The Valerie Fund News
The Valerie Fund Walk & JAG-ONE Physical Therapy 5K Run raises money for local children with cancer and blood disorders
Maplewood, N.J., June 27, 2023 - On Saturday, June 10, more than 2,000 supporters united for a one mile 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 300 runners also took to the streets of Verona and West Orange in the JAG-ONE Physical Therapy 5K to start the day.
The Valerie Fund Walk & JAG-ONE Physical Therapy 5K Run is a community-wide event now in its 18th year. "Seeing The Valerie Fund children, their families, friends and countless supporters coming together to commemorate their triumphant fight against pediatric cancer and blood disorders is an immensely heartening encounter beyond one's wildest imagination,” says Ed and Sue Goldstein, founders of The Valerie Fund. “The astounding achievement of raising over nine hundred thousand dollars during this event dedicated to the ongoing battle for all our Valerie Fund patients fills us up with so much gratitude and emotion."
More than $12 million (including $929,205 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, Ben, shared his journey with Sickle Cell Disease. "In the midst of all this was the Valerie Fund. As ironic as it is, the place where I received treatment for my illness became the place where I felt the most normal,” said Ben. “...at the Valerie Fund, everyone is dealing with similar health challenges, which can create a sense of community and understanding that is hard to find anywhere else. A place where they never let my illness define what I couldn’t do.” Today, Ben can proudly say that “The Valerie Fund is a testament to what can be achieved with love, passion, and a strong commitment to making a difference. It is an organization that has touched the lives of countless families, providing hope and healing when it is needed most.”
Generous corporate commitments were made by JAG-ONE 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, Merck, Paul Miller Auto Group, Route 46 Auto Group, Servier, the Sumas Family Foundation, and West Deptford Energy. Schumacher Chevrolet generously sponsored the Family Games Area. Burger King and Jersey Mikes 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, Gallant Entertainment generously provided the renowned New York Giants Drum Line for a vibrant performance, ensuring the walkers had an energetic send off. Walkers and runners enjoyed refreshments from Dunkin’ and Jersey Mike’s Subs. Crowd pleasers also included delicious freshly-prepared food from Eppes Essen of Livingston and snacks from Bimbo Bakeries USA. Other refreshments were generously supplied by Best’s, Eight Hills Caterers and ShopRite of Lincoln Park, Village Shoprite and Saker Shoprite.
The Valerie Fund is celebrating more than 47 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
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