Testimonials from Our Patient Families

Bianca

My name is Heather Valeo. My husband Richard and I are the proud parents of Sophia (age 5 1/2), Isabella (age 3 1/2, who has Prader-Willi Syndrome), and Bianca (age 18 months), who has a chronic blood disorder called sickle cell disease. I am writing on behalf of Bianca.

After incorporating our second child's special needs and her more than 1 million dollars in medical bills into our lives, my husband and I decided to have another child. We consulted a doctor and were given the green light to do so. Just in time for Christmas on December 18th, the beautiful Bianca was born. What a gift - a healthy child. Little did we know, one week later the State of NJ would send us a letter detailing information from newborn screening that would once again alter our lives. Bianca had sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease is a lifelong illness that will compromise Bianca's immune system and require blood transfusions and possibly a bone marrow transplant. After learning all of this, I did not know how I was going to cope. I began research to find a facility with amazing credentials and staff that would treat my family with respect. I found Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. From there I was introduced to the Embrace Kids Foundation.

Everyone has asked me why I drive over one hour to take Bianca to get treated. My answer is because they care, my questions/concerns are never trivial to them, Bianca is going to be as healthy as she can, and they will assist us on the journey to keep her happy and well. During April of 2006, Bianca and I were in the hospital for 27 days - away from her sisters, father, and our home. They were 27 days of blood work, IVs, and x-rays; 27 days of round-the-clock support and care from the Embrace Kids Foundation. After being discharged in April, we came home for 3 weeks and had a true crisis. Bianca was admitted for pneumonia. For the next 24 hours I heard transfusion, oxygen, and Pediatric Intensive Care. Luckily the counselor provided by the Embrace Kids Foundation, Priscilla, was there telling me Bianca was going to be okay.

The Embrace Kids Foundation understands that Bianca's blood disorder is not just lifelong, but also life-altering. They are concerned with the patient families' emotional and financial situations and how each family copes. The Embrace Kids Foundation provides financial support, emotional support, counseling services, educational and development items, and last but not least, FUN. Extended hospital stays are so stressful and draining. They provide a doctor-free playroom, activities for patients and siblings to promote bonding, books, and guest visits - from local athletes to famous personalities.

I am reaching out to you to ask that you support the Embrace Kids Foundation in their effort to launch a new initiative, Embrace Kids with Sickle Cell. We need your help to ensure that the Embrace Kids Foundation can continue to provide necessary services to the patient families. On behalf of a mother who would be very grateful, I ask you to make a donation to the Embrace Kids with Sickle Cell program that will make a difference in the life of a child like my Bianca.

Heather Valeo