I made a vow to make a difference.
It should have been the time of my life. I was only 19 years old and lying in a hospital bed battling cancer for the second time in the span of four years. This horrible disease was taking away everything that was important to me. My friends, my baseball career and my college experience all seemed to be slipping away. I was tired and my muscles were weak. I made a commitment that day that if I got well, I would make a difference.
Eventually, my body healed and the vision of what I needed to do began to take shape. I visited Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times as a counselor. It is a special place for seriously ill children and their families. I immediately noticed that the kids were impressed that I, as a two-time cancer survivor, was able to go to college.
In speaking to the parents, I learned that college was virtually out of the question for most families dealing with this disease. Cancer takes an incredible toll on family finances. Procedures, treatments and medications are often not covered by insurance and can wipe out a family’s savings in no time. Big picture plans like college take a back seat to getting well.
During my senior year at the University of Southern California, I wrote a business plan for a non-profit corporation. I called it Cancer for College and the goal was to raise scholarship dollars to assist cancer survivors in reaching their goal of a college education.
In 1993, we held our first event. Twenty-four friends and family members got together to play some golf and we held a BBQ in our backyard. We gave one $500 scholarship and that’s how Cancer for College was born.
Over the years, through generous support and private donations, we have continued to grow. We now receive thousands of heart-touching stories of perseverance from young cancer survivors who want to share in the college experience.
Last year, Cancer for College staged five fundraising events and awarded more than $250,000 in scholarships to cancer survivors and amputees.
Thank you for taking the time to read about our mission. I hope that that we will inspire you to help our amazing young people reach their dreams.
Thanks for your time,
Craig Pollard
Founder – Cancer for College
SPONSORS & DONORS
Alderson Family Foundation
Michael & Sharon Cafagna
Coldwell Banker
DeLine Wealth
Management
Global Tour Golf
Golf Cow
Golf Pride
David Lugliani
Bob & Gail Pollard
Pride Sports
Brian Schultz Memorial Foundation
Southern California PGA
The Source Mortgage
Symbient Product Development
Triton Systems
IN KIND DONATIONS
Angeles National
Golf Club
Arroyo Trabucco
Golf Club
BevMo
Bogey Pro
Brampton Technology
California Pizza Kitchen
Hal Clement - Channel 10 News
Chilis
Classic Club
CoopSport
Courtyard Marriot - Rancho Bernardo
Country Club of Rancho Bernardo
Disneyland
DoubleTree Golf Resort
Extreme Signs & Graphics
Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino
Gary Gray - JEEP
Green Keepers
Mike “The Hammer” Hendrickson
Henry’s Farmers Market
Herr Photography
Holiday Inn - Disneyland
Hornblower Cruises
In-N-Out Burger
Islands
Brian & Kristen Kaneko
Life Settlement Solutions
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Dodgers
Marriott Vacation Club
Nicholas Cole Cellars
Olive Garden
Pala Resort
Panda Express
Pechanga Resort & Casino
PGA West
Pirates Dinner Adventure
Rancho Bernardo Inn
Rawleys Portraits
Radison Hotel -
Rancho Bernardo
Ruby’s Diner
Robinson Printing & Creative Media
San Diego Padres
San Diego Zoo
Sea World
Six Flags
Magic Mountain
Souplantation
Southland Golf Magazine
Talega Golf Club
Tustin Ranch
Golf Club
Trader Joes
Wells Fargo Bank
PAST SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Cancer for College Proudly Introduces
our 2011 Scholarship Recipients
After receiving more than 1,500 applications from all 50 states, Cancer for College is proud to introduce its 2011 scholarship recipients.
While every candidate had an inspirational story of survival and we wish we could assist every applicant, the following individuals were selected by the scholarship committee.
