The Valerie Fund Blog

The 2023 Morgan Stanley Rec Day for The Valerie Fund was held at Turtle Back Zoo, offering a fun and engaging outdoor experience for all participants. More than 300 patients and their families were welcomed to the Zoo on May 7th by Morgan Stanley volunteers, and The Valerie Fund and Camp Happy Times staff. The volunteers welcomed the families and distributed the blue Morgan Stanley Rec Day t-shirts to the attendees. The families enjoyed lunch, rode the carousel, went on an African adventure and fed the giraffes,  interacted with sting rays and sharks in the Touch Tank, and rode the Zoo train.

Fall of 2012, I was a typical 21-year-old college student in Burlington, Vermont. I lived on my own, worked hard at school and managed a busy life, out with friends or at concerts when not in the classroom or at work. As such, being a bit more rundown and exhausted than usual did not strike me as anything to worry about. As Christmas break drew near, I wasn’t just tired but in pain. My stomach stopped cooperating. Every time I took a step, my stomach would hurt so bad I would stop moving. I had a large lump under my chin on one side, but not the other. I also found myself sweating even with the windows open at night in my apartment in Vermont.

The Morgan Stanley Rec Day for kids of The Valerie Fund is always a great day for everyone involved but this year was extra special. Held in a brand new location full of surprises around every corner, our kids and families had a wild day of adventure. 

The Valerie Fund is very lucky to have so many dedicated supporters who come to us in many different ways. One of our favorites is when patients who attended a Valerie Center come back to help their community and the next generation of Valerie Fund kids. Alberto of Alberto's Angels is a shining example of this so let's continue to see his story and find out what he has in store for 2022!

The Valerie Fund is very lucky to have so many dedicated supporters who come to us in many different ways. One of our favorites is when patients who attended a Valerie Center come back to help their community and the next generation of Valerie Fund kids. Alberto of Alberto's Angels is a shining example of this so let's meet him and learn a bit about Alberto's Angels.

On August 2nd, The Valerie Fund hosted The American Express Golf Tournament at the legendary Baltusrol Golf Club. The highlight of the day was when TVF patient Brianna spoke to the group about how The Valerie Fund affected her life. 

Summer should be about fun and having a good time for kids. They get a break from their routine and schoolwork and can finally relax - enjoy being a kid! However, for those kids battling sickle cell disease, summer brings with it certain risks. We want to share some tips on how to maximize your child's summer enjoyment without risking their health, a possible pain episode, or injury. 

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 29th Annual Thanksgiving Ball Gala is coming up on November 20th and we can't wait. Each year, The Valerie Fund chooses a group of ambassadors to represent the wide array of patients receiving treatment at one of our seven Valerie Fund Children's Centers. These ambassadors tell their stories of courage and perseverance to the attendees of the Thanksgiving Ball Gala.

Join us as we take a look at the second group of ambassadors who will be showcasing what being a Valerie Fund kid is all about.

The 29th Annual Thanksgiving Ball Gala is coming up on November 20th and we can't wait. Each year, The Valerie Fund chooses a group of ambassadors to represent the wide array of patients receiving treatment at one of our seven Valerie Fund Children's Centers. These ambassadors tell their stories of courage and perseverance to the attendees of the Thanksgiving Ball Gala.

Join us as we take a look at the first group of ambassadors who will be showcasing what being a Valerie Fund kid is all about.