Scholarship Recipients
United Breast Cancer Foundation Fall 2007 Audrey B. Mastroianni College Scholarship Recipients
Fazal K. is a student at the University of Texas, Health and Science Center at Houston. He is earning his bachelors degree in Medical Dosimetry. Fazal’s mother lost her battle with breast cancer when Fazal was only four years old. “Her death took an enormous emotional toll on me and my family. We were left lonely, saddened and poor.” As Fazal aged, he became more and more interested in the field of medicine and began to take courses that engulfed him in the world of science. Fazal became interested in medical dosimetry which is a field within radiation oncology. “I plan to further unify the fields of cancer and physical science to advance the quality of medical dosimetry treatment.”
The only problem was that Fazal did not have the means to fund his education.
That is where the United Breast Cancer Foundation has stepped in, to help make Fazal’s goal a reality.
Sheila B., a student at the Metropolitan College of New York, is pursuing a degree in business administration. After losing her mother to breast cancer a few years ago, Sheila became ill. “I really didn’t have anyone to talk to.
Little did I know, things were about to get worse.” Sheila developed stomach problems and severe depression which led to the loss of her job, and subsequently her home of 15 years. Sheila ended up in a homeless shelter, but decided that in order to have a decent job, she would have to go back to school. Despite the many hardships Sheila has faced, she is determined to remain positive and focused on her future. An Audrey B. Mastoianni College Scholarship from the United Breast Cancer Foundation will empower her to do just that.
Tammy L., a student at Faulkner University in Alabama, is majoring in Management and Human Resources. Cancer has been a regular visitor in Tammy’s life; breast cancer took Tammy’s mother in 1989, her husband had lung cancer in 1992 and in 2003, Tammy herself was diagnosed with breast cancer. Struggling through chemotherapy, she had an epiphany that she wanted to make her life matter and never take one minute of it for granted. “The painful chemotherapy and radiation treatments weakened my body, but never once did my will waver…seeing life in this blander, darker way made me appreciate life when times were nicer, even if I wasn’t so satisfied with it at the time. I take nothing for granted and never pass up an opportunity.” Tammy knows she can make a difference and has since returned to school. “…with [UBCF’s] help, you can help me help others.”
Tammy has been awarded the Audrey B. Mastroianni College Scholarship and is now on her way.
Lauren M., is a student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is working towards her degree in aerospace technology. Her mother was first diagnosed with breast cancer when Lauren was four years old. Thankfully, a bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy were able to put the cancer in remission for nine years before returning. Lauren’s mother passed away three years ago. “I am convinced that through my trials I have gained something to share with the world around me; it is my duty to make use of this knowledge and experience.” Blessed with those years and inspired by her mother’s intense passion for life, Lauren ambitiously peruses her aerospace degree. The opportunity of a lifetime to study at MIT is the result of her drive for excellence. The Audrey B. Mastroianni College Scholarship awarded by UBCF is giving Lauren a well-deserved chance to succeed.
Dena Z., a student at SUNY Purchase in New York, is working towards her degree in art history. One of the last things Dena’s mother asked her to do before she passed away from breast cancer was to keep drawing and making her art, and an Audrey B.
Mastroianni College Scholarship from the United Breast Cancer Foundation has enabled her to do just that. “UBCF has relieved me from the anxiety and worry about being able to afford the tools I need… not having this extra pressure over costs is a wonderful feeling!” Dena has been the recipient of two previous scholarships which have laid the foundation for her education. “With lessoned financial pressures, I continue to develop fertile ideas which can only enhance and enrich my art career. I will always be deeply grateful for
the opportunities that UBCF has helped create.”
Melea K. is a student at San Diego State University in California. She is majoring in land and regional geography. Melea’s mother, a registered nurse, died of breast cancer after a five year battle when Melea was only 14 years old. “My mom was
always reading. She worked in hospitals for a few years but once she started
having children she stayed home to raise us. She loved to learn.” After her mother passed on, Melea stepped into the role of mother of the house for her father and two brothers. In addition, Melea juggled honors classes at school, church activities, and cancer fundraising events, all while still making time for her family. Melea is attending college to make her mother proud. “Following her marvelous example, I am striving to fulfill my goals for an education, like [my mother] wanted. Even though she is not here to witness my struggles and triumphs as I’ve studied, I know she is watching and witnessing them from above. She is cheering me on and lifting me up. I remember her example with every test, every paper, and every class I face.” This selfless young woman has earned the chance to fulfill her career goals through The Audrey B.