$4,000 Perpetual Scholarship Winners
University of Southern California - Freshman
Theater, $4,000 Perpetual Scholarship
Mitchell Friesen - Ahwahnee, California
Azusa Pacific University - Freshman
Business Admin./Biblical Studies $4,000 Perpetual Scholarship
University of La Verne - Freshman
Psychology, $4,000 Perpetual Scholarship
Westmont College - Freshman
Pre-Medicine, $4,000 Perpetual Scholarship
Mount Saint Mary's College - Freshman
Nursing, $4,000 Perpetual Scholarship
Ohio State University - Sophomore
Computer Science and Engineering, $3,000 Scholarship
Melissa Christensen - Brigham, Utah
Weber State University - Sophomore
Nursing, $3,000 Scholarship
Wilmington University - Graduate School
Human Services, $3,000 Scholarship
University of California Los Angeles - Graduate School
Dentistry, $3,000 Scholarship
Cal State University Fullerton - Junior
Health Science, $3,000 Scholarship
The College of New Jersey - Senior
Chemistry/Pre-Medicine, $3,000 Scholarship
Cheyene Villanueva - Kansas City, Missouri
University of Missouri, Columbia - Freshman
Pre-Medicine, $3,000 Scholarship
Illinois Wesleyan University - Sophomore
Accounting, $3,000 Scholarship
University of Tennessee - Sophomore
Pre-Medicine $1,000 Scholarship
Claire Bleecker - Dover, Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh - Freshman
English, $1,000 Scholarship
University of Chicago - Freshman
Music Technology, $1,000 Scholarship
Ohio State University - Senior
Chemistry/Pre-Medicine, $1,000 Scholarship
University of Georgia - Junior
Nursing, $1,000 Scholarship
St. Petersburg College - Senior
Prosthetics/Orthotics, $1,000 Scholarship
Michael Hartley - Lincoln, Rhode Island
Rhode Island College - Junior
Political Science , $1,000 Scholarship
University of Minnesota - Freshman
Psychology, $1,000 Scholarship
Western Kentucky University - Freshman
Pre-Medicine, $1,000 Scholarship
Paul Luisi- Tuckahoe, New York
University of Delaware - Freshman
Nonprofit Fundraising, $1,000 Scholarship
Ohio State College of Optometry - Graduate School
Optometry, $1,000 Scholarship
University of Southern California - Graduate School
Mechanical Engineering, $1,000 Scholarship
College of the Holy Cross - Senior
English and Creative Writing, $1,000 Scholarship
University of Miami - Sophomore
Public Relations and Creative Writing, $1,000 Scholarship
Elizabeth Porter - Tacoma Park, Maryland
St. Mary's College of Maryland - Sophomore
Theater , $1,000 Scholarship
University of Colorado, Boulder - Freshman
Pre-Medicine, $1,000 Scholarship
State University of New York, Geneseo - Freshman
Communication, $1,000 Scholarship
Miami University of Ohio - Freshman
Business, $1,000 Scholarship
University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine - Graduate School
Physician's Assistant, $1,000 Scholarship
Krista Selnau - Cambridge, Massachusetts
Suffolk University Law School - Graduate School
Law, $1,000 Scholarship
Norwich University - Sophomore
Physical Therapy/Sports Medicine, $1,000 Scholarship
Jacksonville State University - Freshman
Criminal Justice/Environmental Science, $1,000 Scholarship
Communication $1,000 Scholarship
San Diego State University - Junior
Communication, $1,000 Scholarship
Karen Towne - Stow, Ohio
Case Western Reserve University - Graduate School
Nursing , $1,000 Scholarship
San Francisco State University - Freshman
Liberal Arts, $1,000 Scholarship
Lansing Community College - Sophomore
Health Care, $500 Scholarship
Jeffrey Minasian - Roseville, California
American River College - Freshman
Engineering , $500 Scholarship
University of Nevada, Las Vegas - Junior
Health Care, $500 Scholarship
NORTH CAROLINA EVENT
2011 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
2011 PACIFIC NORTHWEST
University of Washington - Sophomore
Pre-Medicine, $4,000 Scholarship
University of Washington - Sophomore
Arts and Sciences, $4,000 Scholarship
Olympic College - Junior
Nursing, $4,000 Scholarship
Oregon State University - Sophomore
Civil Engineering, $4,000 Scholarship
Seattle Pacific University - Sophomore
Political Science, $2,000 Scholarship
Washington State University - Freshman
Communication, $2,000 Scholarship
University of Oregon - Graduate School
Masters in Nonprofit Management, $1,000 Scholarship
Digipen Institute of Technology - Freshman
Digital Art and Animation, $1,000 Scholarship
Oregon State University - Junior
Education and Human Development, $1,000 Scholarship
George Fox University - Freshman
Music Education and Math, $1,000 Scholarship
Linfield College - Senior
Biology, $1,000 Scholarship
Stanford University - Sophomore
Undeclared major, $1,000 Scholarship
Central Washington University - Senior
Mechanical Engineering, $1,000 Scholarship
2010 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
$4,000 Perpetual Scholarships _____________________________
$4,000 per year for up to four years through your senior year.
