Meet the 2023 Class of the Children’s Cancer Cause College Scholars Program
Children’s Cancer Cause is thrilled to welcome ten students into the 2023 class of our College Scholars 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!
2023 Stewart Scholar: Dahlia
Dahlia, a native of Chevy Chase, Maryland, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia during her senior year of high school. She credits her family, friends, and nurses for helping her push through a grueling in-patient treatment regimen and still graduate with honors. She plans to study biology and environmental sciences at Wesleyan University in Connecticut.
For her College Scholars project, Dahlia will host and produce a three-part podcast series designed to teach teens how to be a true and supportive friend to a peer going through the isolating experience of cancer treatment.
The Stewart Scholarship is our top academic scholarship award, presented to a survivor who demonstrates exceptional potential to make a positive difference in the world. It is named in honor of John and Nancy Stewart, founders of our Stewart Initiative for Childhood Cancer Survivors.
Gold Scholar: Morgan
Morgan (Portage, Wisconsin) was diagnosed with leukemia when she was six years old.
“I mostly remember the good parts of treatment because I was so young and my doctors and nurses did an amazing job of bringing joy and happiness to me when I was in the hospital,” says Morgan. “I’ve dreamed since I was a child that I would become an oncologist and help people like my doctors helped me.”
For her volunteer project, she’s working on an inspirational children’s book about her battle with cancer.
Gold Scholar: Isaac
Isaac (Litchfield, Connecticut) was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in sixth grade,
Thanks to a successful transplant using his brother’s donated marrow - and lots of donated blood and platelets throughout his nearly year-long treatment - Isaac beat the odds.
“So many times during my experience with cancer, my life was saved by a stranger,” he says.
To give back, Isaac is hosting a blood drive in June 2023.
Silver Scholar: Liliana
Liliana (Lees Summit, Missouri) was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at age 14.
“I know I will never be able to take anyone’s pain away, but I hope my story will be able to guide others,” says Liliana.
For her volunteer project, she’s collecting pajamas, blankets, and socks for kids in the hospital: “My biggest mission is to make comfort in a time of discomfort a priority.”
Silver Scholar: Kevin
Kevin (West Windsor, NJ) was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma in sixth grade.
“Cancer tests the limits of self esteem, image, and mental prowess. I learned to adapt to cancer by incorporating humor into every battle,” Kevin says.
For his volunteer project, he’s creating a blog that aims to help teens cope with difficult medical situations through humor.
Bronze Scholar: Hannah
“Cancer was an extremely difficult road and I would never want to go through it again but I do believe it has made me a more compassionate and stronger person.”
Bronze Scholar: Maurquez
“I want to be an example to other survivors, proving that we can all rise above our circumstances with resilience and distinction to achieve a greater good.”
Bronze Scholar: Kendal
“People don’t realize what patients are going through, especially children, and what they can do to help.”
Bronze Scholar: Christin
“I’ve been cancer-free for more than a decade now, and I’m more than ecstatic to declare that I am a survivor.”
Special thanks to our Giving Tuesday donors and to the Eisai Foundation, Elekta, Nordstrom Cares, and Whole Foods for making these 2023 scholarships possible.
Bronze Scholar: Caeleigh
“What I learned during those days was that I am stronger than I had believed.”