Mastroianni College Scholarship from the United Breast Cancer Foundation.
Yvette R. is a student at Nebraska Methodist College in Omaha. Yvette is a nursing student focusing in oncology or hospice care. Twenty years ago, when Yvette was a freshman in college, her mother passed away from breast cancer. The loss of her mother caused Yvette to become deeply depressed and drop out of school.
“Cancer has been no stranger to me and my family. Within six years, all three women were diagnosed at the age of 40 or younger and chose to have mastectomies, but sadly all three bravely lost their fight.” In the years that followed a maternal aunt was also diagnosed with breast cancer. Gratefully, she has been in remission for nearly 10 years. When her cousin was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, Yvette found the inspiration and determination to complete her nursing degree. “I have always been interested in the medical field and I initially wanted to become a doctor, but with the nursing shortage that leaves staff overworked and patients and their families frustrated, I feel my compassionate nature and willingness to help others could be most effectively utilized as a nurse professional.” UBCF is pleased to award Yvette the Audrey B. Mastroianni College Scholarship to aid Yvette in reaching her goals.
Joey C. is a student at Eugene Lang College, The New School and is majoring in liberal arts. His mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when he was only seven years old. Joey’s entire family focused on their mother’s recovery.
Joey said, “One of the most important things she learned was that one’s attitude is the single most influential aspect of healing. By deciding that she would remain optimistic and happy throughout treatment, she truly fortified herself for survival. This perspective on attitude has permeated much of my family’s philosophy ever since.” Her will to fight the disease, while living with cancer rather than dying from it, inspired Joey’s passion for life. His mother’s support group of cancer survivors has made a great influence on him, “The group consisted of a collective of women and their families who came together to laugh, sing and essentially learn to live with cancer rather than dying from it… to see people faced with hardships beyond what most of us can fathom and choosing to enjoy life, to be positive and strong, to not only survive but thrive, despite it.” Joey has now directed his energies towards completing his college education. Due to his passion for life and positive attitude in the face of adversary, Joey has been awarded an Audrey B.
Mastroianni College Scholarship.
Ladeana D. is a student at Ivy Tech Community College. She is now pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. The last few years have presented Ladeana with nearly insurmountable challenges. In June 2005, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, “I was taking a shower one evening and I noticed a lump in my left breast. I was afraid it was cancer…” The results of her biopsy were positive. Ladeana then spent the next six months following surgery going through chemotherapy. The loss of her hair, her appetite and the physical fatigue look a toll on her body. However, the worst was the sudden death, in January 2006, of her husband and helpmate in her struggle with cancer, “There was no time to prepare. One morning, he was just gone. I was so angry!”
Faced with all the obstacles of cancer treatment, single motherhood, and financial issues, Ladeana has survived with the help of family and friends.
She has rekindled her dream to pursue a career in nursing, “I have set clear goals for myself and I am determined to attain them. I wholeheartedly believe that faith, determination and strength will carry me through this… just as it has always done.” With the financial assistance of an Audrey B. Mastroianni College Scholarship, Ladeana will be able to reach her goals.
Anastasia H., is a student at the University of Florida. Anastasia was 16 when her mother lost her battle with breast cancer. When her mother was first diagnosed, they were told by the doctors that they had caught it in the nick of time. After chemotherapy and radiation, her mother was taken off treatment for good. A few months later, a rash developed on her side. A week and a half passed and Anastasia’s mother knew she had to have the rash looked at. The family’s worst fears were realized. The rash was a reinstitution of cancer and would have about eight weeks to live. As the oldest child of three, Anastasia often felt alone in her optimism that her mother would return to health.
Although a miracle didn’t happen, Anastasia knows her mother is in a peaceful place. “I see many people who experience this same turmoil and collapse, not wanting to move on with life. I desire to be an example to them, an example showing that they can do it, whether or not their situation is similar to mine”
Anastasia is now interested in serving as a missionary in Africa. She has a strong background in service and feels that her belief in God and all that is positive will help her attain her goals. “I aid people in my everyday life with a new found feeling of empathy and likeness to hardship. Today I do not only help them with advice, but I am also able to feel for them with my heart.”
Now that Anastasia has a college scholarship from the United Breast Cancer Foundation, she is one step closer to her goals.
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