An Invitation from Anneli: The Valerie Fund Walk

As most of you know, Jack was diagnosed with leukemia in January 2009 at the age of 18 months.

Having a child face a life threatening disease comes as a shock for most parents. Thanks to the Valerie Center at Saint Barnabas Hospital, we have been able to cope and help Jack in his battle against cancer. (His maintenance therapy is scheduled to end in August 2012)



The staff, from the social workers to the Child Life Specialists as well as the nurses and the oncologists, have become a comfort zone for Jack and for us.

They have helped him adjust so that the hospital appointments (every two, four and 12 weeks) have become Jack’s new normal and for the most part he is happy as he runs in to greet the staff and other children.




The Valerie Center, with the help of the Valerie Fund, has made Jack’s cancer battle comfortable and bearable for all of us because of the dedication and compassion that we have been shown by the staff.

This is why we are asking friends to please support the Fund at the Annual 5K Run/Walk.



We formed Team Jack Jack and whether you can walk, run or simply choose to donate directly, please choose Team Jack Jack when you click here.

The Valerie Fund: Walk, Run, Hope
Who: Everyone
What: Annual fundraiser to benefit The Valerie Fund which provides support for the children with cancer and blood disorders.
Where: Verona Park, Bloomfield Lakeview Avenues, Verona, N.J.
When: Saturday, June 12 Run at 8:30 AM / Walk at 10 AM.

Looking back, looking forward

Nearly one year ago, life as the Bailey family knew it changed. When you are caught up in the daily reality of battling cancer, it is amazing to look at the calendar and find yourself already at this point. But even more incredible is the fact that these 365 days are but a fraction of Jack's forecasted battle against leukemia.

As many of you know, the last few months have been rocky for Jack. Illnesses that are merely annoying for many families can result in hospitalization, the cessation of chemotherapy, and isolation for a normally social little two-year-old who is fighting cancer. A fever on the eve of Thanksgiving had Anneli and Damond concerned that they would spend the holiday in the hospital. Fortunately the doctors consented to release him and let the antibiotics work their magic from the comfort of his home. They were not so lucky after Christmas. Jack spiked a fever on December 27th and ended up ringing in the New Year at Saint Barnabas. His nine-day hospital stay quickly reminded everyone of how vulnerable he is, as he was too sick to even receive chemotherapy. He had another overnight stay at the hospital a week later when his temperature shot up again, which had many people wondering just what 2010 might bring.

But with the bitter came the sweet: Jack had fun celebrating Emma and Anneli and Grandma Marcia Bailey's birthdays in November; he enjoyed a visit from his Swedish Uncle, Aunt, and cousins over Christmas; and he loved having Anneli's parents (his "mormor och morfar") around for a five-week reunion (despite spending 11 days of it in the hospital).

Jack's counts are currently back to where they need to be, he is back on track with chemotherapy, and the Bailey Bunch may pause to look back at the last year, but they are more focused on pressing forward. Thank you for continuing to join them on this journey.