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HCM Foundation Strongest Link College Scholarship Program
The Purpose of the HCM Foundation College Scholarship Program is to provide financial assistance and develop opportunities for students who have been significantly impacted by cancer. In 2011, we have chosen to award two students with a $1,000 scholarship for their college education and work directly with each student to complete a service project during their fall semester. We will have a formal presentation at our Fox CHASE AWAY CANCER Event in August!
In honor and memory of Mary Jane Lewandowski
Mark Mango
Congratulations to Xijun Zhu of Central Bucks South High School
Xijun Zhu - a 2011 graduate of Central Bucks South High School who will be continuing her education at Boston College with the goal to work as an oncology doctor. Xinjun’s passion to become an oncology doctor comes from the learning experiences she had when battling her own cancer. During her bout with cancer she was given the opportunity to see the extent her family and friends went to offer her their priceless support and love. She learned that cancer is uncompassionate, but their unending love and support knocked down the strongest barriers and allowed her to stand back up stronger and more resilient than before. HCM Foundation is very inspired by Xinjun and we look forward to supporting her as she embarks on a career that will truly make an impact within our community! Here is an excerpt from Xinjun’s essay: “And as I joined the community of cancer patients and survivors, I know that I have become a part of another family, a family so great that wherever I go I will find one of them who can share my pains and help me and whom, perhaps, I can help. And as I came to my doctors, hopeless and without a clue as to what to do, I know that I have immersed in another family, one made up of total strangers whose goal is to make me better, make me healthy again....This family ideal, which I never really had since my parents worked so much and my closest relatives being in New York, had shown its majestic rays of power and wealth of love, not bounded by blood, but bounded by compassion; and I say those who experience this power are the fortunate ones.”
Congratulations to Lauren Fischer of Salisbury High School
Lauren Fischer - a 2011 graduate of Salisbury High School who will be continuing her education at Pittsburgh University with the goal to become a Physician’s Assistant. 2011 has been the year that cancer has continuously touched those who are special to Lauren. Her mother’s best friend died in March from breast cancer, her art teacher and mentor was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. And the most special person - her grandfather passed away in February from prostate cancer. HCM is impressed with Lauren’s ability to take away valuable learning experiences from this year because it has helped her decide how she can give back. Here is an excerpt from Lauren’s essay: “Through the last couple of years and especially the last several months of PopPop’s life, I watched my dad, aunts and uncles help him. I learned that when someone is going through a cancer process, just having others there for them is so very important. The person needs to know there is always someone they can rely on to get to and from appointments, to help with food preparation or to bring that person comfort by keeping them company. I learned that time spent talking, laughing, sharing, or watching a favorite show together is precious. This has shown me that I can volunteer to help adults and children in this way through hospitals, hospice units or other cancer support programs by giving my time of companionship.”
