When the battle with cancer is over, the battle to overcome cancer’s burden is just beginning for many families. With survival rates growing, families begin facing the new challenge of providing children with the financial means to attend colleges and universities. To help restore this opportunity to young survivors, the Great Lakes Division established the Young Survivor Scholarship Program.

Children battling cancer and their families dream ofovercoming the disease to live meaningful and rewarding lives. For many, that future is unattainable without a college education, and the financial impact from cancer can put that opportunity out of reach.

The recipients of the Great Lakes Division Young Survivor Scholarship Program for the 2007/08 school year were recently announced. This year, 137 young cancer survivors in Indiana and Michigan were awarded a $1,000 scholarship to help fund their collegiate dreams.

Michigan resident Bradley Bechard is a three time recipient of the scholarship and will be a junior at Hope College this year. "This support means a great deal to me," said Bradley. "Not only does it help with the cost of attending college, it’s also nice to know that some good things can come out of bad things that happen. Cancer treatment was a tough experience for me and my family and it’s nice to have this contribution as I face another challenging experience of meeting my educational goals."

Since 1997, the Great Lakes Division Young Survivor Scholarship Program has helped 427 young cancer survivors rebuild their lives and pursue their goal of higher education. Scholarships are available annually, based on academic performance, community service, and leadership, among other criteria.

"This scholarship will contribute to my education at Delta College and will ease the burden of my educational expenses for my family who have been so supportive," said Ashley LaForest, a first time recipient of the scholarship and Michigan resident. "I am prepared to accept the community role that comes with being this scholarship winner. I am sincerely appreciative of the opportunity to become a role model for kids with cancer. Being a recipient of this scholarship will make a positive difference in my life."

Scholarship recipients are often involved with the local American Cancer Society in their college community. Their cancer experiences uniquely qualify them for future leadership roles, and we hope they will begin a life-long practice of service through volunteering.

For information on the Great Lakes Division Young Survivor Scholarship Program, or to make a gift in support of the program, contact your local American Cancer Society office or call 1-800-ACS-2345.

Pictured: Bradley Bechard (above right); Ashley LaForest (above left)