The Valerie Fund Walk & JAG Physical Therapy 5K Run raises money for local children with cancer and blood disorders

Maplewood, N.J., June 17, 2024 - On Saturday, June 8, more than 2,000 supporters united for a walk around the beautiful Verona Park in Essex County, joining to honor and celebrate the courage, bravery, and resilience of local children undergoing treatment for cancer and blood disorders. Over 400 runners also took to the streets of Verona and West Orange in the JAG Physical Therapy 5K to start the day.

The Valerie Fund Walk & JAG Physical Therapy 5K Run is a community-wide event now in its 19th year. "Ed and Sue Goldstein, founders of The Valerie Fund, express, "Witnessing The Valerie Fund children, their families, friends, and numerous supporters unite to celebrate and memorialize their fight against pediatric cancer and blood disorders is an incredibly uplifting experience beyond what one could imagine. The remarkable accomplishment of raising over nine hundred thousand dollars during this event devoted to our Valerie Fund patients fills us with profound gratitude and emotion."

More than $14 million (including $903,948 and counting at this year’s event!) has been raised to support the children and families of The Valerie Fund. Each year, around 6,000 children with cancer and blood disorders benefit immeasurably by receiving their medical treatment close to home in a child-centered environment.

Valerie Fund patient Ava shared her story. “It was during this stay that I realized I wanted to be just like Kristin, I knew being a child life specialist was my true calling. I can honestly say that I’ve never wanted anything more than to be like Kristin, and to be there for kids like me. I want to be the Kristin in another child’s story. There were many moments that led me to this decision. However, it was when Kristin had recruited me to help her with another patient, did I really began thinking about child life as a career. We had created a Valentine's Day themed scavenger hunt for a younger patient who, much like me, did not want to get out of her room and move around. Watching that little girl run around the unit, solving the clues, and smiling the whole time made my heart happy in a way that I can’t explain.” 

Generous corporate commitments were made by JAG Physical Therapy, the event’s exclusive Run Sponsor, The Edwin and Suzann Goldstein Family Foundation, RWJ Barnabas Health, Atlantic Health System, St. Joseph’s Health, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, Bank of America, CBOE, Inserra Supermarkets, Kearny Bank, Oritani Foundation, Paul Miller Auto Group, Route 46 Auto Group, Servier, the Village Shoprite, and West Deptford Energy. Schumacher Chevrolet generously sponsored the Ignite Hope project at the park. Burger King and Jersey Mike’s have partnered with The Valerie Fund to incorporate fundraising efforts into their restaurant's operations. This collaboration has successfully generated funds and increased awareness for the organization.

Once again, the Kid’s Sprint was sponsored by The Learning Experience.  More than 100 kids under 12 enjoyed the color run. Walkers and runners enjoyed refreshments from Dunkin’ and Jersey Mike’s Subs and snacks from Bimbo Bakeries USA.  Other refreshments were generously supplied by Best’s, Eight Hills Caterers, Village Shoprite, and Saker Shoprite.   

The Valerie Fund is celebrating more than 48 years of caring for children with life-threatening diseases. After their nine-year-old daughter Valerie succumbed to cancer, Sue and Ed Goldstein were determined that no family should have to travel great distances to receive state-of-the-art medical care. Along with a group of close friends, they began fundraising efforts from their living room---tireless work that would lead to the 1977 opening of New Jersey’s first pediatric oncology facility at Summit Overlook’s Hospital.

 For more information, please contact Bunny Flanders, Director of Marketing and Communications at bflanders@thevaleriefund.org