The Valerie Fund News
The Valerie Fund reschedules annual Walk/5K in Verona Park New date is October 3rd
Virtual Walk and Run on June 13th will keep connection during time of social distancing
Ready to Raise More than $1,000,000 for the 9th Consecutive Year Walkers and runners will meet at
Verona Park on Oct. 3rd 2020
to support children with cancer and blood disorders
(May 4th Maplewood, NJ)- Planning is underway for the 2020 Valerie Fund Walk & JAG-ONE Physical Therapy 5K Run. The event will now take place on Saturday, Oct. 3rd in Verona Park, a beautiful setting for a celebration of children in our community being treated for cancer and blood disorders. To learn more about the event and to register for the sanctioned 5K race and the Walk, go to www.thevaleriefund.org/walk or call The Valerie Fund offices at 973-761-0422.
In additional to the live event, The Valerie Fund asks supporters to walk or run virtually sometime during the weekend of June 13th, the original date of the Walk/5K. Registration is free at: https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Verona/TheValerieFundVirtualWalkRunHope
Bunny Flanders, Director of Marketing and Communications at The Valerie Fund said the virtual component of the event sends out a strong message of unity during the pandemic. "While we must still social distance, technology can bring us together!! Please join us anytime during the weekend of June 13th for a virtual pep rally in support of The Valerie Fund children. Walk or run from home and use our hashtag #BecauseofValerie! Share your run times and photos!" Click here to register at no charge: https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Verona/TheValerieFundVirtualWalkRunHope
Since 2006, the nonprofit organization's premier fundraiser has grown steadily---in attendance, number of donations, and sponsorship participation. On October 3rd people are expected to join several hundred Valerie Fund patients and families in recognition of their courage and to spread awareness of pediatric cancers and blood disorders.
The theme of this year's walk is #BecauseofValerie because we would not be able to support the children and families of New Jersey without Valerie's inspiration. 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 superior 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. More than forty years later, The Valerie Fund's mission remains that of supporting comprehensive health care for children battling cancer and blood disorders.
"I became familiar with the Valerie Fund through the Childers family, our next door neighbors. Their son, Trey, is my daughter Shelby's best friend. He is a four year old cancer survivor. Jeff and Jenn, Trey's dad and mom, received an abundance of support from the Valerie Fund. We are all very grateful Trey is extremely happy and healthy today." Evan Mayer, Franchisee of Jersey Mike's Subs.
The Valerie Fund addresses the most immediate needs of patients and families whose lives are suddenly and dramatically upended. Core services provide emotional, practical, and financial support complementing state-of-the art medical treatment at seven Valerie Fund Children's Centers located in New Jersey, New York, and metropolitan Philadelphia. The hallmark of The Valerie Fund services ensures that families and hospitals do not have to rely on insurance reimbursements to receive the range of support of a multi-disciplinary team including a staff of social workers, psychologists, child life specialists, and educational liaisons. More than 6,000 children with cancer and blood disorders are treated annually---a network that is one of the largest of its kind in the country.
"Servier Pharmaceuticals is happy to support the mission of The Valerie Fund to treat the patients in mind, body and spirit. They truly make a difference in the lives of the patients and their families." - Tara Brown, Servier Pharmaceuticals
Community support continue to be the foundation of the Walk/5K Run's success as well as the grass roots efforts of hundreds of Walk Captains and their teams. The Valerie Fund takes great pride in sharing some of the major sponsors' names: Servier Pharmaceuticals, Atlantic Health, RJW Barnabas Health, St Joseph's Health, Jersey Mikes, Cboe, Burger King, Saker and Village ShopRite families and JAG-ONE Physical Therapy, underwriter of the 5K Run.
Media support is provided by WCBS-TV 2 HD, WCBS 880, Outfront Media, and Clear Channel who donate on air public service announcements, radio spots, and billboards. Special Recognition goes to the County of Essex for their ongoing efforts to help make the day meaningful and memorable for so many. Free refreshments supplied by Dunkin Donuts, Herr's, Jersey Mikes, Chevy's, and Eppes Essen are donated for our runners and walkers to enjoy. Entertainment will include carnival activities, live music, and face painting.
For more information, please contact Bunny Flanders, Director of Marketing and Communications at bflanders@thevaleriefund.org.
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