A survivor of childhood cancer as well as cancer of the tongue as a young adult, Valerie Hope Goldstein has turned the challenges of coping with these diseases into a positive endeavor that helps others.
In Fall 2000, Valerie created the first Boston chapter of the nationwide organization Support for People with Oral Head and Neck Cancer. Working with The Network for Patients and Families, she held her inaugural meeting, which drew 22 survivors and caregivers. Many who attended the meeting met others at the Mass General Cancer Center with a similar diagnosis for the first time.
Oral, head and neck cancers are not only potentially life threatening; they also often cause very visible changes in appearance and function that add to the patient’s difficulties.
Valerie continues to lead the monthly meetings, which serve more than 75 members and on average bring together at least 12 participants. As both a participant and facilitator, Valerie creates a warm and welcoming environment and chooses speakers and topics that meet the urgent concerns of her fellow survivors.
