The Valerie Fund is proud to announce it has again been awarded the highest rating by Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest independent charity evaluator (www.charitynavigator.org). The non-profit organization treats children with cancer and blood disorders in the tri-state area and has been given a 4-star rating for demonstrating strong financial health and a commitment to accountability and transparency.
Americans donate over $300 billion each year to roughly one million charities and earning a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator–only 25% of rated charities achieve this distinction– validates the effectiveness of The Valerie Fund’s philanthropic efforts as they exceed industry standards.
Since the first Valerie Fund Children’s Center opened in Summit’s Overlook Medical Center in 1977, the extraordinary growth of The Valerie Fund has been rooted in founders Sue and Ed Goldstein’s own heartbreaking experiences and their desire to provide compassionate care close to home. After their nine-year-old daughter Valerie died of cancer they were determined that no family should have to travel great distances to receive superior medical care.
“While there is so much more to do, we can reflect on the 40th Anniversary of the founding of The Valerie Fund and be proud of the fact that thousands of critically ill children and their families were not alone as they navigated the many challenges faced following a devastating diagnosis of cancer or a blood disorder. The Valerie Fund Children’s Centers–in New Jersey, New York City and the Philadelphia area–evolved into what we had hoped for: institutions delivering medical expertise, unconditional support and loving kindness for the children under their care. Our seven Centers are composed of pediatric oncologists, nurses, social workers, educational liaisons, psychologists and child life specialists, integrative medicine practitioners and palliative care physicians, all working tirelessly toward the treatment and cure of cancer and blood disorders.”
Barry Kirschner, Executive Director of The Valerie Fund adds, “We can acknowledge that while rarely covered by health insurance, these social services play a vital role in addressing quality of life issues during the treatment and healing process.”
Forty years later, The Valerie Fund’s mission remains that of supporting comprehensive health care for children battling cancer and blood disorders. For more information, please contact Bunny Flanders, Director of Marketing and Communications at bflanders@thevaleriefund.org.