Maximum award $16K.
AnnaMaria Williams - Port Orange, Florida
Appalachian State University - Sophomore
Biology
Bradley Davis - Old Greenwich, Connecticut
Loyola Marymount University - Freshman
Sociology
Carissa Lane - El Dorado Hills, California
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo - Freshman
Psychology
Eden Siesser - Orange, California
California College of the Arts - Freshman
Fashion Design
$4,000 One-Time Scholarships _____________________________
Rebecca Reznick - Deerfield, Illinois
Bradley University - Freshman
Nursing
Adriana Gurrola - Yucaipa, California
Loma Linda School of Nursing - Junior
Nursing
Ben Teller - West Hills, California
UC Irvine - Junior
Business Economics
$1,000 One-Time Scholarships _____________________________
Tyler Borden - Temecula, California
Cal Baptist University - Freshman
General Study
Kaitlyn Weber Lang - Naples, Florida
Edison College - Freshman
Nursing
Chelsea Haynes - North Scituate, Rhode Island
Brown University - Sophomore
Human Biology
Madison Carter - Washington, DC
Temple University - Junior
Communication
Ashley Park - Ann Arbor, Michigan
University of Michigan - Sophomore
Musical Theater/LSA Honors
Lauren Lawrence - Los Angeles, California
University of Southern California - Graduate Student
Pre-Med
Tariq Eddington - Saint Charles, Missouri
Washington University - Freshman
Pre-Med
Kristen Stanfield - Hanford, California
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo - Sophomore
Agribusiness
Andrea Vanportfliet - Belding, Michigan
Ferris State University - Freshman
Forensic Biology
Cole Burke - Tulsa, Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University - Freshman
Medicine
Danielle Gillespie - Chesterfield, Michigan
University of Detroit Mercy - Graduate Student
Nursing
Carmel Fargason - Mandeville, Louisiana
Louisiana State University - Senior
Biology
Alex Lee - Clayton, North Carolina
North Carolina State University - Freshman
Engineering
Laurietta Oakleaf - Jacksontown, Ohio
University of Phoenix - Senior
Graphic Design, Editing
Kyle Johnson - Lexington, South Carolina
Clemson University - Freshman
Biology/Pre-Med
Tiffany Espino - Palmdale, California
Cal State Northridge - Sophomore
Child and Adolescent Development
Dakota Graves - Smithfield, Kentucky
Northern Kentucky University - Junior
Electronic Media and Broadcasting
Mikaela Berglund - Denver, Colorado
Regis University - Graduate Student
Nursing
Coty Hall - Harvest, Alabama
University of Alabama at Birmingham - Sophomore
Medicine
Chelsea Wilkins - Royersford, Pennsylvania
Drexel University - Freshman
Nursing
Sarah Wible - Albuquerque, New Mexico
University of Oklahoma - Freshman
Communications
Galeth Bolanos - Pueblo, Colorado
Colorado State University - Sophomore
Liberal Arts, History
Mario Terrell - Maple Grove, Minnesota
University of Minnesota Twin Cities - Freshman
Sports Management
Mike Starr - Mequon, Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin Madison - Junior
Engineering, Physics and Mathematics
Thomas Hall - Marietta, Georgia
University of Tennessee - Senior
Education
$500 One-Time Scholarships ______________________________
Joseph Daigle - Manville, Rhode Island
Community College of Rhode Island - Sophomore
X-Ray Technician
Jewel Jordan - San Diego, California
San Diego City College - Junior
Nursing
Kristen Trimble - Villa Park, Illinois
College of DuPage- Sophomore
Education/Entrepreneurship
Christopher Hunt - Manteca, California
Otero Junior College - Freshman
Pre Physical Therapy
Joseph Simmons - Sarasota, Florida
State College of Florida - Sophomore
History
Candace Prewitt - Tucson, Arizona
Pima Community College - Freshman
Pediatric Nursing
Pacific Northwest Scholarship Recipients
Scholarships benefit cancer survivors originally from or
attending school in the states of Washington, Oregon, Montana and Idaho.
