Hometown: Morris, IL

Major: Neuroscience/Pre-med

Estimated Graduation Date: Spring 2028

Often, the difference between having to pay out of pocket for college tuition and receiving significant financial aid is a direct result of a family’s annual income. Because my family makes just above the financial aid cutoff amount, we have not qualified for need-based aid in the past. As the youngest of four children, I will be beginning college after my parents have already paid full tuition for my older siblings.

While I am thankful that my parents can help pay for my college expenses, I am also mindful of the fact that it is a significant financial strain for them. This impacts my opportunity to attend a university that will best prepare me for medical school. Due to the neurological side effects of my leukemia treatment, I know that to maintain the excellent grades I must earn to be accepted to medical school, I will need to devote significant time to my coursework. This will limit my ability to work during the school year to earn money to contribute toward tuition. My goal is to earn as much scholarship money as possible so I don’t have to choose between my top choice university and my parents’ financial well-being. The My Hometown Heroes scholarship will help me achieve my short-term and long-term goals to give back to the childhood cancer community.