One of our favorite things in the world is seeing Valerie Fund kids not only thriving after treatment but wanting to give back. Many of our kids experience the generosity of The Valerie Fund's supporters and want to pay it forward to the patients currently in treatment. We will be bringing you stories of some of these amazing kids who may have been dealt a tough hand but only want to use their strength to help others. Today we are taking a look at Shariah and her new business, Straps By Shai.
The Ed & Sue Goldstein Emergency Fund Covers Vital Needs for Valerie Fund Patients and their Families
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.
Topics: Blood Disorders, caregivers, oncology
2020 will be a year of many firsts and The Valerie Fund's Camp Happy Times will follow suit. For the first time ever, Camp Happy Times is going virtual but that doesn't mean our kids are not going to get a robust and fun-filled experience with the fellow campers and counselors they've come to love.
Topics: camp happy times, hematology, oncology, patients, 2020
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.
Topics: caregivers, hematology, oncology, patients, Center Staff, 2020
Once a Valerie Fund kid, always a Valerie Fund kid.
The Valerie Fund prides itself on our commitment to treat children battling cancer and this commitment does not end when the main medical treatment ends. There are many issues that continue to be a factor in a patient's life after treatment and we are proud to continue our relationship with these patients in an exciting program called MAGIC.
Using our body’s immune system to kill cancer cells. Deciphering the genetic code of a tumor in order to destroy it. Identifying a single residual cancer cell to determine next steps for treatment. These are just three of the innovations discussed by The Valerie Fund Educational Seminar panelists on November 14th at Maplewood Country Club from their positions deep in the trenches of the war on cancer.
Topics: oncology
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.
Topics: child life, moms, caregivers, hematology, oncology, centers, Center Staff
Maplewood Comes Out for National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and The Valerie Fund is proud to work with local community partners to help in this battle. Several local businesses have joined us to support children and families currently living with pediatric cancer. Take a look and see if your favorite hotspot is on the list!
Topics: childhood cancer, oncology, community events, new jersey, fundraising, give back, national childhood cancer awareness month
What is integrative medicine and why is it critical for the care of pediatric cancer and blood disorders?
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.
Topics: integrative medicine, Blood Disorders, cancer, caregivers, hematology, oncology, centers, science, patients, Center Staff
Supporting Pediatric Cancer & Blood Disorders Within the Community
Community events are an integral part of The Valerie Fund's ability to support families dealing with pediatric cancer and blood disorders. Support from friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors not only result in increased fundraising but also in an outpouring of personal and emotional support. Keep reading to learn about some of our upcoming community events!
Topics: hematology, oncology, events, community events, fundraising, volunteers, give back