The Valerie Fund Blog

I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's Burkitt lymphoma and so began my journey at The Valerie Fund Center in Goryeb's Children's Hospital. I felt spoiled most days, as the nurses, mind and body team, doctors and other people at the center would always go above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable, even though at that point that was impossible. They would book me massages, reiki treatments and aromatherapy sessions. I was able to play with the service dogs too.  My nurses encouraged me to focus on getting better however that may have looked. My doctors rallied around me as I would shave my head and put new symbols in it every time. We would discuss my education and what I planned to do with it down the road. My team at the Valerie Center in Morristown became my best friends.

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.

Alberto's Angels is a stand-out team at The Valerie Fund Walk & 5K. Going far above and beyond fundraising for the Walk & 5K, they host multiple events per year as a way to help support the kids and families of The Valerie Fund. Let's take a look at what they have been up to and some of the incredible events they've put on. 

One of the highlights of each year is The Valerie Fund Walk & 5K presented by Ed and Sue Goldstein & JAG-ONE Physical Therapy. We have exciting news for this year's event including a new incentive for Team Captains!

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 March 5th, team captains for The Valerie Fund Walk & JAG-ONE Physical Therapy joined us at the JAG-ONE in Chatham, NJ for a Team Captains Kick-Off. If you weren't able to make it but still want the insider info and fundraising tips, keep reading!