“We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey.” – Kenji Miyazawa

The Growing Up in the Valley family is in a lot of pain this week, but at the same time we are filled with optimism and hope.

Tracy has been Growing Up In the Valley’s Designer since day one.  She is as much a part of this magazine as our family is.  Without Tracy, Growing Up In the Valley would not be as popular as it is today.  We are an award winning publication because of her work – and we are proud to work with her.

It is with an amazing amount of sadness that we have learned that Tracy has Ovarian Cancer.  Tracy and her family are dealing with this news with an amazing amount of strength and positivity.  We are amazed at how strong she is and how positive her family has been.  Her husband Michael and daughter Charlie are helping her everyday – but they need more help.  Tracy and Michael do not have the insurance necessary for treatment. This is where the Growing Up In the Valley readers can help them.

We ask you, our readers, to help this young family pay for the treatment she desperately needs.  This is your chance to make a difference in a young families life.

If you have ever picked up our free magazine and received any enjoyment, benefit or useful information from the pages, we ask you contribute whatever amount you can to her GoFundMe campaign.

Tracy is a wonderful, amazing person who has changed our lives with her loyalty and work.  Please join us and help her in her time of need.

We understand that not everyone is in a position to help financially.  You can show support in other ways.  Cards, drawings, kind notes, thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.  Any mail sent to our PO Box will be passed along to Tracy and her family.  You can write to her care of Growing Up In The Valley, PO Box 12263, Roanoke, VA 24024.