Recognizing the significant financial burden families shoulder when undergoing childhood cancer treatments, the Northwestern Mutual Foundation is dedicating $500,000 in grants to help fund tuition and other school fees for childhood cancer survivors and siblings of those affected by childhood cancer through its annual Childhood Cancer Survivor and Sibling Scholarship Programs. Irving resident Emily Jones has been recognized as one of the company’s 2022 Childhood Cancer Survivor Scholarship recipients, receiving a $5,000 renewable scholarship (for a total of $10,000).
“Childhood cancer robs children and their families of far too much, and that should not include the opportunity to pursue their dreams of a college degree,” said Steve Radke, president of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation. “We are proud to help these brave children start the next chapter of their lives, as well as recognize and honor the challenges siblings endure.”
Ten days before her fourth birthday, Emily was diagnosed with stage five bilateral nephroblastoma. Being diagnosed with cancer at a young age has impacted Emily’s life in countless ways, one being her mental health. After receiving the help of a child life specialist, Emily was inspired to pursue a similar career path. Emily is currently a freshman at the University of Alabama studying human development and family studies.
“As a child with cancer, I saw firsthand the amazing work of child life specialists, and without their help, I might not be where I am today,” said Emily Jones. “With the help of Northwestern Mutual’s scholarship, I hope to be an advocate for kids who are on a journey they never thought they’d be on.”
Northwestern Mutual’s Childhood Cancer Scholarship Program was created to help alleviate another major expense facing families affected by childhood cancer – the cost of a college education. To date, the company has supported more than 210 scholars and contributed nearly $1.5 million through its Childhood Cancer Scholarship Program. The program is administered through Scholarship America, an organization dedicated to developing scholarship solutions for student success.
Northwestern Mutual’s Childhood Cancer Program is committed to accelerating the search for better treatments and cures for childhood cancer, while also supporting families undergoing treatment and survivors struggling with lasting effects. Since 2012, the company has contributed more than $45 million to the cause and funded more than 520,000 hours of research. To learn more about Northwestern Mutual’s continued efforts in the fight against childhood cancer, visit its Foundation’s website.
