Valerie, a little girl from St. Paul living with high-risk neuroblastoma, has one wish: to be cancer free.
The journey begins
In the fall of 2022, when Valerie was just 4 years old, her family learned that a tumor was causing a host of symptoms, including nosebleeds and lack of appetite. The diagnosis of neuroblastoma, a cancer that originates in the nerve cells, came as a shock — and launched the start of a journey that would change their lives for the foreseeable future.
“When we first learned about Valerie’s diagnosis, it was incredibly hard to hear,” remembers her mom, Gay. “It broke my heart. All I remember was crying, because not only was it cancer but the doctor told me that it’s stage four, so the only thing I’m thinking is…I’m going to lose her.”
Treatment began swiftly after diagnosis. While surgeons at Children’s Minnesota were able to remove the tumor initially, Valerie’s cancer was advanced, and high-risk neuroblastoma tends to recur. She would need an aggressive, long-term plan of attack.
Treatment and support
Since 2022, she’s undergone surgery, several cycles of chemotherapy, a double stem cell transplant and radiation. She also began immunotherapy but was unable to continue that treatment due to a severe allergic reaction.
The family has spent so many hours, days and months in the hospital, getting not only medicine but special therapies and wrap-around care designed to help kids still feel like kids no matter what they’re going through.
“Valerie loves being with physical therapy, music therapy, child life. The music therapists really helped brighten Valerie’s mood during the long stays in the hospital,” remembers Gay. “She always looks forward to those visits.”
Teresa Herriage, DNP, APRN, CPHON, associate medical director of the cancer and blood disorders program at Children’s Minnesota, has been a bright spot in the family’s journey, too.
“Teresa is very caring, really listens and answers all our questions,” described Gay. “Valerie has told me when she grows up, she wants to be like Teresa and help kids with cancer.”
The road ahead
Today, Valerie continues with outpatient therapy. She is happy to head back to school as a first grader.
Because of the aggressive nature of her cancer, treatment is expected to continue. As long and difficult as the journey has been, Valerie has found strength and resilience.
“Valerie is a very brave girl,” says her mom. “Very brave child that has to face through this life’s challenges. It is not easy for her, but she stays smiling.”
Gay remembers a wish Valerie made on New Year’s Eve 2024. “I remember back on December 31, we waited for the new year and we lit up a candle, and her only wish was to be cancer free,” says Gay. “And that’s my wish…to see Valerie grow up, to share her story that she’s strong, she’s a fighter, and she’s a survivor.”
Today, Valerie continues with outpatient therapy. She is happy to head back to school as a first grader.
Because of the aggressive nature of her cancer, treatment is expected to continue. As long and difficult as the journey has been, Valerie has found strength and resilience.
“Valerie is a very brave girl,” says her mom. “Very brave child that has to face through this life’s challenges. It is not easy for her, but she stays smiling.”
Gay remembers a wish Valerie made on New Year’s Eve 2024. “I remember back on December 31, we waited for the new year and we lit up a candle, and her only wish was to be cancer free,” says Gay. “And that’s my wish…to see Valerie grow up, to share her story that she’s strong, she’s a fighter, and she’s a survivor.”
Give to Children’s Minnesota
When you donate to Children’s Minnesota, you help thousands of families like Valerie. This September, your gift directly supports the cancer and blood disorders program at Children’s Minnesota. We rely on your donations to surround every child in our hospitals with the most extraordinary care: highly specialized, deeply compassionate and designed to give families strength when they need it most. Donate now at childrensmn.org/shinebrightforkids.
