Meet 2020 Scholar Sequoia

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.

“People sometimes forget that pediatric oncology is not just smiling bald kids. Teens get cancer, too!”

Sequoia’s Story

Sequoia, of Bulverde, Texas, was diagnosed in December of 2016 with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She was 15 years old.

“My life was changed by one sentence: ‘You have cancer.’

Over the next few days, I was on a steady chemotherapy drip as my family and I met with doctors, nurses, and case workers to try and get an understanding of what our lives and my treatment would be like.”

Sequoia was declared cancer-free in August of 2017.

Today, she is pursuing a biology degree in Global Health at Baylor University - while still receiving maintenance chemotherapy.

Advocacy Project

Sequoia recounts feelings of awkwardness about her time as a teenager spent in a pediatric oncology ward, surrounded by activities geared toward little kids.

For her advocacy project, Sequoia plans to help hospitals set up teen-friendly activities in a relaxed and fun environment.

“I know firsthand how lonely being in the hospital can feel and how difficult it can be without people your age to relate to,” says Sequoia. “Life in a hospital is never fun but I believe there’s a way to make it a little easier for teenage patients through connection with others.”