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Valley Children’s established the Fresno Truck Center Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program in 2009 to help survivors of pediatric cancer to thrive post-treatment. The program provides patients with personalized therapy summaries, screenings, a tailored risk assessment, and an annual follow-up care plan. The program has been led since its inception by Dr. John V. Gates, who is a survivor of pediatric cancer himself.

As the program continues to expand its services to help survivors thrive in their later years, 2023 marks the second year of the Fresno Truck Center Childhood Cancer Survivorship Scholarship Program. Generously funded by donors, program offers $1,000 scholarships to selected childhood cancer survivors seeking higher education.

Last year's flagship year of the program saw 13 cancer survivors selected to receive scholarships, and this year 34 cancer survivors were awarded! The program’s staff is excited to make this scholarship available annually for survivors with support from our generous community. Please join us in congratulating the following scholarship awardees, who received their scholarships this month at a ceremony held in the Guild's Hall of Fame at Valley Children’s Hospital:

Martha Ann Flaming (1941-2023)

The Valley Children's family is saddened by the loss of past foundation board member and active member of the Holiday Boutique Guild, Martha "Marty" Ann Flaming (1941-2023). Marty was a pillar of strength in the community for 50 years, dedicating her time and energy to a number of worthy causes capped by advancing the mission of Valley Children's.

"Marty was a strong advocate who led by putting her passion to work in support of Valley Children's," says Dan Adams, Chair, Valley Children's Healthcare Foundation Board. "Her counsel and mentorship elevated the stature of philanthropic efforts, which resulted in great support for the children we serve."

Marty was dedicated to family first. She leaves behind her devoted husband Max, two children Mark and Stacey and four loving grandchildren. Marty's indomitable spirit of goodwill will always be an inspiration to the countless lives she touched, particularly the folks at Valley Children's.

Ronald Dale Peters (1943-2023)

Ron Peters was a board member of the Leon S.

Peters Foundation and a nephew of Leon and Pete Peters. We offer heartfelt condolences to his wife of more than 50 years, Sharon Krikorian Peters, and the entire Peters family.

"Ron was exceptional and embodied all the great characteristics that reflect the entire Peters Family. His dedication to faith, family and community were the time-honored values that led him," says Valley Children's Foundation president, Rob Saroyan.

The Leon S. Peters Foundation (Peters Foundation) has been a great source of support for many worthy organizations in the region, and Valley Children's has been an integral part of that giving circle for decades. To this end, under the leadership of Ron and his fellow board members, the Peters Foundation established The Endowed Chair of Oncology and Hematology, currently occupied by Vinod Balasa, M. D., who is the medical director leading the comprehensive program. We are profoundly grateful for the legacy of generosity and dedication Ron leaves behind.

Walmart, our CMN Hospitals partner, is sponsoring essential fundraising for Valley Children's during the month of June. Look for the opportunity to donate at your local Walmart's register from June 12 until July 14.

Save the date! The 25th annual Harvest Ball will be held on October 7, 2023, on the Valley Children's Hospital South Lawn. This elegant gala hosts hundreds of our community's most generous philanthropists each year, and celebrates the life-saving mission of Valley Children's.