Our dear friend and brilliant colleague, Valerie, has been diligently fighting cancer for about two years now. Val is a psychologist in Salt Lake City, Utah and has devoted her career to helping people heal from trauma and life challenges, working with others in conflict resolution, and teaching thousands of people and other professionals around the world. In addition to her professional work, Val has volunteered countless hours, giving her time and expertise at no cost to those in need. Val’s expertise, personality, humor, and sincere compassion for others have touched more lives than we can possibly count. She has shared her decades of knowledge through teaching classes and at many professional conferences. Val did all of this with grace, wisdom, and her unique ability to convey serious topics with a few funny (always non-offensive) stories, often at her own expense.

Now, Valerie is facing her greatest challenge yet. She has been bravely battling a rare type of cancer needs continued treatment. The costs of medical care to date, future treatments, and travel, however, have become overwhelming. Funds raised will help cover Valerie's medical expenses to date, support her future treatments, and allow her family—who are dispersed—to be with her both at home and for treatment away from home. But regardless, her fight will ultimately provide doctors with information that will help others facing similar types of cancer. That’s our Val! Always going the extra mile and thinking of others in the process.

Sadly, now it is our time to reach out and extend grace and kindness back to her. Although Val has continued to work part time throughout this ordeal, now is the time for Val to focus on herself. Val is human, kind, and trying to save her life by seeking clinical trials for the rare type of cancer she has. If you can, please consider joining us in funding this campaign to provide funds for her and her family to continue her battle. She is strong and determined, and hopes continued treatment will help her. Whatever you can send will be appreciated greatly and help make a difference in the life of a person who has been dedicated to helping others.