Meet the 2021 Class of the Children’s Cancer Cause College Scholars Program!
Our College Scholars Program typically awards two survivor students annually but for the second year in a row, we are thrilled to welcome seven survivors into the program.
These survivors receive a financial scholarship to help with academic expenses and gain valuable cancer advocacy experience. Each member of our College Scholars Program completes a volunteer project of their choosing related to childhood cancer advocacy, with support and mentorship from the Children's Cancer Cause team.
Congratulations to each of these very deserving and inspiring young people!
MEET OUR GOLD SCHOLARS:
Molly
Molly, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at age 17, the summer before her senior year of high school. Today, Molly is in remission and studying Animal Science at Texas Tech University.
For her advocacy project, Molly aims to educate other young people about thyroid cancer with a campus-wide “Check your Neck” awareness campaign. She plans to distribute thyroid cancer information at campus health fairs, bring an endocrinologist to campus to speak at an event, and organize a thyroid cancer dialogue within her sorority.
“When caught early, thyroid cancer is very treatable. That is why raising awareness is so important,” says Molly.
Caleb
Caleb, of Kailua, Hawaii, was diagnosed with stage 2 rhabdomyosarcoma at age 14, while on a summer vacation with his family. Today, he is cancer-free and planning to study Mechanical Engineering at Grove City College in Pennsylvania.
Caleb’s College Scholars project is focused on building a social network for military families affected by pediatric cancer. Caleb’s own upbringing as a military kid inspired his passion for this project.
Caleb plans to create a social media presence aimed at connecting childhood cancer military families and sharing valuable information. “I want to create hope for military families who might otherwise feel isolated,” he says.
MEET OUR SILVER SCHOLARS:
Victoria
Victoria, of New Albany, Ohio, was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer when she was a freshman in high school, told that she had just 9 to 18 months to live. She defied the odds and graduated high school with excellent grades.
But the tumor began to grow again during her freshman year of college. She required intensive surgery that she is still recovering from. Today - three years post-surgery - Victoria is a full-time university student pursuing a degree in neuroscience.
For her College Scholars project, Victoria plans to produce a podcast aimed at pediatric and adolescent cancer patients. “I want to use the power of my voice to help other children suffering with pediatric cancer. I want to tell listeners that life goes on after a cancer diagnosis,” says Victoria.
Moira
Moira, of Yakima, Washington, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia when she was 15 years old. Today, Moira is planning to study Elementary Education at Valparaiso University.
“One of the things that got me through my treatment was art,” says Moira. After her treatment ended, she began creating cards for the kids at Seattle Children’s, where she was treated. She designs and edits her own artwork, professionally prints them into cards, and handwrites messages of hope to the children in each card.
For her College Scholars project, she will be turning her artwork into premade card designs and creating a website where people can download and print them, to be delivered to their nearest children’s hospital along with goodie bags.
MEET OUR BRONZE SCHOLARS:
Emily
Emily, of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, was diagnosed with Wilms’ tumor the week before Christmas. She was just four years old.
Emily knows how important it was for her mom to find other Oklahoma families to reach out to during her treatment. For her College Scholars project, she wants to help pave the way for other families to forge those critical connections, by building a social media network dedicated to sharing out Oklahoma-specific childhood cancer information, resources, and ways for families to connect and engage.
“Having others to talk to who can give you a kind of roadmap for what you are going to be facing is invaluable,” says Emily.
Darren
Darren, of Southside Stockton, California, was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 18 years old. Today, Darren is 20 years old, in remission, and looking forward to beginning college in the fall of 2021 to pursue a career in oncology nursing.
As an only child and someone of Southeast Asian descent, Darren’s biggest treatment challenge was finding a bone marrow donor. His chemotherapy regimen was prolonged as he waited and waited for a match.
“For my College Scholars project, I plan to use my social platforms to bring awareness to the lack of donors for children with ethnic backgrounds,” says Darren. “I want to use my voice and experience to bring forth heroes for other kids like me.”
Kirstie
Kirstie, of Pembroke Pines, Florida, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at age 18. This summer, she will start medical school at Florida State University’s College of Medicine.
“I plan on becoming a pediatric hematologist/oncologist myself, inspired by my care team and my journey. I want to help other kids overcome their cancer diagnoses with a positive outlook on life,” says Kirstie.
For her College Scholars project, Kirstie plans to revive a medical blog that she started during her treatment, now with a focus on survivorship, and expand its reach and scope.