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Cancer survivorship does not begin when treatment ends. It begins on the first day of diagnosis. From that moment forward, every milestone matters. Whether a child has made it through another day of treatment or has been in remission for years, survivorship is a journey we honor and celebrate. At Valley Children’s Healthcare, that belief is foundational to the care we provide.
Dr. John Gates established the Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program at Valley Children’s with a clear and compelling vision, and through his leadership and advocacy, the Fresno Truck Center later stepped forward to provide the philanthropic investment that strengthened and expanded its impact. As he begins his sabbatical, the Foundation extends its deep gratitude for the leadership, foresight and generosity he has demonstrated throughout his service.
Under his direction, the program has grown into a comprehensive model of follow-up care that addresses the complex medical and emotional needs survivors may face long after treatment ends. As a childhood cancer survivor himself, Dr. Gates understands the lifelong nature of survivorship. He has used both his clinical expertise and his personal experience to strengthen care, advance research and elevate awareness of the long-term health needs unique to childhood cancer survivors.
His impact extends beyond clinical leadership. Dr. Gates has been an extraordinary partner to the Foundation, using his voice and personal story to advance philanthropy in support of the Survivorship Program. His advocacy has helped secure critical funding that expands patient resources, strengthens follow up care and builds a sustainable future for children and families across the Central Valley.
Valley Children’s is stronger because of Dr. Gates. His dedication, compassion and vision will continue to support survivors and their families for many years to come.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you can contribute to Dr. Gates’s mission in providing exceptional care to childhood cancer survivors click here.
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We are deeply grateful to Spirit Halloween for once again championing Valley Children’s Hospital through their annual Spirit of Children in‑store campaign. What may look like costumes and decorations in October translates into something far more meaningful for the children and families we serve year-round.
Last year, 13 Central Valley stores came together to raise an impressive $139,439 in support of our patients and families. Since the campaign began in 2008, Spirit Halloween has contributed more than $1.3 million to benefit Valley Children’s Child Life services.
This milestone was celebrated with the unveiling of the newly enhanced Gaming Corner in the playroom, a vibrant space designed to give patients more room for laughter, connection and a much-needed break from the realities of hospitalization. For many children, these moments of normalcy are not small. They are powerful.
Every dollar raised directly fuels the work of our Child Life Specialists, who bring comfort, education and emotional support to children and families during some of their most challenging days. Because of partners like Spirit Halloween, we are able to meet patients where they are with compassion, creativity and care.
We are proud to stand alongside Spirit Halloween in this mission and grateful for the lasting difference they continue to make for Valley kids.
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Every strand of hair tells a story.
Mark your calendar for March 17, 2026 from 3 to 5 pm, and join us at Valley Children’s Hospital for a powerful day in support of childhood cancer research.
For children facing cancer, hair loss can be one of the most visible and difficult parts of their journey. Whether you choose to shave your head or simply trim your hair at the St. Baldrick's event, it serves as a powerful symbol of solidarity. It sparks conversations, raises awareness and most importantly funds lifesaving research.
Take a moment to watch this inspiring video.
This annual celebration brings our community together to stand with the courageous children and families who inspire this mission every day. Whether you take the stage for a shave, opt for a haircut or come to cheer on participants, your involvement makes a difference. Register today. If you cannot attend, please consider making a donation to help accelerate lifesaving research for the next generation.
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Valley Children’s is grateful to receive a $20,000 grant from the American Cancer Society to support transportation services for families in treatment. For many parents, access to care is not only about medical expertise. It is about the miles driven, the time away from work and the financial strain that can quietly build while focusing on a child’s health. This funding helps ensure children can continue receiving the care they need, regardless of distance or circumstance.
One family’s experience reflects the heart behind this support. A young patient, 4, has spent months at Valley Children’s Hospital over the past year. The child’s single mother made the difficult decision to leave her job and pause her education to remain at the bedside. Today, they travel 125 miles, nearly two hours each way, for regular follow-up visits. Through this grant, the family receives gas cards that help ease the burden of travel and keep them connected to the long-term, compassionate care their child depends on.
Support like this does more than cover transportation costs. It provides reassurance, stability and the reminder that families do not have to navigate the journey alone. We are especially grateful to the American Cancer Society, as this marks the second time Valley Children’s has been selected to receive this meaningful support.
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Meeting the everyday needs of families facing childhood cancer takes a community, and recent support is helping us do just that. A $10,000 ACE Helping Hand grant and a $5,817 Kiwanis Cal-Nev-Ha Children’s Fund grant are strengthening Sweet Eats Kitchen, the Valley Children’s Pediatric Oncology Food Pantry. Both ACE and Kiwanis have been valued supporters over the years, with ACE providing a previous grant in 2023 and the first grant from Kiwanis in 2014.
This support ensures families have access to convenient, nourishing food during inpatient stays, easing the strain on caregivers who spend long hours at the bedside. Together, these contributions provide comfort, stability and one less worry during an already overwhelming time.
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Brielle is proof that generosity can start young and make a lasting impact.
Brielle, a thoughtful student with a generous heart, turned a simple school assignment into an inspiring act of kindness. Through her bake sale, she raised more than $200 to support children and families at our Eagle Oaks Specialty Care Center. Her creativity and compassion remind us that even small ideas can spark meaningful change. We are grateful for Brielle’s spirit of giving and the joy she brings to our community.
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Before you toss out those clothes you no longer wear, consider a better option that benefits both the environment and Valley Children’s Hospital. Instead of adding to landfill waste, your gently used or unwanted items can be repurposed, and the proceeds support Valley Children’s Child Life Program.
That’s where Just Porch It comes in, a convenient, free service that collects your unwanted clothing right from your doorstep. Simply gather your items, place them in a bag, and schedule a pickup online. No need to drive anywhere or drop off donations. They’ll handle the rest! Click here to schedule a pickup!
| | When you donate your car, you’re not just freeing up space in your driveway—you’re helping provide life-saving care to children at Valley Children’s Hospital. By donating through CARS, you’re supporting a cause that makes a real difference in the lives of young patients and their families. Your donation will help Valley Children’s continue to offer vital services. It’s simple to donate, and every car counts. Click here to donate today! | | |
We are grateful for the long-standing generosity of Chevron ExtraMile and their commitment to Valley Children’s Hospital. With nine Central Valley locations participating, Chevron raised $13,888 in 2025 through their point-of-sale campaign and employee giving efforts. Since becoming a Children’s Miracle Network® (CMN) partner in 2002, their support has made a meaningful difference for the children and families we serve.
As we look ahead to the 2026 campaign, running March 1 – 31, we appreciate Chevron’s continued partnership and the positive impact they bring each year.
| | Make an Impact on a child's health today! | | The Pulse champions the health of kids with stories that highlight patient journeys, physician expertise and the nation-leading impact of Valley Children’s Healthcare throughout the Central Valley. We aim to be a trusted and timely source of accurate information and an advocate for the communities we serve. Check out The Pulse at news.valleychildrens.org | | | | |
