Meet 2018 Scholar Melissa

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.

“Despite all of the pain I endured, I see the good that came from having cancer because ultimately it led me to my purpose: pediatric oncology.”

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Melissa’s Story:

Melissa was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma her freshman year at Colgate University. She spent seven months in treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering, which she describes as the most physically and emotionally difficult period of her life.

When she returned to college after being declared cancer-free, she shifted gears academically and began to pursue a degree in Molecular Biology. She became a Research Assistant at NCI, where she had the opportunity to study drug-resistant Ewing's Sarcoma and Rhabdomyosarcoma in children and young adults.

Today, Melissa is a medical student at George Washington University's School of Medicine, Class of 2021. "I'm one step closer to becoming a pediatric oncologist and giving back to the community that I am intrinsically connected to," says Melissa. "I participated in the College Scholars Program so that I can be an advocate for children with cancer and work to better the field of pediatric oncology research from a legislative perspective."

Melissa’s Advocacy Project:

For Melissa's College Scholars project, created a pediatric oncology advocacy group at her medical school. Melissa uses this network to empower medical students in the DC area to become childhood cancer advocates, creating a new cohort of informed, engaged voices speaking up to lawmakers about research and healthcare issues that impact children with cancer and survivors.

"The creation of this interest group in alliance with Children’s Cancer Cause is creating a local population of medical students who are eager to support a shared mission," said Melissa. "Bringing our white coats to Capitol Hill will demonstrate that the medical community stands in solidarity with Children’s Cancer Cause’s mission of advancing childhood cancer research and care."