Walk. Run. Ignite Hope.

Everyone loves a good 5k run/walk every now and then, right? Well, I don’t know for sure if that’s true for you but I know I do. Especially, when the weather is warm and I can soak in some much needed vitamin D for a good cause. I look forward to getting together with people who are like-minded for a couple of hours, adorning matching t-shirts and getting in a bit of cardio. So, when the opportunity came up a few years ago to start a team for The Valerie Fund 5k run/walk, it was a no-brainer. The Valerie Fund (TVF) gives so much to the community of pediatric hematology and oncology patients and families in our state. Our family has benefited from the medical, educational, and community services provided to us for the past seven years. Giving back to TVF by having a walk team for their annual event is the least I could do.

The theme for this year’s event “Ignite Hope” is special to me. I love this theme because for the past few years of attending the walk, I can see the hope and joy in the eyes of my daughter. She is able to see hundreds of people who gather, give their time and money, and have fun together, all in the name of pediatric hematology and oncology patients. The pride in her steps and the smile on her face, as she walks in a sea of brightly colored t-shirts and stops to pose for pictures, warms my heart.

To make it even more special this year, our family has teamed up with an awesome family we became friends with at a sickle cell family camp. Their oldest daughter is the same age as Carsyn and also lives with a type of sickle cell disease. Our families have joined together to create our “Inspired for Sickle Cell” team this year with a goal of raising funds for TVF while increasing awareness of sickle cell disease.

The excitement is growing as we get closer to June 8th but we have a lot of work to do in the meantime. Growing our team and picking out a matching accessory for everyone to wear on the day of the event are big tasks. So, feel free to join us if you want to run, walk, and ignite hope!

– Chanel

P.S.–You know you want to learn more, donate, or join our team!
https://thevaleriefund.org/Walk2024/inspired-for-sickle-cell