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The Valerie Fund Walk & 5K Run Presented by Ed & Sue Goldstein and JAG Physical Therapy
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 & 5K Run, Presented by Ed & Sue Goldstein and JAG Physical Therapy 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."
Valerie Fund patient Ava moved all in attendance with her emotional and uplifting story of her Valerie Fund Journey. “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.”
Over 100 kids under 12 enjoyed the Color Run Kid Sprint, sponsored by The Learning Experience. Valerie Fund patients participated in a special art project for Schumacher Chevrolet, the Ignite Hope sponsor and the Family Games area sponsored by Route 46 Auto Group was enjoyed by kids of all ages. Teams Camy Strong and Daria Strong were both awarded the 6th annual Ed and Sue Goldstein Award. Team Camy was a fundraising powerhouse and Team Daria Strong filled the park with supporters, including local High School Cheerleaders cheering on the Walk teams.
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.
Check out the awesome photos from the day by clicking on the photo gallery below, and don’t miss our great event recap video.
Photo Gallery
TVF Walk Video
Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors
Edwin and Suzann Goldstein Family Foundation
JAG Physical Therapy
Burger King
Oritani Charitable Foundation
RWJBarnabas Health
Atlantic Health System
Jersey Mike's
Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation
Route 46 Auto Group
Schumacher Chevrolet
Village SuperMarket
CBOE
Inserra Supermarkets
Kearny Bank
Paul Miller Auto Group
Servier Pharmaceutical
St. Joseph's Children's Hospital
West Deptford Energy