15 and the Mahomies Foundation – Kansas City Area Scholarship

As a 3x teenage cancer survivor, and founder of my own charity, Kick Cancer Like a Girlboss, my dreams and goals are very similar to what the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation stands for. Not only was I diagnosed with cancer at 15, I had eleven surgeries by the time I was 18, received hearing aids at 16, started the first day of my senior year just 24-hours after a lymphadenectomy and had a major surgery shortly before graduation to treat yet another reoccurrence. What I learned through all this, is that doctors are phenomenal in preparing us for the physical aspects of medical diagnoses, however, we are rarely advised of the emotional havoc that we may experience and little did I know- how hard the next 3.5 years would be for me, but I did it! I made it to graduation! It was through these experiences of my own cancer diagnosis that inspired me to help children emotionally fight for the rest of my life. The emotional rollercoaster is inevitable with a medical diagnosis and as a Child Life Specialist, I will have the opportunity to help kids emotionally and spiritually fight through the storm. When they are feeling anxious about surgery, I can share my battle scars. When they don’t know how to ask certain questions, I can be their voice. And when they are sad and fearful- (John 14:27) I will validate their feelings- all while reminding them just how brave they are. But most importantly, I am inspired to show them how to find joy in the little moments of each day… even when treatments become unbearable. So how did I find my joy when it became too unbearable? Just a few months after my first surgery and during radiation, I created the 501©3 charity, “Kick Cancer Like a Girlboss.” It was through this charity that I turned my pain into a purpose. My purpose gives warriors the unique opportunity to create and design their own custom Converse. Thus far, we have raised more than $60,000 and 650 children have designed their own custom shoes! And the BEST part… meeting the kids! I remember the first time I met 4-year-old Charlie, who was diagnosed with SLC6a1. I gifted him my charity winnings from a local contest, as I knew that money could help find his cure and save his life. I remember meeting Kristianna at the Miss Amazing parade as she rocked her Converse in her beautifully decorated wheelchair. I remember flying to Boston and meeting Addy, who took her first steps in the shoes I gave her. Just three years ago, I didn’t have cancer, or a charity and I didn’t even know what a Child Life Specialist was, but this was part of HIS plan for me. -Jeremiah 29:11 I am blessed to be attending KU to pursue this dream of helping children the rest of my life. Thank you so much for considering me as a recipient of the 15 and Mahomies Scholarship!

Cheerleader by day, gymnast by heart, future pediatric nurse practitioner by purpose. If you ever meet me, you’ll see I’m someone who believes in the power of effort, faith, and knowing your “why.” I’m the girl who encourages everyone before my warmup and high-fives a friend for passing a test, conquering a fear, or landing a big skill. My “why” has always been to uplift others to make sure they feel seen, heard, and understood, just as I’ve needed that same encouragement. I’ve always had a passion for kids, and working as a coach showed me how much kids need comfort, strength, and someone to believe in them. For 16 years, gymnastics was my world. It taught me discipline, how to land on my feet literally and figuratively and how to show up even when things got hard and I didn’t feel seen or supported. I learned how to push through mental blocks and bet on myself. There were moments when my body was capable, but my mind wasn’t. I learned to not let fear become a roadblock and to fight for what I knew I could do, even when no one else believed. Showing up for myself, everyday helped me turn doubt into confidence. Even when I lacked support from coaches, I had the encouragement of my mom and teammates. I never stopped showing up and achieved the highest level in my sport competing as a Level 10 USA gymnast. Now, I’m fulfilling another dream: becoming a collegiate athlete. I’ll be a member of the inaugural Acro and Tumbling team at La Salle University. Achieving this goal taught me to never give up and how to fight quietly. It also gave me the empathy I carry today, especially for kids dealing with fear, pressure, or pain they don’t know how to explain. I’ve turned that empathy into purpose. I’ll be studying biochemistry and nursing at La Salle on both academic and athletic scholarships. My goal is to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who leads with care and compassion. I want to be the calm in someone’s storm. Whether I’m administering medicine or offering a smile to a scared child, I’ll show up fully just like I did as a gymnast. Beyond my career path, I’m passionate about being a light for others. I live by affirmations my mom installed in me: “You are enough,” “Impress yourself before anyone else,” and “Speak up for yourself.” I carry those words with me and share them with others who need reminders of their strength. I’ve faced doubt. I’ve felt pressure. I’ve worked through mental blocks and setbacks. But every time, I chose to rise. That’s who I am: resilient, joyful, driven by service, and forever fueled by my “why.” So here I am cheerleader, gymnast, future pediatric nurse practitioner, believer in kindness, and proof that obstacles don’t define you. How you grow through them does.

