Scholarships

Diagnosed with: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia | Course of study: Apparel Design at Oregon State University

When I was three years old, I was diagnosed with leukemia, a blood cancer. For most diagnosed people, they label this moment as the worst news of their life, but for me, this was the start of my journey that would help me discover who I truly am. I’m not saying that going through cancer is easy. I have endured life-flights, hospital stays, surgeries and transfusions, hair loss, and long term challenges due to chemotherapy. Over the years, I came to adore my doctors, nurses and community. They all taught me to endure the obstacle of cancer with the “can do” mentality. This was a battle I would win. I will forever be grateful for all the support because it has led me to who I am today.

From the beginning of my journey, I learned that art was a great way to express myself, pass time, entertain myself, engage with others, or make gifts for my friends and family. As I entered elementary school, I quickly realized that not every kid had gone through cancer. This realization made me deeply motivated to be involved with ones who did. I can’t fully explain to anyone what it’s like to have cancer; the battle, the hardships, the loss of friends who couldn’t beat it. We can’t stop life from happening. These moments are where I truly believe that I realized art will be my future.

My parents approached this journey with smiles, endless love and support. This perspective helped me to learn to view my cancer in a positive light.

I made it my goal to use my artistic abilities in art and fashion to help others. I pursued lessons with local artists, which in turn, helped me to create numerous murals around my community. I used this knowledge in my school art classes to produce pieces that went on to raise funds to support causes in need. I want to turn my struggles into lessons that inspire others to rise above their own challenges. Moving forward, I’d like to use art and fashion as a way to represent how someone sees the world, how they feel, and what makes them different.

Diagnosed with: Leukemia | Course of study: Business Administration at University of Oregon

When I had cancer, I was too young to understand the seriousness of it, so I never felt scared in the way people might expect. At the time, it just felt like another part of my life. As I’ve gotten older, though, I’ve realized how intense that experience actually was and how different things could have been, which has changed the way I look at my life. It has made me more aware of how lucky I am to be here and to have the chance to grow up, make memories, and take advantage of opportunities. It pushes me to live life fully. I try to appreciate the everyday moments and remind myself that getting to experience life, school, friendships, goals, and even challenges is something I’m grateful for. It’s made me want to live with purpose and enjoy the life I get to have.

I didn’t always know what I wanted to do with my life, but once I discovered marketing, everything clicked. I love the idea of using creativity to make people feel seen, heard, and understood. When I found sports marketing, it felt even more right. Being able to capture the rush of emotions on the field, court, dance floor, or pool, and share it with others is what motivates me to keep learning and growing. Furthering my education is important to me because I want to take this passion to the next level. I’ve worked hard to explore what I love, and I want to see how far I can push myself.

I know how lucky I am to even have the chance to dream about my future. Not everyone gets that opportunity, and that pushes me to take my goals seriously. I want to make the most of the life I’ve been given and build something I’m proud of.

It’s important for me to pursue my goals because I’ve spent my whole high school experience chasing the things that make me feel inspired and motivated. I’ve put in the work, taken opportunities, and let my passions guide me, and I want to see what I’m capable of when I fully commit to the things I care about. Reaching my goals isn’t just about success, it’s about proving to myself that the effort I’ve put in actually means something.

Diagnosed with: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia | Course of study: Pre Veterinary Animal Sciences at Washington State University

Having cancer has been one of the most life-changing things that has ever happened to me. If cancer has taught me anything, it is that I am more than my diagnosis. Early on, I had to learn it is okay to be different, which was easier said than done as a bald little third-grade girl. Looking back, the confidence my parents instilled in me taught me how to be resilient. I have learned that nothing in life is promised. Cancer dictated so much of my life for many years. I am so lucky that I now get to be courageous and do normal people things.

I have always had a passion for learning. As a young child, I did not have the opportunity to go to school like other kids. I had to figure out how to learn on my own. When I finally got to attend school regularly in third grade, I blossomed into a really well-rounded, kind, and smart kid. To me, school has never been a punishment or a given in my life. I had to earn it by having healthy blood counts and keeping my body rested enough to make it through the day. Learning is a gift, and I intend to keep learning for as long as I can to reach my goals.

I would not wish this ugly disease upon anybody, but it did teach me how to be confident, resilient, and search for new opportunities to grow as a person. Cancer changed my life and shaped who I am, but it no longer controls my life.

For as long as I can remember, I have dreamt of becoming a veterinarian. I firmly believe that my love for animals stems from the therapy dogs that came to visit me during my long stays in the hospital. Their soft fur and big eyes always brought me a strong sense of comfort and calm during my journey. I realize how amazing and lucky I am to get to call myself a cancer survivor. While I am happy, I can’t help but think of all the friends I made at summer camps and in the hospital who did not have the same fate as me. By becoming a veterinarian, I can help animals, and I’d like to think that one of the dogs that I help will get to be a hero to a young child on the treatment floor who is in need of comfort. The dogs and my doctors will always be my heroes, and it is now my turn to try to be that person for others.

Diagnosed with: Primary Mediastinal B-Cell Lymphoma | Course of study: Pre-Nursing at Boise State University

Being diagnosed with cancer at a young age completely changed the way I see life. Going through an aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma forced me to grow up quickly and face challenges that most people my age never have to think about. It taught me that life is fragile, unpredictable, and incredibly valuable.

While I was in treatment, I saw firsthand the impact that compassionate healthcare providers can have on a patient’s life. The nurses and medical staff were more than just caregivers, they were a source of comfort, strength, and hope during some of my darkest moments. That experience inspired me to pursue a career in pediatric oncology, where I can give back and be that same source of encouragement for children facing similar battles.

I no longer take time, health, or the people I love for granted. Instead, I approach life with gratitude, resilience, and a deeper sense of purpose.

Pursuing my goals is important to me because I want my experience with cancer to mean something beyond my own survival. I want to turn one of the hardest chapters of my life into a purpose-driven future where I can make a difference in the lives of others. I understand the fear, uncertainty, and emotional toll that comes with a diagnosis, and I want to use that understanding to connect with and support patients in a genuine way. Giving back to the cancer community is something that is deeply important to me, and I hope to use my story to inspire, support, and advocate for others who are going through similar experiences.

Diagnosed with: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia | Course of study: Public Health Studies: Pre-Clinical Health Sciences at Portland State University