$3,000 Scholarships __________________________________
Jimmy Fowkes - Lake Oswego, Oregon
Stanford University - Freshman
English/Journalism
Abigail Houck - Issaquah, Washington
University of Washington - Sophomore
Business/Communication
Kaelan Nelson - Gig Harbor, Washington
Central Washington University - Sophomore
Emergency Medicine
$2,000 Scholarships __________________________________
Ashleigh Lowery - Snohomish, Washington
Seattle Pacific University - Senior
Child Life Specialst
Bailey Taylor - Arlington, Washington
University of Washington - Freshman
Medicine
$1,000 Scholarships __________________________________
Bailey Barna - Salem, Oregon
Seattle Pacific University - Freshman
Nursing
Caitlin Holloway - Seattle, Washington
Southern Illinois University - Freshman
Radiological Sciences
Shira Einstein - Portland, Oregon
University of Oregon- Freshman
Health
Sarah Barquero - Mercer Island, Washington
University of Washington - Senior
Nursing
Megan Custer - Bozeman, Montana
University of Montana, Missoula - Sophomore
Social Work
Kathryn Bradley - Lakewood, Washington
Western Washington University - Sophomore
Sociology/Psychology
$500 Scholarships ___________________________________
Luke Beardemphl - Tacoma, Washington
Highline Community College - Freshman
Medical Imaging
Cody Kangiser - Hillsboro, Oregon
Oregon State University - Freshman
Engineering
Timothy Weber - Aloha, Oregon
Western Oregon University - Senior
Exercise Science
Curtis Kosky - 1995 Winner
Nima Rambiee - 1996 Winner
Jerry Cervantes - 1997 Winner
Gary Anderson - 1998 Winner / Graduated from UCSB
Gary was diagnosed with lumphocytic leukemia when he was 3 years old. His sister Jennifer donated bone marrow in order to save his life. Gary received a four year $4,000 Cancer for College scholarship and graduated from UCSB in 2001.He volunteers his time to Cancer for College as a member of the Golf Committee, which helps plan and execute the annual tournament and auction. He has also volunteered his time to raise money for the local Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Lana Lam - 1999 Winner
Agi Glownia - 2000 Winner / Graduated from UCSD
Agi was our 2000 perpetual winner who was diagnosed with A.L.L. leukemia in 1991 when she was 11 years old and went thru 3 years of treatment. She graduated from UCSD with a BA degree in general biology in 2002. May 2008 she received her MBA. She is currently working and living in the San Diego area. We also thank her for her time spent on the Cancer for College golf tournament committee helping plan and execute the organizations largest fundraiser!
Alina Moeller - 2001 Winner
Lissa Corona - 2002 Winner
Victor Aviso - 2003 Winner
Benjamin Boyle - 2003 Winner
Brady Harrington - 2004 Winner
Diagnosed with aplastic anemia at 5 years old, which went in to mylodysplastic syndrome. Received bone marrow transplant at 8 years old, 2 years to recover. Maintained straight A's during college, had made Dean's List every year! Studied for degree in business finance.
Jonathon Chung - 2005 Winner
Karina Rocker - 2005 Winner / Graduated 2007
Diagnosis of an ependymoma brain tumor. Doctors told her parents she wouldn't make it to her 2nd birthday! Graduated in 2007 from Cal State Northridge with a BA in Deaf Studies with concentration in Language and Culture. She has AA degree in business administration.