Since childhood, I knew I was destined to be a scholar superstar. I didn’t just dream of Ivy League schools and prestigious degrees, I believed in them, and spoke as if they were already mine. My family still remembers how I would go on about earning a PhD and becoming a known intellectual. I’ve always treated my goals with seriousness, pushing myself to stay ahead. For me, ambition isn’t just a personality trait, it’s the foundation of everything I’m working toward. Like every success story, mine came with its share of low points. As a child, I didn’t realize I was experiencing homelessness. Switching between places to sleep and feeling lucky just to have breakfast the next morning felt normal. I didn’t have friends, so I poured everything I had into academics. Still, I never lost my drive. Once life at home began to stabilize, I finally had the chance to grow beyond the classroom. In high school, I played sports every year, earned a spot on varsity cheer, and made history as captain of Missouri’s first high school figure skating team. I graduated in the top 10% of my class and am now proud to be an honors student at UMKC, where I’m starting this fall. Exploring new opportunities has made me an active part of several communities. Before I began putting myself out into the world, I underestimated the power of real connection. I didn’t see the value in making friends or even speaking to the person next to me, I assumed it wouldn’t matter. If I knew then what I know now, I would’ve started building relationships much sooner. The truth is, the right connections don’t just open doors, they change lives. I had already mentioned my participation in cheerleading and figure skating however, volunteering was the experience that pushed me to explore everything around me. I volunteered at a place named Synergy Services, a domestic abuse care organization for the youth, which helped me realize my passion for helping those in need. I particularly enjoy working with the youth, because of how I can relate to the situations they are in that I have already experienced. I know how important it is to be there for someone when it feels like nobody else in the world can understand, especially at that age. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and even more grateful of how I now see the world. Embracing different connections and environments has opened doors I once only dreamed about. Today, I can confidently call myself a Logistics Analyst at a supply chain company, a 2026 FIFA World Cup Volunteer, and an upcoming Kansas City Fashion Week Ambassador all because I took chances, stayed open, and built meaningful relationships. If I’ve come this far before starting college, there’s no limit to what I can do once I’m there.

As a young, introverted, Nigerian girl, I have had quite the uniquely challenging experience during my 18 years on Earth. Growing up in North Kansas City MO, I have learned what it means to truly accept myself for being different than those around me. Comments about my dark complexion, big nose, and gap teeth are no stranger to me. My self-confidence dwindled, shattered by the consequences of being born with the target of Blackness on my back. As I grew into the strong young woman that I am today, however, my confidence repaired itself one piece at a time. I found my community during high school, and it healed what was once broken. I began to realize that I do not require approval from others to embrace my appearance and my culture. My cultural identity is my backbone, my strength, and I hold pride in it. In connection to my background as an African woman, it is common for us to be told that we must prioritize motherhood and marriage before education, because without either, we are not truly living. I could not disagree with such narrative more. I believe that we are more than capable of building our own futures without need for a man or a baby on our hip. I intend to defeat this stereotype by pursuing higher education and placing the building blocks to success on my own. I am a hardworking, determined individual, and the passion that resides within me should not be buried by the shackles of misogyny and tradition. Becoming a mental health provider, specifically a psychiatric nurse practitioner, is my dream. Mental wellbeing is the root of physical health, and I will strive to ensure that my community is educated on its importance and are able to receive the care that they deserve. Young African girls should grow up with the viewpoint that they can become anything they put their mind to, and I hope to advocate for that. My life motto follows the wise words of Malcolm X: "Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today."

I am proud to be a Kansas Citian and a lifelong fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. Growing up in this vibrant city, I have always admired how the Chiefs, especially quarterback Patrick Mahomes, use their platform to give back and inspire others. His 15 and the Mahomies Foundation’s dedication to supporting health, wellness, education, and underserved communities deeply resonates with me. I am honored to apply for the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation Kansas City Area Scholarship to help me pursue my educational and career goals. I graduated high school in May 2025, and throughout my academic career, I have worked diligently to maintain strong grades while actively participating in extracurricular activities and community service. I was involved in several clubs and played high school and club soccer along with high school tennis, which taught me invaluable lessons about teamwork, discipline, resilience, and perseverance. Being part of a team requires dedication and supporting others through challenges, and these are qualities that I admire in Patrick Mahomes both as an athlete and a leader. Beyond athletics, I committed much of my time to volunteering, coaching younger athletes, tutoring peers, and mentoring students in my community. These roles allowed me to develop my leadership skills and reinforced my passion for making a positive difference. My personal journey has also been shaped by health challenges I faced throughout my childhood and teenage years. I had to visit hospitals frequently and undergo numerous diagnostic tests including MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays. These experiences gave me a unique perspective on the healthcare system and the critical role compassionate, skilled professionals play in patient care. Witnessing firsthand the difference that empathy and expertise make during difficult times inspired me to pursue a career in radiology, with a focus on mammography and women’s health. I want to help ensure that patients, particularly those in underserved communities, receive not only accurate diagnosis and treatment but also the emotional support they deserve. Like Patrick Mahomes and his foundation, I firmly believe that everyone deserves the chance to grow, achieve, and reach their full potential regardless of their background or circumstances. His commitment to uplifting underserved communities motivates me to give back in my own way, by supporting health education and providing care to those who face barriers to accessing medical services. This scholarship would alleviate financial stress and allow me to focus fully on my studies as I begin my Radiology degree at Northwest Missouri State University in fall 2025. Receiving the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation Scholarship would be a tremendous honor and a crucial step toward achieving my dreams. I am excited to carry forward the values of leadership, service, and community impact that Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs exemplify. With this support, I am confident I can make a meaningful difference in healthcare and serve my community with dedication and compassion. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting students who strive to make a positive impact in the world.