Meet Our 2008 Scholarship Recipients
Matt Stauffer Memorial Scholarship
Jason Brightfield, 26
Washington, DC
Young Adult Cancer Survivor
Jason Brightfield, known to his friends simply as J, is a four-year brain cancer survivor from St. Louis, Missouri. Before he was diagnosed with cancer, Jason attended the oldest journalism school in our nation at the University of Missouri-Columbia. For the past two years, Jason built a career in social marketing through his first full-time job in Washington, D.C. In August, Jason moved back to St. Louis to begin his Masters in Social Work at Washington University’s, George Warren Brown School.
Passionately involved in the young adult cancer survivorship community, Jason co-created a networking and support group for young survivors in Washington, DC and was a volunteer moderator on Planet Cancer’s social networking site, MyPlanet. In addition to his activism in the young adult cancer community, Jason volunteered at the Humane Society in his free time.
Sadly, Jason lost his four year battle with brain cancer in September, 2008. The world has lost a truly special young man and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Hunter Durfee, 18
Troy, NH
Young Adult Cancer Survivor
A freshman education major at Keene State College in New Hampshire, Hunter is actively involved in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk. An honored hero for the Pennies for Patients school and youth campaign, Hunter has been instrumental in teaching students in his area the importance of finding cures for cancer and funding research. In addition to undergoing treatment while actively pursuing his education, Hunter also found time to coordinate a support group for teens with cancer at his treatment center in Massachusetts.
“While I cannot honestly say I would ever choose to have cancer, I will never regret having Leukemia and the journey it has taken me on. Cancer has taught me a lot about myself and has reshaped my values and goals. As I enter college and the beginning of my life as a young adult cancer survivor, I look forward not only to my future but how I can help the future of other young adults with cancer.”
Maryland Community Cancer Scholarship
Robin Suda, 30
Silver Spring, MD
Young Adult Cancer Survivor
From building houses for Habitat for Humanity to coordinating clothing drives for the Salvation Army, Robin Suda has devoted countless hours volunteering in her community. A PhD candidate in Nutrition at the University of Maryland, Robin is passionately involved in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night and Pennies for Patients programs. Further inspired to make a difference in the cancer community, Robin also created her own fund raising organization, Dressed~2~Impress, and donates all proceeds to the American Cancer Society and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
“I’ve developed a strong desire to “give back” and pass on to others the enormous amount of support, compassion, and acts of kindness that kept me going each day. I’ve developed a clear sense of self with a clearer direction of where I would like my life to head. I plan on devoting my life to studying the relationship between nutrition and cancer and nutrition and treatment effectiveness. If I could one day prevent people from going through what I had to go through, I will have lived a completely fulfilled life.”
Brian Buckley, 20
Olney, MD
Young Adult Cancer Survivor
A sophomore business major at Towson State University, Brian has volunteered over 200 hours in his local Maryland community. Since his mother’s cancer diagnosis four years ago, Brian has actively participated in raising funds for cancer research through the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. In addition to, regularly volunteering with the elderly at a nearby retirement center, Brian also obtained the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout while in high school. To complete his community service requirement, Brian aspires to promote cancer awareness and prevention through the Boy Scouts of America.
“My experiences with cancer have forever changed me for the better but it was a struggle to get to where I am today. I have to tell you that it was quite a shock to me that I had cancer at such a young age. I feel that I have been given a new appreciation for life after my experience with cancer and that cancer survivor’s enjoy the gift of life more than the average person.”
Marilyn Yetso Memorial Scholarship Recipients
Jennifer Davis, 23
Alexandria, VA
Young Adult impacted by the diagnosis of her mother
Passionately involved in educating young women about BRCA gene breast cancer risk factors, Jennifer Davis is psychology major at George Mason University in Virginia. With aspirations of continuing her education in medical school, she is a powerful advocate member of FORCE, Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered. Jennifer and her extended family have been interviewed for the ABC Nightline segment on “A Legacy of Cancer” and she has been an invited guest speaker on the contemporary issues of those who carry the gene at Georgetown. Over the past several years, Jennifer has been instrumental in raising over ten thousand dollars for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
“When my mother began to think about all her family members who had been diagnosed with cancer, she requested genetic testing. Unconcerned about herself, her focus was her children, siblings, and their children and nine out of eleven tested positive for the gene. My mother led us down the road to becoming deeply rooted in cancer advocacy and she is the most influential person in my life. We share our story in memory of deceased family members, and in honor of my brother, who would be proud of what we have done.”
