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Just days before Christmas in 2022, Carly was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma brain tumor. Her strength throughout treatment quickly earned her the nickname “Courageous Carly,” a name embraced by her teachers, hospital staff and community.
During her initial treatment in San Diego, Carly discovered Beads of Courage, a therapeutic arts program that helps children coping with serious illness tell their stories through colorful, handmade beads. Each bead marks a medical milestone: chemo treatments, surgeries and even moments of emotional bravery like being kind to a sibling during a tough day.
Carly, a creative first grader at the time, loved the program. But when she returned to Valley Children’s Hospital, she learned it wasn’t available due to startup costs. Determined to bring it home, Carly and her mom Kristy teamed up with close friends and community members to raise $10,000 in just one week. With support from Child Life, they launched Beads of Courage at Valley Children’s and Carly proudly handed out the first beads.
Now in fourth grade, Carly’s strands of beads are long and heavy, representing the many challenges she has faced and overcome. Kristy reflects, “You never think you’ll be that parent, promoting childhood cancer awareness. But Valley Children’s has been incredible. We’re lucky to have this care so close to home.”
Thanks to Carly’s bravery and her community’s support, Beads of Courage is now helping other children at Valley Children’s Hospital find strength and healing, one bead at a time.
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It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of a true champion and philanthropist, Mr. John Gahvejian. A titan in his craft, John earned the deep respect of the community he loved so much. He was an integral part of the “Greatest Generation,” described by journalist Tom Brokaw and personified that label in so many positive ways.
For more than 30 years, John and his beloved wife, Lorrie, who passed years ago, have been valued members of the Valley Children’s family of supporters, sharing a deep commitment to ensuring children across the Central Valley receive the best possible care.
John, founder of Mid Valley Packaging in Fowler, built his business from humble beginnings in a small dehydrator office into a thriving company with three locations in the Central Valley. He was guided by a simple philosophy: to provide whatever the customer needs, whenever they need it. That same dedication extended to every aspect of his life and philanthropy.
John and Lorrie’s generosity has touched many areas of Valley Children’s, from the establishment of the Maternal Fetal Center in Fowler to support of major capital campaigns and countless annual fundraising initiatives.
Through the creation of an estate gift, John ensured their legacy will continue to make a difference for generations to come, particularly through cutting-edge advancements in pediatric plastic surgery and genetics. These programs will advance the Hand and Upper Extremity Program and expand access to Precision Medicine for children with complex conditions.
John’s vision and generosity will be a force for good for generations, ensuring every child served at Valley Children’s has access to the best care. John and Lorrie’s legacy will endure through the work at Valley Children’s. A tribute to them is prominently displayed in the lobby of the east entrance. To learn more about how you can create your own legacy of care through a gift in your will or trust, please click here.
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Valley Children’s Healthcare Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped make the 27th Annual Harvest Ball an unforgettable evening filled with purpose, generosity and celebration.
Thanks to the unwavering support of our sponsors, cherished guests, talented vendors and dedicated staff, the event beautifully reflected the spirit of our mission: to provide exceptional care to children and families throughout the region.
We were honored to have Paul Loeffler as our Master of Ceremonies, alongside Co-Hosts Derek Carr and David Carr, whose energy, compassion and commitment added a special touch to the night.
One of the most moving moments of the evening came from the Madrid family, who bravely shared the story of their son Royce and the life-changing care he received at Valley Children’s. Their presence reminded us all why we gather, to uplift and support the children and families who inspire us every day.
Thanks to the generosity of our guests and sponsors, this year’s Harvest Ball raised over $500,000 for Valley Children’s Hospital. These funds are vital in helping ensure that our children and families continue to have access to expert, compassionate care.
To everyone who contributed to this meaningful celebration: thank you. Your generosity helps ensure that Valley Children’s continues to deliver hope and healing to those who need it most.
Click here to view a special highlight video from the event.
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Valley Children’s was filled with spooky fun and joyful smiles as Spirit Halloween generously donated hundreds of costumes for our patients and their siblings to enjoy. From superheroes to princesses, the costumes brought excitement and imagination to kids throughout the hospital.
The celebration featured festive crafts and activities, all hosted with care by our incredible Child Life team and enthusiastic Spirit Halloween volunteers. Their dedication helps ensure that every child can experience the joy of Halloween, even while in the hospital.
Since 2008, Spirit of Children has been a proud supporter of Valley Children's Child Life Department, which helps patients and families navigate the challenges of hospitalization through education, play and emotional support. Spirit of Children harnesses the joy and imagination of Halloween to unite communities and help make a child's medical journey less scary.
We’re so grateful for their continued generosity and the happiness they bring to our patients and families.
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Valley Children’s was proud to participate in the Boswell Health Fair, a vibrant community event dedicated to promoting health and wellness for families across our region. Guests received access to a wide range of free health screenings, including blood pressure checks, weight and BMI assessments, blood sugar and cholesterol testing, dental services and vision checks—empowering attendees with valuable insights into their personal health.
The fair also featured a blood drive and a flu vaccine clinic, helping community members stay protected and support others in need. Attendees enjoyed raffles, prizes and the opportunity to connect with local vendors, making the day both informative and fun.
A special highlight was a visit from George, Valley Children’s beloved mascot, who brought smiles and excitement to kids and families throughout the event.
Valley Children’s is especially grateful to the James G. Boswell Foundation, whose generous $3.5 million donation is helping us provide expert care to children and families across the Central Valley.
We thank everyone who helped make the Boswell Health Fair a success and look forward to continuing our commitment to community wellness.
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We are honored to recognize the Baskin-Robbins Joy in Childhood Foundation for their generous $10,000 grant in support of our Child Life programs.
This meaningful contribution will go directly toward initiatives that bring comfort, joy and emotional support to our patients and their families. From therapeutic play and education to creative activities that ease anxiety, Child Life services are a vital part of the healing experience at Valley Children’s.
We are deeply grateful to the Joy in Childhood Foundation for helping us continue to uplift young patients during some of their most challenging moments. Their support ensures that joy remains at the heart of the compassionate care we provide.
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Join us on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Valley Children’s Pelandale Specialty Care Center in Modesto for Drive for Hope, a family-friendly fundraiser co-hosted by Central Valley Association of Realtors Young Professionals Network. Enjoy an epic car show, tasty food trucks, vendors, a DJ and fun kids’ activities—all while raising funds and collecting toys to support the kids and families at Valley Children’s.
Click here to donate or select from the sponsorship levels.
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This holiday season, your donation can be the greatest gift to a child in need of care. From November 1 - December 31, round up your total at participating Ace Hardware locations to support Valley Children's Healthcare as we provide critical care for kids in our community!
Every cent stays local through CMN Hospitals.
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Join us for a charity poker tournament on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 6:15 p.m. at Club One Casino in Fresno!
Buy in to the tournament for $100, with dinner served at 5:45 p.m. Rebuys for $20 will be available during the event until the first break. Sponsor a table for $1,000 (includes 9 entries, social media shoutouts before and after the event, an extra $1,000 in chips and recognition during the event).
Prizes will be awarded for 1st through 5th place. The top two winners will receive Derek Carr signed memorabilia. Opportunity drawing entries are $20 for a chance to win additional prizes and gift cards.
Eighty percent of the proceeds from the tournament go to Valley Children’s Hospital to help fund patient care services and programs. This tournament is an Extra Life event. Extra Life is a fundraising program of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals that brings gamers of all kinds together to raise funds for their local children’s hospital.
Click here to register!
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