Lt. Gov. Puts Spotlight on Childhood Cancer Research

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LONG BRANCH – New Jersey Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno joined staff, patients, families and supporters of the Valerie Fund Children’s Center at Monmouth Medical Center for a special event designed to raise awareness of the need for funding for childhood cancer research.
Even though each child in the U.S. has a one-in-320 chance of being diagnosed with cancer before his or her 21st birthday, less than 3 percent of federal cancer research funding goes to pediatric cancer.
The event, honoring Make Some Noise: Cure Kids Cancer Foundation, was held in front of the Sea Bright Fire Department as part of the Go Gold for Pediatric Cancer Campaign, a joint effort between Make Some Noise: Cure Kids Cancer Foundation and The Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center.
The event was held in September, which is recognized nationally as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
The event featured testimonials from children and families who have benefited from the Valerie Fund Children’s Center and the lighting of a tree decorated in gold – the trademark color of the Make Some Noise Foundation – as well as ringing church bells and fire alarms after guests paused for a moment of silence.
The Valerie Fund Center at The Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center provides comprehensive medi­­cal services to infants, children, adolescents and young adults with leukemia and cancers and blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia and thrombocytopenia.
 
To learn more about the Valerie Fund Children’s Center at Monmouth Medical Center, call 732-923-7455.