Kristen Murphy, 19
Marietta, Georgia
Young Adult impacted by the diagnosis of her mother
Inspired by her mother’s zest, motivation, and passion for life, Kristen Murphy is a sophomore Business Management major at Georgia Institute of Technology. From feeding the homeless to beautifying inner city parks, Kristen has been deeply involved in a variety of community service projects throughout the Atlanta area. As ceremony chair for Georgia Tech’s Relay for Life, she was instrumental in planning and organizing Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back to benefit the American Cancer Society. As co-fundraising chair of her college sorority, Kristen has helped to spread awareness and raise funds in support of breast cancer education and research.
“My mom faced her diagnosis with unwavering strength and determination as my family struggled to handle the reality that cancer had entered our lives. The months following her diagnosis were the most difficult of our lives, but the experience profoundly changed me. As I enter my sophomore year of college, I still feel her constant encouragement, pushing me to be the strong, hard working, and independent woman she raised. I know my mother would be proud of everything I have accomplished.”
Vera Yip Memorial Scholarship Recipients
Baylee DeCastro, 25
San Francisco, CA
Young adult impacted by the diagnosis of her father
A Public Policy graduate student at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, Baylee De Castro has been a constant crusader for a plethora of women’s health issues and programs. A multi talented student activist and community liaison while at UCLA, Baylee’s countless achievements are too numerous to showcase individually. Her volunteer efforts have highlighted a variety of diverse national and international crises. From AIDS in Africa, to Saving Darfur, and mobilizing residents of California to Get Out and Vote, Baylee has devoted immeasurable time and energy to organizing coalitions and spreading awareness.
“My father’s cancer diagnosis has fueled my determination to reform our broken health care system. Standing with my father during his battle with cancer, I learned, first hand, about the worst problems in American health care. I’m now convinced, more than ever before, that cancer is a public health crisis requiring courage, innovation, hard work and political will to change the status quo. My education will provide me with the skills and knowledge to use health policy to shape a health care system that enables every individual and family to achieve their optimal level of health.”
Allison Burg, 27
Washington, DC
Young adult impacted by the diagnosis of her father
Inspired by her father’s cancer diagnosis, Allison Burg left a professional job to continue her education at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing in Baltimore. As the events coordinator for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Allison planned, organized, and executed a large auction to raise funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer. Under her leadership, Allison has been instrumental in raising over $10,000 for pancreatic cancer research. In addition to her volunteer work in the cancer community, Allison freely donated her time to the Whitman Walker Clinic as a HIV counselor.
“One afternoon as I was returning from the hospital cafeteria, I watched, unnoticed, as my father took three short, unsteady steps holding onto the hand of his oncology nurse. Then, with as much strength as he could summon, he clasped his free hand around hers and looked into her eyes. The unspoken connection between them, in that moment, was a truly beautiful sight. It was then that I knew I had to change my professional direction and pursue a career in nursing. I cannot wait to open the next door and finally be in a place where I know I belong.”
Sean Silver Memorial Scholarship Recipient
Corey McGuigan, 19
Farmington, NH
Young Adult Cancer Survivor
A freshman Community Leadership major at the University of New Hampshire, Corey McGuigan aspires to one day work for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Honored by the New Hampshire Senate and House of Representatives for his courage and leadership, Corey’s vision is to give back to the cancer community that has so selflessly supported him during his battle with Leukemia. An ambassador for Make-A-Wish and the founder of “Corey’s Dream”, Corey has raised thousands of dollars for cancer research and the 500 Boys and Girls Club in his community.
“Leukemia has affected my life tremendously. At times, I was very scared and confused but my cancer diagnosis has afforded me many opportunities. I chose a semi-pro softball game to benefit two local charities as my granted “wish”. Today, I make speeches for the Make-A-Wish foundation at different types of functions in an effort to solicit business leaders to get involved in fundraising. From these experiences, I feel my outlook on life has changed quite a bit. I do not take anything for granted and I live each day as if it were my last.”
Barbara Palo Foster Memorial Scholarship
Elizabeth Woo, 23
San Francisco, CA
Young adult impacted by the diagnosis of her parent
A self proclaimed patient advocate, Elizabeth Woo is pursuing a graduate degree in nursing at San Francisco State University. Drawn to help patients as a clinic volunteer and nursing assistant, Elizabeth tirelessly assisted oncology patients at the Cancer Coping Center and Women’s Health Center in San Francisco. A multi faceted young adult, Elizabeth has utilized her artistic talents to create art therapy in the form of cartoons and origami for cancer patients and their loved ones. From coordinating Relay for Life to Locks of Love, Elizabeth has connected with other young adults impacted by the cancer diagnosis of their parent.
“I have found that being active in the cancer community provided a way for me to contribute to the fight against cancer and to also feel supported by others similarly affected. I have learned that to optimize patient care and education, one must stand alongside the patient to see how he or she perceives illness. My experiences with cancer in my personal life have taught me to value a patient and family centered approach to care. My goal is to equip patients and families with knowledge and resources to overcome cancer and other ills.”