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While our Exclusive Run Sponsor JAG-ONE Physical Therapy is quite visible in the lead car on the streets outside of Verona Park the day of the 5K, many may not know JAG's commitment to this premier fundraising event begins just as soon as the date is announced. This year, The Valerie Fund held a Walk Team Captain's Kickoff at the rehab's Chatham facility on March 5th. This was the first time interested Team Captains came together to brainstorm before the Walk/5K and the meeting was an opportunity to learn about fundraising strategies, tips for running a 5K and bond with other families who have been through many similar struggles follow a diagnosis of cancer or a blood disorder. It was incredibly powerful to hear from parents and even some patients themselves, ranging from preschoolers to high school seniors. The get together was so successful that everyone voted to see it become an annual lead up to The Valerie Fund Walk and JAG-ONE Physical Therapy 5K Run.

Thanks to JAG-ONE Physical Therapy for hosting!

The presentation itself started with an overview of The Valerie Fund including the history of its founding (click here to read more on why The Valerie Fund came to be and what we do #BecauseofValerie) as well as the services provided both in and out of our Valerie Fund Children's Centers. Many families know about our amazing caregivers in the Centers such as Child Life Specialists, Educational Liaisons, Social Workers, and more but some did not know about services we provide in addition to our hospital partners - programs such as Camp Happy Times, The Valerie Fund Scholarship Program, or Flashes of Hope.

The Valerie Fund's Bunny Flanders discussing the importance of personalizing your fundraising page.

We also explored fundraising tips and tricks for the upcoming Walk & 5K now rescheduled for Saturday, October 3rd. This is a special year as it's the 15th anniversary of the Walk & Run which is why we're hoping for the biggest turnout yet! Some ways to help get the word out and the fundraising up include personalizing your fundraising page, inviting as many friends, family, and co-workers as possible, getting your company or school to start a team, and many others. We even have a great new Facebook Frame that you can overlay onto your profile picture to show your support.

JAG-ONE Physical Therapy Marketing Manager, Amy Hall-Oliver, spoke to the crowd about her company's dedication to The Valerie Fund as well as how best to start training for a 5K. (You can get more advice on how to prep for a 5K by checking out our recent blog post here.)

We even had a very special appearance from Captain Hope!

Be sure you're registered for The Valerie Fund Walk & JAG-ONE Physical Therapy 5K so you're up to date on all of the newest information including the special edition Team Captains t-shirt (pre-registration required). You can click here to register and join in.

Want to check out the whole presentation? You can click here to see what you missed.