Each day, young cancer patients in Florida confront extraordinary challenges in their battle against the disease. The financial and emotional costs can be an overwhelming burden for their families. This year, a record number 137 Florida students will have their college dreams come true through the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) college scholarship program.

This program was established in 1992 to provide financial assistance to eligible high school graduates whose families have already been burdened with the medical costs of caring for a child with cancer. This year, more than $280,000 has been awarded to 45 new recipients and 90 renewed students, as well as two who have been reinstated.

“These kids are proof that cancer can be beat,” says Evelyn Foster, chairperson of the ACS college scholarship program. “We are so thrilled to see how this program is helping so many cancer survivors realize their goal of going to college," she adds.

In December 2000, the National Scholarship Providers Association named the American Cancer Society in Florida, the Scholarship Provider of the Year for its outstanding scholarship program for young cancer patients. The criteria for the award included program effectiveness, efficiency, and the willingness to take the extra steps necessary to help students be successful.

“The vote of confidence that the ACS gives them has helped build their determination to be successful,” says Marilyn Westley, director of childhood cancer programs for ACS, Florida division. “Nearly half of the graduates ACS has supported have gone on to graduate school programs. We have students who have become doctors and attorneys,” she notes.

Since the inception of the program, 253 students have been able to fulfill their dreams of attending college. Of these, 65 have graduated, with 49% going on to graduate and doctoral programs.

“Thank you so much for having a scholarship that understands the financial strain that is put on families dealing with cancer, and allowing young people with cancer to carry on with their lives and fulfill their dreams for their future,” said Stefanie Hobbs, a 2001 ACS college scholarship recipient.

To be eligible, a student must have a history of cancer; be a Florida resident; a US citizen; be under 21 years of age at the time of the cancer diagnosis; and, plan to attend an accredited Florida university or community college. Applications are due April 10, 2002, for the 2002–2003 academic year. Send to: Marilyn Westley, director of childhood cancer programs, American Cancer Society, Florida Division, Inc., 3709 W. Jetton Avenue, Tampa, Fla., 33629-5146. For more information, Florida residents may call Marilyn Westley at (813) 349-4405.

Florida is the first ACS division to establish such a college scholarship fund to help childhood cancer survivors. Other divisions have been actively forming or developing similar ACS college scholarship programs: California, and the regions of the Southeast; Great Lakes; Heartland; Rocky Mountains; Mid-Atlantic; Mid-South; and, the Pacific Northwest.