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

Former TVF patient Sylvie never let her cancer diagnosis stop her. In fact, she took her experiences during treatment and used them to make herself even stronger and more willing to face her fears. Join us as we hear from Sylvie about her time in a Valerie Fund Children's Center and what she learned from joining the TVF family. 

Topics: walk, patients, 2020, #BecauseofValerie

Many people are dealing with the isolation and disconnect from friends and family during the COVID-19 global pandemic and our Valerie Fund kids are no different. These challenging times may, in fact, amplify the anxiety that patients currently receiving treatment for cancer and blood disorders and their families are feeling. Fortunately, one high school student from South Orange, sister of a childhood cancer survivor decided to help bring some joy into patients’ lives when they could use it most.  

Topics: volunteers, patients, 2020, #BecauseofValerie

Valerie Fund Social Worker Stephanie Heasman of Morristown Medical Center has seen the power of timely and specially designated financial assistance. She says, “as social workers, we take pride in easing the burden of (a family’s) current situation to allow them to focus on caring for their child. Emergency funds have been crucial to our families, especially during the beginning weeks and months following diagnosis.”

Topics: centers, patients, #BecauseofValerie, morristown medical center

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. 

Topics: oncology, centers, patients

Topics: advocate, patients

We celebrate many things in November each year and none are more important or powerful than our own families. No matter who you consider family or what yours may look like, your family is the backbone of your life and the people most likely to be there for you when you need it most. 

November is also National Family Caregiver Month and it is our absolute honor to spend a few minutes discussing the importance of family caregivers when it comes to our heroes of The Valerie Fund. 

Topics: moms, caregivers, patients

Many people use music to get through a bad time or to give them the power to fight back. Some people use music to put them in a good mood or to translate what they're feeling. Each month we bring you a playlist from one of our Valerie Fund kids with a different theme and they will explain, in their own words, what these songs mean to them.

Put on your headphones and join us for the this month's Valerie Fund Music Mondays as we look at Joyce's playlist, "Healing Vibes."

Topics: sickle cell, patients, TVF Playlist

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