Business Details
50 Years
experience
Comprehensive Care for Pediatric Cancer Patients
Founded in 1976 by Ed and Sue Goldstein after the loss of their daughter Valerie to cancer, The Valerie Fund is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for children with cancer and blood disorders. Our mission is to ensure families receive medical, emotional, and social support close to home through eight regional centers across New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia. Each center offers a multidisciplinary team of social workers, psychologists, and child life specialists to support patients and families throughout treatment and recovery. We prioritize creating a child-centered environment that eases the burden on families, allowing them to focus on healing. Our programs include emergency financial assistance, scholarships, and Camp Happy Times to address both practical and emotional needs.With over 45 years of experience, we have supported more than 6,000 patients annually, emphasizing accessibility and personalized care. Our team combines decades of expertise in pediatric oncology and hematology to deliver services that address the full spectrum of challenges faced by affected families. We maintain partnerships with leading pediatric hospitals to ensure high-quality care while fostering a supportive community. Our commitment to transparency and accountability is reflected in annual reports and donor recognition programs. Through events like the The Valerie Fund Walk and scholarship programs, we continue to expand our impact while honoring Valerie's legacy.
Services
Psychosocial Programs
Emergency Financial Aid
Scholarship Programs
Camp Happy Times
Patient Transportation
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We provide comprehensive medical and emotional support through eight regional centers.
- Our team includes specialized social workers, psychologists, and child life specialists.
- We've supported over 6,000 patients annually since 1976.
- Emergency financial assistance and scholarship programs address practical family needs.
- Camp Happy Times offers therapeutic recreational opportunities for patients.
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) charity
What people say
"Second home" atmosphere
Exceptional emotional support
Lifelong friendships formed
Scholarship opportunities
Themed treatment rooms
Services
Psychosocial Programs
Our psychosocial programs provide emotional and social support through specialized teams. Patients receive care from social workers, psychologists, and child life specialists during treatment. This service helps families navigate the challenges of pediatric cancer and blood disorders.
Emergency Financial Aid
Emergency financial aid helps families cover unexpected medical expenses. This service addresses practical needs during treatment periods. Support includes assistance with transportation, housing, and treatment-related costs for qualifying families.
Scholarship Programs
Scholarship programs provide financial assistance for higher education. This service supports patients transitioning to college life. Recipients receive funding without the financial stress faced by many students.
Camp Happy Times
Camp Happy Times offers recreational therapy for patients and families. This program provides joyful experiences during treatment periods. Activities include themed events and family-friendly programming at specialized facilities.
Patient Transportation
Patient transportation assistance reduces travel burdens for families. This service addresses logistical challenges for those requiring regular treatments. Support includes coordination of local transportation resources for medical appointments.
People
Ed Goldstein
Founder
Co-founded The Valerie Fund in 1977 after his daughter Valerie's passing. Advocates for accessible pediatric cancer care. Drives the organization's mission to support families through comprehensive treatment programs.
Sue Goldstein
Founder
Co-founded The Valerie Fund following her daughter's battle with cancer. Works to ensure families receive emotional and medical support close to home. Continues to champion the organization's mission through advocacy and fundraising.
Barry Kirschner
Executive Director
Leads The Valerie Fund's operations with extensive nonprofit management experience. Oversees strategic direction and program implementation. Focuses on expanding services to support more families affected by pediatric cancer.
Tara
Pediatric Oncology Social Worker
Provides direct emotional support to patients and families. Coordinates care services for children with blood disorders. Recognized for compassionate support through personalized care approaches.
Kristen
Child Life Specialist
Organizes therapeutic activities for patients during treatment. Creates joyful experiences to improve emotional well-being. Develops programs that help children maintain normalcy during medical care.
Questions
What services does The The Valerie Fund provide?
We offer psychosocial support, emergency financial aid, scholarships, Camp Happy Times, and transportation assistance for pediatric cancer patients and families.
How many treatment centers do you operate?
We support patients at eight regional centers across New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia through partnerships with leading pediatric hospitals.
Do you offer financial assistance for treatment costs?
Yes, our emergency financial aid program helps qualifying families with treatment-related expenses including transportation and housing.
How can families access your services?
Families connect with our team at any of our eight regional centers located at major pediatric hospitals in the tri-state area.
What educational support do you provide?
Our scholarship program offers financial assistance for higher education to patients transitioning to college life.
How can I support The The Valerie Fund?
Support options include donations, event participation, volunteering, and corporate partnerships to help sustain our programs for children with cancer.
Reviews (7)
Augusta Barnes
Jan 24, 2020
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For the last 4-5 years could not have survived without it. You are wonderful and caring. My grand daughter was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. It has been a long journey we started at Newark Beth Israel.
we have been helped to cope , keep standing, and hugged and loved our way to success. This brave little 10 year old girl had also been diagnosed with autism. We owe our life and sanity to the Valerie fund and all the magnificent doctors, nurses, and all hospital staff who kept all of us afloat.
we have been helped to cope , keep standing, and hugged and loved our way to success. This brave little 10 year old girl had also been diagnosed with autism. We owe our life and sanity to the Valerie fund and all the magnificent doctors, nurses, and all hospital staff who kept all of us afloat.
Donna Peace
Jan 20, 2020
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A comfort to all families whose children are fighting cancer and blood disorders. They gave our family so much support throughout the years. My grandson, fought the fight until his passing this year and when other places just left the Valerie Fund checks up on us and makes sure we are ok. Give to the Valerie Fund, where everyone is family
Ibis Barnes
Jan 06, 2020
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I was introduced to The Valerie Fund Foundation in 2016 at Beth Israel Hospital when my 11 year old daughter was diagnosed with cancer. This Foundation was truly amazing for they took the time to speak with me and spent many hours and days with me when I was in a very difficult time. The people really care for they assisted me in every way possible.
Pat Holt
Dec 02, 2019
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My grandson, Will Cody, was treated for leukemia at the Valerie Center at Morristown Memorial. He rang the bell this last July in honor of his recovery. We couldn't have higher praise for the treatment and the staff that were a part of it.
Matthew Ruttler
Aug 25, 2019
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The Valerie Fund operated Camp Happy Times, a one-week overnight camping experience for children who are battling cancer as well as children in remission. As a volunteer for CHT, I have seen first hand how amazing an organization this is and the phenomenal work they do for their patients and the entire family!
Sharon Reichard
Aug 12, 2019
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The folks at the Valerie Fund took such special care of our great-granddaughter, Grace, while she was going through treatment for brain cancer. I am very happy to say that Grace's cancer is now GONE!!! Thank you for taking such good care of Grace while she was being treated.
Sabrina Farro
Jul 27, 2019
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My daughter was sent to Valerie Fund when a tumor she had In her arm was suspicious. It was a grueling time for my family and me. Upon arrival to the hospital, my daughter was made to feel so comfortable that she said I love it here! Because the staff and doctors and nurses were so good to her I have continued to support this wonderful organization. I cant say enough good things abt this place.
