Meet Ashtyn: 2024 Scholar
Our College Scholars receive a financial scholarship to help with academic expenses, and each scholar commits to undertaking a volunteer project of their choosing related to childhood cancer advocacy, with support and mentorship from the Children's Cancer Cause team.
Ashtyn’s Story
Ashtyn was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia when she was three years old.
“The news shattered our family’s sense of normalcy and created a whirlwind of medical appointments, treatments, and uncertainty,” she told us. “Being diagnosed with cancer at such a young age meant facing challenges beyond my comprehension. I did not fully understand the seriousness of my situation, but I could sense the fear and concern from my parent’s reactions.”
Ashtyn lived in Nebraska but had to travel to Denver with her mom for much of her treatment, separated from her dad and siblings back home.
“We struggled to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of my cancer. The separation from my dad and siblings weighed heavily on my young heart, but their unwavering love and support sustained me through the darkest days,” she said. “Despite the physical distance, we remained connected with frequent phone calls and weekend visits if my immune system allowed.”
After two and a half years of treatment, Ashtyn was considered cancer-free.
She’ll be starting college in the fall of 2024 at Northeast Community College and hopes to one day become a pediatric oncology nurse.
“My battle with childhood cancer taught me the value of resilience in the face of adversity. Though the scars of illness may linger, they serve as a reminder of the strength that lies within me, proving I have what it takes to encounter life’s greatest challenges.”
Ashtyn’s Advocacy Project
Ashtyn has founded her own nonprofit organization, the Team Ashtyn Foundation, to give her a platform for local advocacy and action. She’s already appeared before the Nebraska Appropriations Committee in Lincoln to help raise Nebraska’s funding allocation for pediatric cancer research.
“This victory not only marked a pivotal moment for our state but also emphasized the power of personal narratives in effecting change,” Ashtyn told us. “It reaffirmed that my foundation serves as a voice for families in western Nebraska, often overlooked due to their geographic distance from key stakeholders and the absence of a research facility in our region.”
Now as one of our 2024 Scholars and an incoming college freshman, Ashtyn will continue using her voice and leveraging her platform to foster initiatives that elevate Nebraska’s cancer care for children.
”My dedication to advocating for childhood cancer emanates from a deeply personal space and a profound desire to impact the lives of others positively.
As I embark on this new academic chapter, I remain committed to children and families affected by cancer. I will utilize my voice and experiences to drive meaningful change and forge a brighter future for all impacted by this disease.”