2026 Valerie Fund Walk/5K: Captain Hope’s New Mission

 2013 began with my husband in the hospital and ended with our daughter battling what we thought was just a persistent virus. I remember watching childhood cancer commercials and thinking, "Thank God that will never be us." Then, in January 2014, our world shattered when our beautiful 11-year-old was diagnosed with High-risk pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

 Twelve years later, looking back on our journey that included countless near-death experiences, a secondary cancer, and a Graves' Disease diagnosis is still so hard. Yet, through every storm, The Valerie Fund has been our lifeline—providing emotional, financial, and even educational support through a Valerie Fund Scholarship. At 23 years old and one BA/MA later, our daughter is now applying to PhD programs -- Thank you, TVF!

 A Change in the Course

Last year, I set out to run the 5K as Captain Hope, the superhero mascot designed by patients to represent bravery and optimism. But during my training, I hit a physical wall. I discovered that my own body was facing a new, painful battle that has made walking, much less running, distances incredibly difficult.

 While I won’t be running the 5K this year, I’ve realized that being a superhero isn’t about the distance you cover—it’s about showing up when things get hard.

 The Captain Hope Kids’ Sprint

This year, I am trading the 5K for the Kids’ Sprint. I’ll be right there at the starting line as Captain Hope, cheering on the real heroes: the children who face physical and emotional hurdles every single day. If they can find the strength to keep moving, so can I. Seeing my daughter's resilience fuels my every step.

 If you would like to read more about Captain Hope, my daughter wrote Captain Hope's stories in the Patient Activity Book which you can find at: 

https://thevaleriefund.org/for-patients-and-families/patient-activity-book/ 

 Why We Give

We raise money so that no family has to walk this path alone. We give so The Valerie Fund can continue saving lives and spirits, just as they did for us.

Whether I am running 3.1 miles or sprinting 50 yards, the goal remains the same: Hope.

 Please join us for the 21st Annual Valerie Fund Walk/5K Run. You can run, walk, sprint - in person, virtually and/or donate to help us continue this incredible work. Thank you!

 Presented by Ed and Sue Goldstein & JAG Physical Therapy– run, walk, donate, and help the Valerie Fund continue their incredible work.

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