Valerie is a vibrant 6-year-old child who has faced more challenges in her young life than many of us can imagine. Diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma – a cancerous tumor – in September 2022, at 4 years old, Valerie’s journey has been one of resilience, bravery and unwavering hope.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Valerie’s diagnosis came as a shock to her family. Initially, her nosebleeds and lack of an appetite were thought to be normal childhood issues. However, a persistent feeling that something was not right led her mother, Gay, to bring her daughter to a local emergency room (ER), where staff ran a series of tests. When the results came back, Gay was told an ambulance would take Valerie to Children’s Minnesota. When they arrived, the devastating news was delivered – Valerie had cancer.
“When we first learned about Valerie’s diagnosis, it was incredibly hard to hear. We had never heard of neuroblastoma before, and hearing that it was cancer was devastating. However, we knew we had to stay strong for Valerie and face this battle together,” said Gay.
Intense treatment
Despite the initial shock and fear, Valerie and her family faced the fight head-on. Children with high risk neuroblastoma have a greater chance of the tumor coming back and therefore need to have more intensive treatment. Valerie has undergone five cycles of chemotherapy, surgery to remove the tumor, a double stem cell transplant and radiation.
After the transplant, she started immunotherapy which uses the body’s own immune system to find and fight cancer cells. But due to a severe allergic reaction, she was switched to a different immunotherapy regimen that included chemotherapy.
Resilience and joy
Today, Valerie’s cancer is stable, and she is thriving while receiving outpatient therapy. Through all the challenges of her diagnosis and treatment, Valerie has shown incredible strength and joy. She loves singing and dancing so it’s no surprise she enjoyed time with the musical therapy team at Children’s Minnesota.
“The music therapists really helped brighten Valerie’s mood during the long stays in the hospital. She always looked forward to those visits,” said Gay.
Another member of the care team that’s made an impression on Valerie and her family is Teresa Herriage, DNP, APRN, CPHON, associate medical director of the cancer and blood disorders program at Children’s Minnesota.
“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.”
This September, Valerie is beginning kindergarten and celebrating her 6th birthday.
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 gives families strength when they need it most. Donate now at childrensmn.org/shinebrightforkids.
