Imagine you’ve been diagnosed with cancer and are caught up in a tornado of emotions, therapies, and doctor appointments. The last thing on your mind is probably going through scholarship applications. But wait a minute: education should not be put on hold due to illness. Studies conducted by the American Cancer Society suggest that higher education can improve cancer survivors’ long-term health results. That’s why I’m here to inform you about a resource that most people are unaware of: scholarships intended expressly to assist cancer survivors and patients like you in pursuing their academic goals.
Most students are aware of the FAFSA and traditional scholarships based on academic merit or financial need. However, there is a whole universe of scholarship opportunities waiting to be explored, particularly for people facing specific circumstances such as a cancer diagnosis. Organizations such as the American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) currently offer the Childhood Cancer Survivor Scholarship program, which provides college scholarships to students with a history of childhood cancer. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) provides the College Scholarship Program to young adults whose lives have been affected by cancer. These scholarships frequently include mentorship and support networks in addition to financial aid, which is an important factor in balancing education and health.
Best Scholarships For Cancer Survivors and Patients
#1. The Michael A. Hunter Memorial Scholarship
The Michael A. Hunter Memorial Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors, community college students, and 4-year university students who are Leukemia/Lymphoma survivors or have parents who are survivors. Applicants must be full-time students, with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate financial need.
- Amount: $2,000–$5,000
- Deadline: March 16, 2024.
#2. Mesothelioma.com Scholarship
Mesothelioma.com Scholarship eligibility: Young adults who have lost a parent to metastatic breast cancer or are experiencing financial difficulties owing to a parent living with metastatic breast cancer and want to pursue further education after high school. Applicants must be from Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, or Tennessee.
- Amount: $10,000
- Deadline: April 15th.
#3. Han C. Choi Scholarship
Han C. Choi Scholarship eligibility: 1L or 2L legal student with extraordinary academics, leadership abilities, and concern for others. Special consideration will be given to applicants who have been negatively affected by cancer.
Amount: $5,000
#4. The #RAREis Scholarship Fund
The #RAREis Scholarship Fund is open to U.S. residents with any rare condition, regardless of treatment status. The deadline is April 19, 2024.
#5. The CURE – Cancer Support Scholarship
The CURE – Cancer Support Scholarship has a $5,000 award and a deadline of April 22, 2024.
Eligibility: Open to current and incoming postsecondary students who have battled cancer and have suffered severe financial hardship as a result.
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: June 1, 2024.
#6. The Chalik & Chalik Cancer Survivors Scholarship
The Chalik & Chalik Cancer Survivors Scholarship is open to current and prospective postsecondary students who have overcome a serious illness and are committed to aiding those experiencing similar struggles.
- Amount: $1,000.
- Deadline: August 15, 2024.
#7. The Cancer for College Scholarship
The Cancer for College Scholarship is open to current and prospective postsecondary students in the United States who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Amount: $5,000
Opens on November 1, 2024.
#8. Children’s Cancer Connection: Empowering Scholarships
Eligibility: People who have experienced cancer (or have a sibling who has) before the age of 18. Applicants must also live or be treated/diagnosed in the state of Iowa and plan to attend a higher institution.
Amount varies.
#9. Northwestern Mutual Survivor’s Scholarship
Eligibility: Childhood cancer survivors under the age of 25 who are full-time undergraduate students at an authorized university or vocational school (for the entire academic year). Applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA.
Amount: $5,000
#10. The Simon Cancer Foundation Scholarship
The Simon Cancer Foundation Scholarship is open to students enrolling in a four-year university in the United States in Fall 2022, with a minimum GPA of 3.5. Graduate students are also allowed to apply. All applicants must have experienced cancer at some point in their lives.
Amount varies.
How To Get Scholarships For Cancer Survivors and Patients
Scholarships for cancer survivors are highly competitive, just like any other sort of scholarship. If you want to make money to help pay for your education, you must create applications that stand out.
One of the best ways to accomplish this is to perform some reflection before you begin writing. Consider how your cancer experience shaped you and the lessons you learned. Cancer is a painful ordeal that causes a great deal of grief and tragedy. However, it is a good idea to use your application to highlight how you matured as a consequence of this battle and how you intend to apply the fortitude you demonstrated throughout the process as you move forward in life.
Remember that scholarship givers are searching for individuals who intend to make a positive difference in the world. Don’t spend too much of your application discussing your struggles. Discuss your long-term goals and objectives.
Writing Effective Essays
Once you’ve finished reflecting, it’s time to settle down and begin writing. We provide a variety of resources to aid you with the writing process. These include tips for beginning and concluding scholarship essays, writing essays about yourself, and creating a successful scholarship essay. We can also assist you to restrict your writing to 250 or 500 words. Good luck!
Scholarship Applications: Successful Strategies
Each scholarship is unique. Read both the application and the organization’s website carefully. Take note of the application deadline, contact information, application conditions, and the opportunity to renew the scholarship each year. Don’t squander an opportunity due to a small mistake.
In general, applicants must present a statement from a doctor indicating the patient’s original diagnosis and the age when treatment began. Give the doctor plenty of time to compose the letter.
Some applications may also ask for letters of reference from teachers, coaches, or employers. Ask these folks ahead of time. Do not wait until the last minute.
Conclusion
While scholarships and study aids are important, don’t overlook the value of maintaining your mental and emotional health. Cancer is a difficult battle, and it is acceptable to seek assistance. Many schools and universities provide counseling services expressly for students confronting health issues.
Remember that you are not alone in this fight. There is a huge community out there cheering you on, including ourselves. What resources have helped you get through your studies while battling cancer
Please share your tips in the comments section below!
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