Dean's list all semesters.
Kelly Purcell - 2005 Winner / Currently a senior at University of the Pacific
Diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma (muscle tumor in right forearm) -stage 4, January 2002. Now in her 4th year at University of the Pacific. She will be graduating in May 2009 with a degree in Communication, specifically Public Relations. President of her sorority, Delta Gamma Plans to move to Los Angeles after graduation to become an Event Coordinator
Stephanie Sackinoff - 2005 Winner / Attending University of San Diego
Diagnosed at 8 months old with aplastic anemia. Still goes to hospital every week for blood transfusion, eventually will need BMT when a match is found. Currently at the University of San Diego: Major: Bio Chem. Major for Pre Med. and involved with Sorority Alpha Chi omega. She does lots of studying.Traveled to Boston to check out med schools.
Michael Vanderby - 2005 Winner / Attending University of San Diego
He was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma (a rare cancer) in his left arm in December 2003. He was a junior in high school at the time and captain and setter of the varsity volleyball team. His younger brother Tommy (a freshman at the time) took over Mike’s position while he under went cancer treatment. When Mike returned the next year, both brothers led the Westview Varsity volleyball team to their first CIF championship. Michael received a 2005 perpetual scholarship, and is at USD majoring in Business with an accounting emphasis. He's received academic honors at USD and has stayed active in volleyball, fishing, tennis, snowboarding and traveling, just to name a few.
Jason Edwards - 2006 Winner / Attending UC Berkeley
Diagnosed with ALL Leukemia in April 2002, treated at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, currently in remission Studying American Studies and Economics at UC Berkeley. Active in youth support groups and received National Teen Leadership academic award. He is putting himself through college!
Kathryn Freeman - 2006 Winner / Attending San Diego State
Diagnosed with ALL Leukemia, Currently in remission
Student at San Diego State University, majoring in psychology
She is a very active young lady, with main focus right now being her health.
She is collecting stuffed animals for a children's charity.
Megan Hickey - 2006 Winner / Graduated from San Diego State 2008
Diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma 1987. Graduated from San Diego State University in May 2008 with my Bachelor's Degree in Public Health. Continuing education at The University of San Diego and is enrolled in the Master's Entry Program for Nursing. Her goal is to be eligible to take the nursing exam and have her degree by spring 2010. Volunteers for American Cancer Society when not at school or working.
Guy Mansfield - 2006 Winner / Attending Cal Lutheran University
Diagnosed with Philadelphia positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia August 2003. BMT at City of Hope March 2004, cancer free. Studying English, working toward teaching credential. Wants to be a high school teacher
Alison Richens - 2006 Winner / Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Diagnosed with acute lympholblastic leukemia August 2002, the start of her sophomore year in high school. Studying biological science, biotechnology. Received Gold Award in Girl Scouting. Member of National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Loves hiking & rock climbing around campus at Cal Poly. Enjoys oil painting, anything crafty
Travis Ricks - 2006 Winner / Attending University of Pretoria
Brian Gingrass - 2007 Winner/ Attending University of St. Augustine, San Marcos
Brian has the auspicious title of being the first CFC scholarship winner without cancer - this year, we added amputees to our list of recipients. Sustained injury, after four days of employment for local marine construction company, when a 5,000 lb piece of equipment fell from a crane and came crashing down on both legs. He received first a below the knee amputation but developed an infection in the hospital requiring an above knee amputation of his right leg. Just a few months after his injury, he was up and about on his prosthetics.
Studying Kinesiology plans to pursue graduate study at Cal State Dominguez Hills in prosthetics certification program. Despite amputation, Brian remains active, enjoying: resistance training, golf, swimming, running, hiking and fishing.
Robert Buie - 2007 Winner / Attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Niles Cook - 2007 Winner / Attending Whittier College
Caleb Dominguez - 2007 Winner / Attending Pepperdine University
Ashley Eakin - 2007 Winner / Attending San Diego State University
Currently a senior at San Diego State University. She is studying for a Journalism Major with a minor in Television, Film and New Media
