Cancer is known to be one of the deadliest illnesses that take lives every year. It is not the lack of research or medical facilities but the financial toll that burdens the families. Treatment for this disease is expensive, and most often, it puts a dent in the family finances. Major statistics have pointed out that it is the average male and female from the age group of 30-40 who fall prey to this devastating ailment. In 2020, an estimated 1,806,590 people were diagnosed with cancer in the United States. Of this number, an estimated 606,520 have already died from the disease.
When it comes to the younger generation, the numbers are staggering; it has been estimated that around 16,850 children between the age groups of 1-19 were diagnosed. Out of which 1,730 have lost their lives. Battling with cancer is not easy, especially when one has to join a university/college to pursue their dream career path. This has also been heartbreaking when a deserving student loses a parent to cancer. The mounting hospital bills and chemotherapy can cause many students to abandon their education mid-way. To prevent this scenario, there are various foundations and educational institutes that have established cancer scholarships exceptionally for students who have their loved ones battling this disease. To relieve financial stress and provide an excellent opportunity for higher education.
The below scholarships are open to students from all walks of life. Some are dedicated to the memory of bright students who fought cancer or parents who left this world too soon. There are also foundations that are set up by cancer survivors to encourage young minds into a successful academic path. Allow us to get a look at some of these awesome opportunities for cancer victims and strive to make a safer future for the new generation.
1. Jackie Spellman Scholarship
The Jackie Spellman scholarship foundation has been established in honor of Jackie Spellman, a young athlete who was diagnosed with Leukemia. This grant is available to students across the U.S. who have their lives impacted by this type of cancer either by being a survivor or having an immediate family member diagnosed with this deadly disease. Students enrolled in a four-year course in an accredited college/university or high school seniors are eligible. Students who have previously applied and have been successful can reapply. Students must possess a high GPA score of 3.0; special assistance will be given to students coming from an economically challenging background.
Provided by: Jackie Spellman Scholarship Foundation
Amount: $ 10,000
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: 15th April 2022
Apply Now
2. Toby Merrill Scholarship
The Toby Merrill Fellowship commemorates a loving father who died of gastric cancer in 2016. This national scholarship is designed for students who have experienced the pain of losing a parent due to cancer or suffering from a deadly diagnosis. This scholarship is aimed at providing financial assistance to students attending a four-year course in an accredited college/university. This is a renewable grant that is offered to a deserving student with an excellent academic stand. Students must maintain a GPA score of 2.5. The application must contain two letters of recommendation, details of community participation activities, a personal interview, and the household’s financial situation.
Provided by: Toby Merrill Scholarship.Org
Amount: $ 9,700
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: 1st April 2022
Apply Now
3. The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Scholarship
The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance has been founded to aid financially and emotionally the patients affected by this disease. This foundation also offers college assistance through its annual scholarship program to students affected by Mesothelioma cancer or who have parents suffering from this deadly illness. Students are expected to maintain a GPA score of 3.0 or greater. They need to have an excellent school record and leadership in the community. Students who have registered full-time for a four-year course at nationally accredited universities are eligible. The application must include a video or written submission about how cancer has affected their lives.
Provided by: Mesothelioma.Com
Amount: $ 4,000
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: 31st March 2022
Apply Now
4. Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation Scholarship in Memory of Jim Gainey
The WunderGlo foundation has been set up to help students and cancer survivors pursue their dream of higher education. The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation Scholarship in Memory of Jim Gainey is an annual grant awarded to students whose parents are suffering or passed away due to colorectal cancer. Students must exhibit a high GPA score of 2.0, and must be enrolled in a 4-year course in an accredited college or university, nursing program, military course, or vocational school. The scholarship will be awarded on verification of college registration.
Provided by: The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation
Amount: $ 2,000 – $ 6,000
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: 15th April 2022
Apply Now
5. Robert L. Schulke Memorial Scholarship
The Robert L. Schulke Memorial Scholarship is awarded to students who are cancer survivors or whose immediate family member is a cancer survivor, or who are deceased from cancer. Students enrolled in a health or law enforcement program will receive special recommendations at the time of application. Students must be residents of Alpena County; they must be registered in the ACC for a minimum of six credit hours per semester and maintain a high GPA score of 2.5.Â
Provided by: Alpena Community College
Amount: $ 500
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: 1st March 2022
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6. Perlita Liwanag Memorial Scholarship
The Ulman Foundation has been set up for students who wish to pursue their dreams of higher studies in spite of facing acute financial crisis due to being diagnosed with cancer or their loved one being affected. The Perlita Liwanag Memorial Fellowship was created to commemorate a bright student who lost her life to pancreatic cancer. Students living in the Greater Washington, DC (Maryland, Northern Virginia) are eligible. They must have registered for a course leading to a four-year degree from an accredited college or university in the same areas.
Provided by: Ulman Foundation
Amount: $ 2,500
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: 11th February 2022
Apply Now
7. Baron & Budd Mesothelioma Cancer Victims Memorial Scholarships
Mesothelioma cancer has been estimated to kill thousands of people each year in the United States. This cancer impacts young students and their households most often; the attorneys from Baron & Budd are dedicated to providing legal and fiscal aid to students who suffer from mesothelioma cancer, or a whose loved one is involved. The Baron & Budd Mesothelioma Cancer Victims Memorial Scholarship has been established to protect this legacy.
Students must be in their first year with an accredited 4-year US university or college. The application must include two letters of recommendation, a written essay or video interview about the impact of cancer, and an official college transcript.
Provided by: Baron & Budd
Amount: $ 2,500
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: 16th July 2022
Apply Now
8. LIFE Lessons Scholarship Program
The Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education has established the LIFE Lessons scholarship program for students who have lost their guardian or parent to a major illness. This is a nationwide scholarship program and is open for students who have enrolled themselves for a four-year degree course with an accredited university in the United States. Students are expected to submit a 500-word essay or a three-minute video stating how the death of their parent or guardian has left a void in their lives, be it financially or emotionally. They must also display good academic records along with leadership qualities for extracurricular activities.
Provided by: Life Happens
Amount: $ 2,000 – $ 15,000
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: 1st March 2022
Apply Now
9. Pink Rose Scholarship Program
The Pink Rose Foundation has been established to create financial assistance for students who have lost their parents to breast cancer. Apart from providing financial aid, the foundation also gives guidance and counseling to affected students. Students need to provide the death certificate of their parents along with the application. They are also requested to submit the original college transcript. Students are also required to maintain a good academic record in an accredited university while being enrolled for a four-year degree course.
Provided by: The Pink Rose Foundation
Amount: $ 1,000
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: 31st December 2022
Apply Now
10. Strong Arm Leukemia Scholarship
The John Foy & Associates is a legal arm for cancer survivors and patients undergoing treatment. The Strong Arm Leukemia scholarship has been dedicated to students who have fought and survived this life-threatening illness or who have loved ones affected by the deadly disease. Students have to be enrolled in a full-time course at an accredited university at the time of application. They are also required to submit a written essay on the given topics at the time of submission. An official copy of the original college transcript is also necessary to be eligible.
Provided by: John Foy & Associates
Amount: $ 1,000
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: 15th  December 2022
Apply Now
Conclusion:
It is an emotional and financial strain to battle cancer, and for students who are experiencing dismal situations at home, these scholarship programs are an excellent source of inspiration to complete their academic pursuits.
