… I’m just not 100 percent there yet.

Topics: education, Pediatric Cancer, Blood Disorders, pediatric, cancer, childhood cancer, awareness, oncology, new jersey, nonprofit, advocate, patients

Valerie Fund patient, Olivia’s story continues in this blog post. 

 

2019 is here and I don't really know how to feel about it.

You see, on New Year’s Day of 2018, I was a newly diagnosed cancer patient. I had just underwent surgery, a bone marrow biopsy, several different scans, and was barely conscious from all of the pain medication pumping into my body. I was about to embark on nine months of agonizing treatment, both physically and emotionally. Although most of my memory from those first few days is very hazy; what I can vividly recall is sobbing over the fact that I just didn’t want to do it.  

Topics: Non-profit, education, Pediatric Cancer, Blood Disorders, pediatric, cancer, childhood cancer, awareness, oncology, new jersey, nonprofit, advocate, patients

Valerie Fund scholarship donors, board members, staff and parents recognized 25 of the 36 named scholarship recipients at the Maplewood Country Club in Maplewood, NJ on January 3, 2019. In total, 93 former and current Valerie Fund patients were awarded scholarships for the 2018 - 2019 academic year totaling $430,000 in scholarship money to attend college and universities, from local community colleges and vocational programs, to Ivy Leagues, nursing, and medical school.

Topics: education, childhood cancer, sickle cell, scholarship, awareness, scholarship program, hematology, oncology, survivor, new jersey, fundraising, nonprofit

When a 17-year-old girl receives a cancer diagnosis, she experiences a tremendous loss. A loss of such enormous magnitude that she can’t even comprehend all it is that she’s losing.

A year ago, that girl was me.

Topics: Non-profit, education, Pediatric Cancer, Blood Disorders, pediatric, cancer, childhood cancer, awareness, oncology, new jersey, nonprofit, advocate, patients

 Our blog series finishes with excerpts from the last set of 2018 Ambassador's profiles. A total of 16 ambassadors will represent The Valerie Fund at The Thanksgiving Ball Gala this Friday, November 16th. 

 

Topics: Non-profit, Pediatric Cancer, Blood Disorders, Charity, pediatric, childhood cancer, sickle cell, awareness, hematology, oncology, centers, new jersey, fundraising, nonprofit, ambassadors, advocate, patients

In preparation for the Thanksgiving Ball Gala, at The Grove in Cedar Grove, the ambassadors met there a few weeks beforehand for the "Ambassador Orientation." They spent the evening filling out questionnaires, chatting, bonding, eating pizza, and touring the beautiful facility. Many parents of the younger ambassadors also joined the orientation.

An important part of the evening is always the medal ceremony. Each ambassador is awarded a special medal for his/her service to The Valerie Fund to be worn the night of the Gala. The ambassadors also have their picture taken to be featured in the Gala's program along with their handwritten excerpts.

Topics: Non-profit, Pediatric Cancer, Blood Disorders, Charity, pediatric, childhood cancer, sickle cell, awareness, hematology, oncology, centers, new jersey, fundraising, nonprofit, ambassadors, advocate, patients

Friday, November 16, 2018 is our 27th Annual Thanksgiving Ball Gala. This year, the event will be held at The Grove in Cedar Grove, NJ, a new location for the first time in over two decades.

A tradition that will continue is inviting current and former Valerie Fund patients to be the evening's ambassadors. Guests will have the opportunity to meet with the ambassadors both informally in the ballroom and at Learning Depots. Learning Depots allow Valerie Fund patients and caregivers to educate guests about all the services the organization has to offer.

This year's ambassadors range in age from six to 19. They come from diverse backgrounds and were diagnosed with different pediatric cancers or blood disorders. They have shared their stories on how The Valerie Fund has helped them and their families. Their responses will be featured in the Thanksgiving Ball Gala's program as well as in this series of blogs.

Topics: Non-profit, Pediatric Cancer, Blood Disorders, Charity, pediatric, childhood cancer, sickle cell, awareness, hematology, oncology, centers, new jersey, fundraising, nonprofit, ambassadors, advocate, patients

The Valerie Fund's events have been in full swing since the summer. Starting with The Valerie Fund Walk & JAG Physical Therapy 5K Run on June 9th, the organization has hosted three golf outings, a color run, a karaoke media event, and wrapped up with The Valerie Fund 5K Run & Walk, presented by World Subaru at the beginning of October.

Topics: Non-profit, Pediatric Cancer, Blood Disorders, Charity, pediatric, cancer, 5k, awareness, walk, walkathon, sponsors, run, events, community events, new jersey, fundraising, nonprofit, world subaru, volunteer, give back, patients