Mission Moment Speaker at NKF National Golf Classic Event at Pebble Beach, CA
February 2025
Valen had the honor of being the Mission Moment Speaker, sponsored by Vera Therapeutics, at the National Kidney Foundation's Golf Classic at Pebble Beach. She delivered an inspiring speech, reflecting on the power of connection, resilience, and support in overcoming life’s challenges. Drawing on the symbolism of the Lone Cypress tree, Valen shared how her own journey through kidney disease, multiple transplants, and health challenges has been shaped by her roots of support. She highlighted the importance of providing patients with hope, education, and access to care, ensuring that no family faces the same struggles she did. Valen's heartfelt message of hope and unity encouraged all in attendance to reflect on the shared commitment to kidney health and the opportunity to create a lasting impact on future generations.
Chris Klug Foundation Sip ‘n Save Campaign
February 2025
Valen partnered with The Baker and the Cakemaker in Auburn, California, for the Sip ‘n Save Campaign in celebration of National Donor Day. Sponsored by the Chris Klug Foundation, the campaign raised awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation. As a double transplant recipient, Valen found this cause deeply personal and was thrilled to see the campaign come to life through special coffee sleeves at the bakery.
Each cup sparked important conversations about the power of organ donation, reminding everyone that small acts—like enjoying a cup of coffee—can create lasting impact. The event was also featured in the Auburn Journal, amplifying its reach.
Alexion Global Nephrology Summit: Insights & Innovations - Dublin, Ireland
April 2024
Valen attended the Alexion Global Nephrology Summit, a multi-day scientific meeting that brought together kidney and transplant experts from around the world. It was an honor to collaborate with such extraordinary professionals in the nephrology and transplantation fields. As the patient leader in the room, Valen was grateful for the opportunity to contribute her unique perspective, helping guide future advancements in patient care and advocating for the needs of the transplant community.
Thermo Fisher Scientific One Lambda Laboratory - Fishers, Indiana
December 2023
In this powerful video, Valen takes you behind the scenes at One Lambda’s state-of-the-art laboratory to explore groundbreaking advancements in transplant diagnostics. She interviews leading experts about the potential of non-invasive urine tests to detect rejection earlier and reduce the need for invasive biopsies. Through these expert insights and real-world stories from a double transplant recipient, Valen explores how these innovations are transforming patient care and paving the way for longer-lasting transplants. Watch to learn more about the future of transplant care and the promise of one transplant for life.
Behind the Scenes Photos During Filming
Otsuka America Pharmaceutical
2022
Valen, her husband, and parents did a sit-down interview with Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, where they discuss the profound impact polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and transplantation has had on all of their lives. They authentically share what they have endured and learned from their health challenges and the surprising beauty and love it has brought into their lives.
Guilt During the PKD Journey
Valen and her family describe the guilt they felt while traversing Valen’s lifelong PKD journey.
Becoming the Inspiration I Needed
Valen shares her experiences growing up with PKD and wishing she had examples of thriving adult PKD patients she could look up to. As an adult, she has made it her mission to create a kidney community where people can share their journeys.
Finding a Positive Outlook
Valen shares how she lives every day with gratitude, which helps her maintain a positive outlook in life even in her darkest days.
Self-Care While Being a Caregiver
Valen’s husband, Noah, talks about the importance of self-care while taking care of a sick loved one.
Taking Control of My Journey: Self-Advocacy
As a patient on a lifelong journey, Valen learned along the way the importance of advocating for herself.
PKD Manifests in Different Ways
Valen and her family explain how PKD has manifested differently in Pam’s family members over five generations.
The Pharmaceutical Research
and Manufacturers of America
PhRMA Ad • May 2021
In this PhRMA ad, Valen shares her patient perspective on how important it is to ensure access to medicines for diseases with no cures.
Voters for Cures Blog Post • January 2021
Voters for Cures shares Valen’s story and the importance of future innovation in their advocate spotlight section of their website.
Voters for Cures Ad • August 2020
In this digital ad sponsored by PhRMA, Valen raises her voice and stands up for patients. Valen owes her survival to innovation and daily dose of pharmaceuticals that prevent organ rejection. Right now, transplant recipients like Valen are holding on to hope that a vaccine and treatment will be created that is safe to receive. It is important for patients to have timely access to the medicine they need to stay alive and to live their best lives. Valen wants to make sure nothing puts current and future research at risk and that progression is not halted to finding a vaccine and treatment for COVID-19 and treatment and cures for diseases.
For more information visit: https://innovation.org/takeaction
Strength Marks
July 2020
Valen is a part of the Strength Marks body-positive campaign trailer. An important movement of turning our scars into strengths. The pictures and footage are of Valen one year post-liver transplant, the day Strength Marks highlighted her scars with glitter and she walked the runway in NYC at the DreamWalk Fashion Show. To read the Q&A article visit here.
Otsuka America Pharmaceutical
July 2020
Valen discusses mental wellness more openly in the kidney and transplant community during COVID-19, with the National Kidney Foundation and Mental Health America, in Otsuka's Building Mental Resiliency video series supporting mental health. This is a wonderful and inspiring three-part video series, where you’ll learn of resources, how the community is supporting one another and ways to cope while managing chronic conditions during COVID-19.
PART ONE
PART TWO
PART THREE
Chris Klug Foundation
“Shifting Fear to Gratitude” • April 2020
Valen and her husband, Noah, have a sit down interview, during Donate Life Month, with Chris Klug from the Chris Klug Foundation sharing how they are staying positive during this time of uncertainty and COVID-19.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
December 2020
The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital video announcing and celebrating the recipients of the 2020 President's Achievement Award. Valen's liver transplant surgeon and hepatologist are the recipients of this prestigious award. Valen is humbled to be included in this video, where she expresses words of congratulations and gratitude for her doctors, Dr. Chapman and Dr. Crippin, who helped save her life.
February 2020
Valen's journey to receiving a liver transplant at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
April 2019
Barnes-Jewish Hospital video in honor of Transplant Nurses Day
Transplant ad for the 2019 Cardinal’s magazine.
Full List of Valen’s Affiliates
