Sue and Ed Goldstein, founders of The Valerie Fund, were inducted into The New Jersey Hall of Fame during a red carpet ceremony in Asbury Park on Sunday, May 7th. The Goldsteins were honored as recipients of the Unsung Hero award, created to give public recognition to those making a difference in the state but whose efforts do not always receive widespread acknowledgment. The audience of more than 1,500 learned about the Goldsteins in a video, and Sue and Ed accepted the award from Eric LeGrand and Army 1st Captain Brian Brennan, previous recipients of the Unsung Hero honor.
The Goldsteins credited the growth of The Valerie Fund to the healthcare providers, especially the social workers, child life specialists, educational liaisons, and psychologists who provide the core Valerie Fund services to children and their families battling cancer or a blood disorder. They also spoke about Camp Happy Times, where each summer more than 200 current and former patients enjoy a week of camp, at no cost to them, where they can just be "normal kids."
Sue and Ed Goldstein suffered unthinkable tragedy not once, but twice, losing both their daughters to cancer at different stages of their lives. In the face of their grief, the Goldsteins used their losses to help others, creating programs in the wake of each daughter's passing. Their extraordinary efforts over more than 40 years resulted in the founding of two organizations that have provided hope and life-saving treatment to thousands: The Valerie Fund and The Stacy Goldstein Breast Cancer Center at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.
Ed Goldstein addressed the audience by saying "We want to leave you with one thought, get involved! There are many excellent charities that need your help right here in our great state. You could make a real difference."
The Valerie Fund Walk/5K Presented by Ed and Sue Goldstein and JAG Physical Therapy