Fundraisers For Single Mom, 38, With Stage 4 Cancer

UNCASVILLE, CT — A year ago, the diagnosis Valerie Walker received was sudden, unexpected and devastating. The single mother of two young girls was found first to have a tumor and, soon, she was diagnosed with stage-three pancreatic cancer which since spread and advanced into stage -four cancer.

Walker, just 38, is mother to daughters Alex, 6, and Brooklyn, 9. They live in Uncasville.

"As many of you know, Val’s cancer has progressed to stage 4 and has spread to her stomach. Her Chili’s family is putting on this benefit to help get Val and her girls to Disney for the trip of a lifetime. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to Val for her and the girls for their trip, anything raised above and beyond will go to Val for any living expenses she may need for the future," organizers wrote.

So, on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Montville VFW Post 10060 at 91 Raymond Hill Road, food, music and a raffle including "tons of baskets" and a "mystery box full of gift card," will be held to help send her and her girls to Disney World in Florida.

Raffle tickets will be sold at the event, tickets can be purchased through any of the event organizers, or at the Lisbon Chili's where Walker worked.

"Thank you all so much for your support, let’s make some magic happen for the Walker girls," organizers wrote.

There is also a GoFundMe, originally set up a year ago when she was first diagnosed but is now aimed at raising money to help send the family to Disney and help cover costs of living for Walker and her girls.

Meanwhile, friends at a Groton salon created a fundraiser for Walker and her children.

"The Loks Salon Family is calling on you for your support," their entreaty reads. "Our cherished friend, Valerie Walker, is the brave woman at the center of our hope..."

"Day in and day out, Valerie faces the outside world armed with strength, bravery and protection of her two daughters," Loks Salon writes on the Eventbrite fundraiser announcement.

"Behind her beautiful smile, her internal battle is full of heartbreak, despair and a relentless struggle to live against all odds. Please help us in support of Valerie’s benefit, 'She’ll Never Walk Alone.'"

A Dec. 8, 12 noon to 5 p.m. event at 40 Thieves, 171 Bridge St., in Groton will feature a raffle, food, cash bar, DJ, and live music. Loks Salon organizers wrote that people can make a donation, purchase tickets or donating a raffle item for this event, you can help lift her spirits and provide this critical financial aid her family needs," the 'Never Walk Alone,' fundraiser reads.

"Together as a community we can help her fight this battle, so Val will never walk alone."

Event tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door. People wishing to donate an item for the raffle should drop it off at Loks Salon, 172 Bridge Street, Groton, or contact Jennifer Conyers at 860.446.2960 and they will arrange to pick up the item.

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