In December 2008, Elijah Reed of North Plainfield was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer that attacks soft tissue. For Elijah, this occurred in his sinus area, and because the area is so close to his eyes and brain, surgery was not an option.
Elijah was then prescribed 42 weeks of chemotherapy treatment and six weeks of radiation. He was treated at The Valerie Fund and their location in St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.
The Valerie Fund is a not for profit organization that seeks to provide support for the comprehensive healthcare of children with cancer and blood disorders. It has several locations that not only provide medical care, but also offer counseling services and a network for families going through similar situations.
Just a few months ago Elijah made it to the day that marked one whole year since his last cancer treatment. Even after a year of being in remission, however, he and his family continue to collaborate with the Valerie Fund.
The Valerie Fund is known for making treatment possible for families who otherwise could not afford it. However, as a nonprofit organization, fund raising plays a large role in making this possible.
On June 11, the Valerie Fund will be holding its annual walk and 5k run at Verona Park in Verona, NJ. The Valerie Fund's co-founder, Ed Goldstein had posed a one million dollar challenge, and is hoping that this year's walk/run is bigger than ever.
Members of the Reed family will walk together as "Team Elijah" at this year's event.
Donations to the Valerie Fund may be made online at www.valeriefund.org and information regarding upcoming events or offered programs can also be found on this website.
