Newark, NJ –An Irvington High School quarterback, who fought a nearly deadly battle with cancer, was recently treated to a trip to see the New York Giants play the Philadelphia Eagles, all made possible through the Valerie Fund Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.
Nijee Leverett's recovery from cancer, and return to play for the Irvington team, is just one of many miraculous stories of children and youths treated at the Valerie Fund Children’s Center. The tough 16-year-old's heroic experience combating cancer led to him being chosen to meet and travel with the Giants two weeks ago to the City of Brotherly Love.
The trip was arranged as a result of the close relationship that The Valerie Fund, which provides financial support for comprehensive health care of children with cancer and blood disorders, has with The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation. The foundation, started by New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, offers one child fighting cancer the chance to travel with the team to a road game, stay in the team hotel, be on the field for pre-game warm-ups – to basically being part of the team for the weekend.
Nijee and his father Shelton got the red-carpet treatment when they went to Philadelphia for the Nov. 1 game. The Leveretts enjoyed being out on the gridiron at Lincoln Financial Field stadium and visiting the Giants' locker room.
“It was incredible to meet Coach Coughlin, Eli Manning and Brandon Jacobs,” Nijee said. “My dad and I had great game seats, after the game we met Eli again and Kevin Boss and I loved traveling with the team.”
The youth is grateful to everyone who was involved in setting up the memorable adventure.
“I want to thank everyone at the Giants and The Valerie Fund for making this happen,” Nijee said. “I want all the kids who get cancer to keep their heads up and keep fighting…Look at me, I’m back playing football! Dr. Peri Kamalakar and his staff at Newark Beth Israel always gave me a laugh; always kept me in a good mood and that really helped me get better. Now I’m ready to win a state championship in football!”
Nijee was a freshman and quarterback at Irvington High School when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in January 2008. The teen had six surgeries and underwent almost a year of chemotherapy throughout 2008. At one point Nijee’s heart stopped and he had to be revived.
None of this stopped Nijee. He came back to train for football in December 2008, even though he was undergoing weekly chemotherapy treatments at Newark Beth Israel's Valerie Fund Children’s Center until March 12. Nijee is fully recovered and was cleared to play football this fall, leading his high school team to a 6-2 record and the top seed in their North Jersey section.
Nijee took away some lessons from his experience with the Giants, who lost to the Eagles in a 40-to-7 game. “It showed me to always give 100%, play as a team and never give up,” he said.
Nijee's father Shelton enjoyed the experience, as well. “We were down in section 121 in the 36th row,” Shelton said. “They were excellent seats. It was very nice.” He and Nijee met not only Giants' players Manning and Jacobs but also Corey Webster and sportscaster and former Giant Tiki Barber.
Even though the Giants lost to the Eagles, quarterback Manning was still a good sport when he chatted with the Leveretts in the locker room after the game.
The Valerie Fund at NBIMC
The Valerie Fund Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorder at Children's Hospital of New Jersey, at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, is one of seven located at major hospitals in the tri-State area. The Newark center has four board-certified oncology physicians supported by specialized pediatric oncology nurses, oncology nurse practitioners, social workers and child-life specialists. The seven Valerie Centers comprise one of the nation's largest networks of health care facilities for children with cancer and blood disorders. The centers treat almost 5,000 children each year.
For More Information
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, a 673-bed regional care teaching hospital, provides comprehensive health care to its local communities and is a major referral and treatment center for the northern New Jersey metropolitan area. With more than 800 physicians, 3,200 employees and 150 volunteers, the Medical Center has over 300,000 outpatient visits and 25,000 admissions annually. The main phone number for Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, located at 201 Lyons Avenue at Osborne Terrace in Newark, is (973) 926-7000, or visit www.barnabashealth.org. For physician referral information, please call 1-888-724-7123. Follow us on Twitter: get real time news from the Saint Barnabas Health Care System at www.twitter.com/barnabas_health.
Date: November 30, 2009
CONTACT: Beth Salamon
973-322-4926
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