The Valerie Fund Blog

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

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. 

Topics: moms, sickle cell, caregivers, hematology, patients, nutrition

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 Charlotte's playlist, "Fight Like a Girl."

Topics: patients, TVF Playlist

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 Olivia's playlist, "En Route to the Hospital."

Topics: patients, TVF Playlist

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 will 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 first ever Valerie Fund Music Mondays as we look at Iesha's playlist, "When In Doubt, Sing It Out."

Topics: patients, TVF Playlist

The Avengers may be hitting theaters again this year but it is important to remember that #NotAllHeroesWearCapes! Let's take a look at how we can all help our super heroes. 

Topics: 5k, verona, walk, walkathon, run, events, new jersey, fundraising, volunteer, patients

The Valerie Fund invites you to Grace's House, a Valerie Fund Designer Show House.

Topics: moms, fundraising, art, volunteer, give back, patients, grace's house

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

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