Jessica's Journey Brain Tumor Survivor Fund

My name is Jessica Blankenship, and in May 2025 I will be celebrating my 25-year milestone brain tumor-free. Pediatric brain tumors are one of the deadliest forms of childhood cancer, and less than 4% of the government's cancer research budget goes toward pediatrics. Even less to brain tumors! I was diagnosed with a rare, benign ganglioglioma tumor shortly after I was born, along with temporal lobe epilepsy associated with the brain tumor. Brain surgery was my only option to survive, and I underwent a nearly 11-hour surgery at the age of 4 years old. Although I am brain tumor-free, I still face lingering effects including short-term memory, a verbal memory impairment, and mental health challenges. Despite the challenges, I graduated high school on time with my peers. I have so far obtained an Associate of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with honors. I am now a graduate student obtaining my Master's of Education in Curriculum and Instruction to become an Academic Advisor to help other students with their higher education goals. As a survivor, I understand the hardships families have to deal with because of this difficult battle. With this scholarship fund, I would like to help another survivor who wants to pursue a college degree. I strongly value my education and have learned that I will never stop learning because life never stops teaching. My experiences as a brain tumor survivor have shaped me into who I am today. I am very proud of how far I have come, and I hope that every applicant for this scholarship knows that I am proud of them too.