Press Release

CancerCare^®'s Young Professionals Committee Announces Scholarship for Young Adults Affected by Cancer

CancerCare, the leading national nonprofit organization providing free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer, is excited to announce a new scholarship for young adults who have lost a parent or guardian to cancer in the last two years.

CancerCare’s Young Professionals Committee (YPC) earmarked the proceeds of the funds for this pilot initiative at their annual June event in 2019. The funds raised allow the committee to award five $2,500 scholarships to high school seniors or undergraduate college students in a community college, 4- or 6-year program. High school applicants must attend a school located in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut or Pennsylvania. Undergraduate applicants must be from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut or Pennsylvania, but may attend college anywhere in the United States. The application for the scholarship requires a 500-word essay about the experience of losing a parent or guardian to cancer, how it impacted their lives and how the scholarship would help realize their educational goals.

“I’m delighted that CancerCare’s YPC had the vision to create and make into reality a new scholarship initiative to support those in need: young adults impacted by cancer,” said CancerCare’s CEO, Patricia J. Goldsmith. “CancerCare’s Board of Trustees and Leadership are thrilled to support this worthwhile endeavor and look forward to the continued growth and success of the committee.”

“CancerCare’s YPC scholarship strives to bridge the financial gap for young adults who have experienced a devastating loss as well as provide support during this difficult journey,” said Seynabou Ba, YPC Chair.

The Young Professionals Committee was formed approximately two years ago and is considered CancerCare’s junior board. Professionals 40 years old or younger in the tri-state area are welcome to engage and network with like-minded individuals dedicated to spreading awareness and advancing CancerCare’s mission.

The committee is currently compromised of 18 members and growing steadily. These emerging leaders represent a variety of industries and companies including Colgate-Palmolive, KPMG, Bristol Myers Squibb, IBM, Flatiron Health and Bloomingdales. Members are actively involved in fundraising as well as the design and implementation of specific initiatives, all of which resonate among the group and reflect their shared interest in CancerCare.

Applications for the scholarship can be submitted beginning Tuesday, March 3, 2020. The scholarship is open for the remainder of 2020-2021 academic year and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The awards will also be announced on a rolling basis and disbursements will be made twice during the 2020-2021 academic year. Awards will be determined primarily on a first-come first-basis until the scholarship funds have been depleted.

For any questions on CancerCare’s YPC Scholarship, please visit www.cancercare.org/youngprofessionals or contact Eunice E. Hong, Director of Philanthropy, at ehong@cancercare.org.

About CancerCare^®

Founded in 1944, CancerCare is the leading national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer. Our comprehensive services include counseling and support groups over the phone, online and in-person, educational workshops, publications and financial and co-payment assistance. All CancerCare services are provided by master’s-prepared oncology social workers and world-leading cancer experts.

To learn more, visit www.cancercare.org or call 800-813-HOPE (4673).

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