Scholarship Recipients 2021-2022

"Having been the recipient of tremendous compassion and being touched by numerous incredible foundations for cancer, I find great joy in my ability to serve and assist those suffering with a terminal illness."

The truth is that pain, hurt and fear all have their place in survivorship as much as joy, fun and growth; it's about honoring the process of ups, downs and all arounds.

"To be a survivor means so much more than surviving the battle and claiming victory. "

"Survivorship is a privilege, and I am grateful every single day for how lucky I am. I am proud to be a cancer survivor. "

"I am not a survivor just because the cancer is no longer visible on computer images; I am a survivor because these twenty-one marks remind me that I have a purpose in life."

"My undying adventure in a hospital bed has given me a critical life lesson: it is not how long one lives that matters, but how he or she lives."

"My entire world view today is directly due to the personal growth I experienced throughout treatment, and to me that opportunity is the essence of survivorship."

"Cancer survivorship has blessed me in many ways. I have the ability to enjoy the little things in life that many people take for granted."

No matter where I am, I think back to that Wednesday, and it reminds me of my purpose each and every day and what my survivorship means to me: to inspire others.

"Survivorship means living every single day with the primary outlook of gratitude."

"Now my idea of survivorship is to take the experiences developed during my cancer battle and turn them into positive, driving aspects that guide my life."

"Survivorship to me is using my story to inspire others, remembering that my courage is bigger than all my fears, and reminding myself daily of the battle which taught me that love has the capacity to multiply faster than any cancer cell ever could."

"I may not have many memories of being in the hospital, but I do deserve the title 'cancer survivor' because of how I live out my life to honor the little girl that fought ALL."

"While it is true that not all cancer patients overcome the disease, it is true that we are all survivors, for we all fought and will fight to the end."

"Survivorship means that I will live in the moment, be confident in my contribution and intentional in my desire to change the world."

"I am embracing my life whole-heartedly, and chasing my survivorship with both hands, holding on for the ride, and ready to tackle whatever comes my way."

"Fate whispers to the warrior, 'You cannot withstand the storm,' and the warrior whispers back, 'I am the storm.' I am that survivor: a warrior."

"Currently, I am living as a survivor which I now understand is an immense gift not to be taken for granted."

"Survivorship should not be based on living or dying. Survivorship should be based on how hard you fight the cancer when you are living."

"Looking back on my experiences, I feel that I have been given a unique opportunity to help kids going through similar situations."

"Surviving cancer taught me that I am stronger and able to accomplish much more than I realize."

"Survivorship may mean different things depending on who you ask, but I think what’s really important is that for those impacted by cancer, more and more are able to say that they are still here and have the opportunity to determine what survivorship means to them."

For me survivorship means living my life to the fullest unapologetically. Other children like Corey were not given a second chance, so it is my job to make the most of mine.

"So if you ask me 'What does survivorship mean to you?'… it means living and sharing! It means loving each day, each person, each moment."

"If I had never gone through the experience of battling leukemia, I would have never been given the opportunity to do the swim in the first place. Without overcoming these challenges, I cannot say I would be the same person I am today. I am a survivor."

"I realized that this was what survivorship meant: working for not only your survival and quality of life, but also for the survival and quality of life for all cancer patients."

There is no one meaning to "Survivorship" in the process of living through cancer. It is a fluid word with multiple definitions based on that moment or that stage of the course.

"I'm not sure how yet, but I want to use my light to brighten the world."

From the mountain of cancer I hope to remember my perseverance, the people who helped me on the climb, and know that if I was able to climb that mountain, then most other obstacles will be foothills.

"Life is too short to sit around waiting, and if I can inspire others with my story to take life by the horns, I will. I want to help others see the world from my unique perspective as a survivor."

Survivorship is moving past staying alive and truly living...Survivorship is appreciating the world more deeply, and helping others do the same.

But survivorship is acknowledging the scars and pain cancer caused me, and then making a daily choice to let these experiences turn me into a better person.

Being a survivor is finding the joy in the smell of rain on the pavement, the peace in the drama, knowing the importance of family, and seeing miracles in everyday moments.

Survivorship is fighting through something so terrible and being able to make an impact on others through your bravery during and after your battle.

Survivorship means I get a first chance at seeing something that I was missing before.

I realized that I needed to separate my mind from my body. If I kept treating the two as one, I would be surviving to simply survive but not to truly live a life of fulfillment.

"The moment I became a survivor, I took the initiative to heal, and educate myself about cancer and how to fight it."

Survivorship meant becoming a better, stronger me.

Surviving cancer means to me that you have stood up to the biggest bully on the block and you won.

Survivorship is an act of endurance-- no matter what the final outcome may be. I resolutely believe that every person who has, is, or ever will experience cancer is a survivor regardless of longevity.

"Survivorship means I am a warrior; I am courageous; I am strong; I am a lionheart."

Because of the strengths that surviving cancer gave me, my freshman year was the greatest year of my life.

Survivorship allows me appreciate the storms in my life and to be even more thankful for the rays of sunlight while I look for the rainbows. Being a survivor is a privilege- because being a survivor means that I live.

The true weight of survivorship is defined by the "how" and "what," of the journey. How did you approach these winding and dangerous trails, and what were the takeaways.

Being a survivor does not mean that you have beat cancer; being a survivor means that you live everyday as if it is a gift - that is "how" I live.

Survivorship is not only the way one gets through their cancer, but also the way they help others get through theirs.

This is what survivorship means to me; all of the lessons that cancer has taught me so that I could become a stronger person, ready to conquer anything life throws at me.

I will do all that is in my power to help those that now suffer from cancer. If I can keep one person from being alone, it will be worth reliving the pain once again. That is what survivorship means to me.

As a survivor, I have refused to allow cancer to keep me from prospering in my young adult life. I have come to an acceptance of a life with limitations, yet great opportunities.

As a survivor myself, I see my job is to be an ambassador for those who can't speak to reach more of those who can help. It is in this way I leave a lasting legacy and make an impact for those like me.

Survivorship means that you get to push the restart button on your life so that you can experience small details from a different perspective.

So, what does survivorship mean to me? It is invaluable. Through my solitude I learned more about myself, and my limits, my strengths and weaknesses.

The mindset around mental health in our society must adapt, so that we can help those who need it the most...I am so excited to be a part of the change. This is what survivorship means to me!

"Survivorship is something that you earn, whether it be during or after your experience."

Survivorship means never forgetting, forever being grateful, and giving back to those in need.