We are happy to announce that the first recipients of the Jean and Jeanine Spencer Beyond The Cure Ambassador Scholarship have been selected.
Jessica Cook, Vice President of Patient and Family Services at the National Children’s Cancer Society, thanked The Spencer Foundation, saying “Your unwavering commitment to these exceptional individuals plays a pivotal role in transforming their dreams into reality. The support you offer to childhood cancer survivors pursuing higher education is truly invaluable, and it empowers them to chase their aspirations fearlessly.”
Said Jeanine Spencer, “We all have challenges to face in life, and events that affect our course. I can not convey how humbling it is to be able to help others on any given day and to be part of an organization along with the wonderful souls I have met that want to help children. I look forward to bringing smiles to many more children and helping to make their dreams come true.”
Meet Emily Hirsch
Emily is an incoming freshman at Tufts University. Hailing from Rye, New York, she graduated from Rye High School. Emily’s life took an unexpected turn in 2018 when, at the age of 13, she was diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma. Despite facing this challenging journey, she remained resilient and determined.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Emily has actively contributed to her community as a dedicated volunteer. She has lent her time and efforts to organizations like Gilda’s Club, Camp Jori, and has even taken on the role of a foster parent for Pet Rescue. Through these experiences, Emily has found a sense of purpose and a way to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
The journey with childhood cancer has undoubtedly shaped Emily’s outlook on life, and her own words best express the profound impact it has had on her.
Due to cancer, I lost months of education, I lost an essential organ, and I lost confidence. Due to cancer, I gained closer bonds with my family and friends, I gained a love for leadership, I gained the courage to ask for help, and gained an abundance of optimism. Due to cancer, I endured years of emotional and physical agony but that hardship made me the brave and spirited person I am today.
As Emily embarks on her new chapter at Tufts University, she carries with her the strength, compassion, and resilience that define her remarkable character. Her story serves as an inspiration to us all, demonstrating the power of perseverance and the ability to find purpose even in the face of adversity.
Meet Nina Calabria
Nina, is another remarkable incoming freshman joining Cornell University, where she will pursue her passion for environmental and sustainability studies. Originally from Big Flats, New York, she recently graduated from Horseheads High School. Nina’s journey has been a testament to her strength and determination, as she faced B-Cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the age of 12 in 2017.
Throughout her high school years, Nina actively contributed to various causes as a dedicated volunteer. She lent her time and energy to the Special Olympics, served as a member of a service club at her school, and even took on the role of a Raptor Survey Volunteer with the New York State Department of Environment and Conservation. Her commitment to making a positive impact on both the environment and the lives of others has been commendable.
Reflecting on her experience with childhood cancer, Nina eloquently expresses how it has profoundly influenced her overall outlook on life:
That’s why I was crying, sitting in that dusty rubber. This emotional release was my accepting that cancer had changed my life, but it was okay; I was okay. I had spent so long worrying that my diagnosis would define who I was, that I hadn’t realized that it has shaped who I am. It has made me stronger and more aware of life’s struggles, and that it is okay to fall sometimes, as long as you get back up.
Nina’s journey is a testament to her resilience, determination, and ability to find strength in adversity. As she embarks on her academic journey at Cornell University, her unique perspective and experiences will undoubtedly continue to inspire those around her. We can all learn from Nina’s wisdom and embrace the idea that challenges, though difficult, can ultimately lead us to discover our inner strength and shape us into who we are meant to become.