Childhood Cancer Canada

For Immediate Release

Childhood cancer survivors pursue their educational dreams through Survivor Scholarships

Toronto, September 20, 2011 – Childhood Cancer Canada today announced more than $190,000 in Survivor Scholarships for 2011, the most in the organization’s history. This includes 111 scholarships worth $1,500 that are being awarded to young cancer survivors in a university, college, or vocational training program to ease their financial burden. As well, five TEVA Scholarships worth $5,000 each were awarded to students pursuing a post-graduate degree in advanced health sciences. The post-graduate scholarships are sponsored by TEVA Canada.

In honour of Childhood Cancer Awareness month Childhood Cancer Canada also launched a survivor scholarship film, Cancer Can’t Stop Me. This film features four 2010 Survivor Scholarship recipients - Diana, Kyle, Rachel, and Matthew – who tell inspirational stories of how beating cancer changed their lives. By sharing their stories, the four cancer survivors want to encourage other young people battling cancer to not let the disease stand in the way of pursuing their dreams.

The Survivor Scholarship program aims to ensure that no deserving candidate will be turned away for educational support.

2011 TEVA Scholarship recipient Hyup Lee was diagnosed at the age of 12 with osteogenic sarcoma, a form of bone cancer. Having cancer led him to develop an interest in oncology and Hyup starts medical school this fall at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. His experience with compassionate and empathetic physicians inspired him to want to help other young cancer patients by becoming a pediatric oncologist.

“I know that with determination I can attain anything,” said Lee. “I feel compelled to share this invaluable life lesson with children suffering from cancer by becoming a doctor and to serve as an inspirational role model, just like my doctors did to me. Receiving a generous scholarship from Childhood Cancer Canada will allow me to realize this goal.”

Stories like Lee’s never lose their inspiring power for Childhood Cancer Canada President and CEO Megan Davidson. “Our scholarship program is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my role,” Davidson said. “We read each and every application that comes in and continue to be impressed by the bravery, spirit, and determination of these individuals.”

About Childhood Cancer Canada:

Founded in 1987, Childhood Cancer Canada is the country’s leading foundation dedicated to funding national research while delivering critical education, community, and connectivity programs to children with cancer and their families. Through our national network of care we have been able to reach those who need our help. Our partnership with C¹⁷, the Council of Pediatric Hematologists/Oncologists, ensures that the national research we fund improves health outcomes and quality of life for children and adolescents.

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For additional information and to connect with physicians and scholarship recipients please contact:

Dana Stanescu
Director, Marketing and Community Programs
Childhood Cancer Canada
T: (416) 489 – 6440 ext. 216     F: (416) 489 – 9812
dana@childhoodcancer.ca
childhoodcancer.ca