Valerie Fund Patients Learn More About Themselves Through Cancer Fight

MORRISTOWN, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Doctors and their partners at The Valerie Fund work very hard to save every patient.

But along with health can also come something more.

Many of the young patients say cancer teaches you something about yourself.

Francesca Lentini, 15, says her fight with leukemia has changed her.

"I think I have a lot more courage than I did before I got diagnosed," she told WCBS 880's John Metaxas.

Her father agrees.

"This has strengthened, for sure," he said. "It's a strength that she definitely had before, but she probably know or we didn't even know she had it, and it comes out. Things like this bring it out."

Seven-year-old Isiah Blake may have learned a different value: compassion for his fellow patients.

"I want to say to them that it will be OK; they'll feel much better," he said. "I just pray that they'll feel better, and mostly better than better -- the best."

The Valerie Fund, which helps children diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders, is hoping to raise $1 million when it holds its annual walk and 5K run Saturday at Verona Park in Verona, New Jersey. For more information, click here.

Helping Families Cope, Too

The Valerie Fund prides itself in helping young cancer patients from the moment of their diagnosis. But it's more than just the patients who need help.

"Cancer doesn't only affect the patient; it affects the whole family," said cancer survivor Brianna Commerford, 17.

So while a patient might be getting treatment, the patient's brother or sister is also getting attention.

Susan Rascio says The Valerie Fund helped her 9-year-old daughter, Samantha, cope while her 7-year-old brother, Jared, was being treated.

"Whether it be through social workers or people for her to speak with, or her being allowed to come and see that he actually is OK there, participating in whatever fun things he was doing while there for treatment," she said.

In:
• Cancer