Mt Pleasant Area Junior/Senior High School
Senior? Yes
Elite top 100? Yes
Letters of recommendation: Letter of Recommendation 1, Letter of Recommendation 2
My experience battling cancer has driven me to help others. I wish to be selfless as those who have helped me, and I want to help others in similar situations, by sharing my story and aiding in fundraising efforts.
I believe a major influence on my wish to help others, has been others helping me. It is easy to reciprocate the kindness that many have shown me. Fundraisers for me have had great community involvement, and has helped my family immensely with many of the financial stressors a chronic illness causes. Also, I have received cards from all over America, and farther, wishing me health and comfort. These simple acts of kindness have provided reassurance to know how many people care and are praying for me. These acts of kindness influence me to help others, to take the goodwill of many and pay it forward.
Fortunately, I have been able to begin paying it forward, participating in many fundraising efforts. I have been a featured speaker on KDKA for the Children’s Hospital Free Care Drive. I have spoken on the WDVE telethon to raise money for Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, the Make-A-Wish “Light Up a Child’s Life” campaign, and “Cure Rock” to financially support the oncology unit at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. In addition, I have participated in American Cancer Society events, being a relay for life team member, a Survivor speaker, and the master of opening ceremonies. I hope my efforts can contribute and ultimately continue research to find a cure for cancer, so others don’t have to suffer through the same battle. I have also shared my story at Ministry events, with the sole purpose of helping and inspiring those who hear my story. I have heard from friends, fellow church-goers, and complete strangers how inspiring I am, and I hope to continue this trend. The most significant example of this is a teacher, who was diagnosed with cancer himself. He explained to me how I inspired him to keep fighting, and how he viewed me as his “hero”. This teacher, presented me with the “Student Who Inspires” award at the NHS induction ceremony. This single instance continues to inspire me to share my story, as the power my testimony holds truly affects other people’s lives. Also, I have completed community service unrelated to my diagnosis. I have volunteered countless hours at church, participated in events to combat world hunger, helped at local and nonlocal mission outreach trips, volunteered in a chairperson leadership role in the local church conference, and many others. I see this community service as a way to give back to the community, and repay a mere portion of all the help I have received.
My battle with cancer has impacted me to make a positive difference on the world around me. My goal is to be selfless like all those who have helped me, and I want to continue helping others in similar situations, by sharing my story and aiding in fundraising efforts.