Meet 2020 Scholar Michael
Our College Scholars receive a financial scholarship to help with academic expenses, and each scholar commits to completing a project of their choosing related to childhood cancer advocacy, with support and mentorship from the Children's Cancer Cause team.
Meet all seven of our 2020 scholars here, and meet program alumni here.
Michael’s Story
“Together we can change lives.” - Michael
Michael, of Bothell, Washington, was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma on a June day he will never forget.
“My life as I knew it changed overnight,” Michael wrote in his application. “It was the last day of 8th grade, and - just like all of my 14-year-old peers - I was ready for summer and high school. When one chapter ends, another begins.
But the next chapter in my life was going to be aggressive chemotherapy and invasive surgery.”
Three years later, the then-17-year-old suffered a stage four recurrence and was given just a 15 percent chance of survival.
Plans for prom and graduation were replaced with appointments at Seattle Children’s. Michael puts an inspiring spin on this: “I have been able to create unusual memories that have made my life more thrilling. I celebrated prom early, before I went into the hospital. For graduation, I live-streamed the event and got to see my older sister walk down the aisle for me.”
“When I first battled cancer, I required the donation of bone marrow. I would have died if no one donated their bone marrow. When I battled cancer for the second time, I required the donation of peripheral blood stem cells. I would have died if no one donated their blood cells. Because of these two experiences, I greatly value the generosity of organ and blood donors.”
Michael attended the University of Washington in Seattle. He remains in the Seattle area, where he is active with local political and cancer advocacy organizations.
“Even if I live just a few more years, I want to make them count.” - Michael
As of early 2024, Michael is serving on the Children’s Cancer Cause Survivorship Advisory Council, providing invaluable insight to our programs and policy work. After suffering a relapse of his cancer, he’s had to pause his professional pursuits and is focused on living life to the fullest by traveling and enjoying time with his corgi.