Special Gifts
From Special Friends
Valley Children’s holds a dear place in our hearts, and its status as a nationally recognized children’s hospital is a testament to the unwavering commitment and contributions of our volunteers. The projects they spearhead, their hard work and their generous donations are central to our success. Those who have been part of the Valley Children’s experience often develop a deep bond with our community. We are deeply moved by their kindness and generosity, which bring joy and comfort to our patients, their families and our staff. Below, we highlight some recent contributions that have brightened the hospital atmosphere.
The Fresno Truck Center has committed to supporting childhood cancer survivors cared for at Valley Children’s on behalf of their customers. In honor of this generous support, the program adopted a new name this past year: The Fresno Truck Center Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program. We are humbled by this gift and know this transformational investment will help to ensure the future of the Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program.
Valley Children’s created the Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program to serve this at-risk population by providing personalized treatment therapy summaries, tailored risk-assessments, screening and annual follow-up plans. Established in December 2009, the primary goals of the program are to promote healthy lifestyles for former cancer patients as they enter adulthood, and to advance research efforts to discover the most effective treatments for cancer with the lowest risk of late effects on survivors. Since then, the program has served more than 1,200 childhood cancer survivors.
The Fresno Truck Center, part of California Truck Centers, is a local, multigenerational business owned by the Howard family in Fresno since 1930. Cancer has touched the Howard family several times. It has long been on Doug Howard’s heart to try to help those battling cancer, especially kids. Several years ago, Fresno Truck Center began buying items from Valley Children’s Christmas wish list of capital needs in lieu of Christmas presents for their clients each year, and their clients were thrilled. This led the Howard family to discuss an even more impactful approach to their philanthropy in the form of a donation to the Valley Children’s Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program.
We thank the Howard family for their extraordinary investment that will improve treatment of survivors of pediatric cancer for generations to come.
Late in March 2023, Valley Children’s, along with many friends and family, welcomed Alan Jacobsen back home at Fresno Yosemite International Airport. Alan arrived in Fresno following his “Inspiration Ride Across America for Valley Children’s,” during which Alan rode his bicycle from Huntington Beach to Jacksonville, Florida. Alan completed the journey in honor of his grandson’s recent victory against leukemia after 16 months of treatment at Valley Children’s.
In addition to honoring his grandson, Alan also wanted to raise funds and bring awareness to the extraordinary work done at the Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Valley Children’s Hospital. Through Alan’s “Inspiration Ride Across America,” he raised more than $6,000 to benefit Valley Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.
Alan met a lot of great people on his journey and shares his gratitude with all who have supported him. You can watch highlights from Alan’s journey on his YouTube channel, Alan Rides. We extend a special thank you to Rosie, who was his road companion, and Sierra, who provided daily updates on social media.
We are so grateful to Alan for allowing Valley Children’s to be a part of this very special event. Thank you to all who have supported his efforts!
Valley Children’s celebrated the third anniversary of the opening of the Panda Cares Center of Hope with a fun-filled day on August 1, 2023. Panda Express local leadership and associates, along with Valley Children’s staff, hosted a check presentation and carnival with games, free toys and books for Valley Children’s patients. Panda Express employees toured the hospital and saw how their efforts directly benefit our patients. George the Giraffe and Pei-Pei the Panda joined in the fun!
The Panda Cares Center of Hope promotes healing by providing specially curated programs and dedicated space inside Valley Children’s Hospital that address each child’s entire well-being, including their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual needs. Since 2009, Panda Express guests and associates in the Central Valley, with the support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, have raised more than $4.6 million for Valley Children’s Hospital.
Panda Express’ visionary commitment to raise funds year-round for Valley Children’s Hospital through 2030 will provide funding to launch and sustain the Panda Cares Center of Hope for a decade. Thank you, Panda Express, for giving children the strength to thrive!
If you would like to contribute to Valley Children’s Healthcare through the donation of time or through financial contributions, click here.