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Our Story

Our Mission

At Cancer for College, our mission is simple yet profound: to provide hope and inspiration to cancer survivors through academic scholarships, medical debt relief, and educational experiences.

Founders Craig and Stacy Pollard (left) with their three children. Stacy was Craig’s college sweetheart and has been involved with the charity from the very beginning, and their oldest son Joshua now sits on the Board of Directors.

Our Story: A Journey of Resilience

In 1993, two-time cancer survivor Craig Pollard turned a personal battle into a transformative mission. After overcoming Hodgkin’s disease at 15 and a subsequent encounter at 19, Craig vowed to make a difference. A bone marrow transplant gave him a second chance, but his passion for baseball faded. Craig’s new pursuit began during batting practice when he took a final swing, signaling a change.

During his senior year at USC, Craig developed a business plan for Cancer for College, a charity providing scholarships to cancer survivors. The inaugural event in 1994, a golf tournament and BBQ, raised $500, marking the birth of CFC. Growth followed, but it was Will Ferrell, a fraternity brother, and comedy icon, who propelled the charity to new heights. Will’s involvement made the annual golf tournament a highlight, bringing attention and support.

In 2006, Craig contracted a bacterial infection due to a weakened immune system, leading to sepsis and ultimately resulting in the amputation of both his feet. Undeterred, he played golf at the Classy Golf tournament that same year, using prosthetics and symbolizing his resilience.

Since the first $500 scholarship, CFC has grown into a transformative force in the lives of cancer survivors. In 2023, to mark our 30th anniversary, we awarded over $1 million in scholarships, bringing the total to $7 million for 1,700 survivors, with additional support for continuing education and reducing medical debt. Our impact extends beyond scholarships, offering educational experiences and virtual mentor groups, creating a network that ensures success.

With a remarkable 98% graduation rate for our scholars, we continue to make a positive impact on the cancer community. Join us in shaping a future where survivors thrive. Learn more about the future we hope to create through our Bright Futures Campaign.

Some Early Memories

Donate to the Cause.

Sure, we love big donations.
But we love small, thoughtful ones, too.
Every dollar puts deserving cancer survivors closer to realizing their dreams.

Donate

Apply for a Scholarship.

A fast and easy process.
Because you’ve been through enough challenges. Share your story, make your case and we’ll do our best to help.

Apply

Volunteer Your Time.

It takes more than money.
So we’re always looking for enthusiastic, caring volunteers to help with events, planning & behind the scenes work.

Volunteer