Beating the odds is nothing new to me. In fact, it’s been the foundation of my life from the very beginning. There was a time when I believed I wouldn’t survive childhood, let alone make it to college or graduate high school. Yet here I am today! I am a childhood cancer survivor and a liver transplant recipient. My journey began at a young age when I was diagnosed with cancer, a diagnosis that brought with it fear and uncertainty for both myself and my family. At one point, my doctors gave me only a 25% chance of survival. The odds were stacked against me, but I refused to give up. Each day felt like a battle, but I fought with everything I had. Surviving cancer wasn’t just a personal triumph—it became the defining moment that shaped my entire outlook on life. I realized I had been given a rare second chance, and I knew I had to make it count. It wasn’t enough just to survive; I wanted to thrive. I wanted to use my experiences to help others and make a meaningful impact on the world. I realized that I was meant to do more than just live—I was meant to serve those who faced the same struggles I had endured. One of the first ways I sought to give back was in middle school, where I began collecting stuffed animals to distribute to children on the transplant floor of the hospital where I had received my own care. The smiles on their faces and the comfort these small gifts brought them gave me a deep sense of purpose. It was then that I realized I could do more. I dreamed of one day starting my own nonprofit organization to make a lasting difference in the lives of children battling illness. That dream is becoming a reality, step by step. I’m currently a sophomore at Sam Houston State University, pursuing a business degree. My goal is to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to turn my vision into reality. I want to create a nonprofit that not only supports children with cancer and those who have undergone transplants but also helps their families navigate the emotional, financial, and logistical challenges these illnesses bring. I believe in the power of community, and I want to help build a strong, supportive network for those who need it most. Of course, my journey hasn’t been without struggles. Last year, I faced one of the hardest losses of my life when my father passed away after years of battling alcohol addiction and mental health issues. His death was a crushing blow, and it would have been easy to let grief overwhelm me. But I refused to let it define me. I leaned on my faith, friends, and the support of my family to keep moving forward. My father’s struggles taught me the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, and it deepened my desire to help others in similar situations. This scholarship would be incredibly helpful in light of the financial challenges I’m currently facing. I work almost full time to cover my college expenses, and my mother has cosigned loans to help with tuition. Balancing work, school, and debt is overwhelming, and receiving this scholarship would alleviate some of the financial burden. It would allow me to focus more on my studies and my dream of creating a nonprofit that could support families facing illness. The scholarship would bring me one step closer to achieving my goal of giving back to others in a meaningful way.

Fifteen years ago, I had only a 25% chance of survival. Now, I am wrapping up my freshman year at Sam Houston State University, a milestone that once seemed nearly impossible. Surviving childhood cancer and a liver transplant has shaped every part of my life, teaching me resilience, determination, and the importance of giving back. I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hepatoblastoma and the first five years of my life were spent in and out of hospitals, facing challenges that no child should have to endure. My cancer resulted in a life-saving liver transplant that I hit bumps on the road with to this day. Countless surgeries, treatments, and doctor visits are the norm. Yet, through the difficulties, I learned invaluable lessons about strength, hope, and the power of perseverance. My mother played a crucial role in teaching me how to manage my medical care, make my appointments, and advocate for myself—skills that I carry with me to this day. But beyond just learning how to navigate my health, these experiences gave me a deep sense of purpose. Advocating for myself is something I hope to turn into advocating for others. When I was 10, I started a small volunteer activity called Brandon’s Buddies, where I collected stuffed animals from friends and family to pass out to hospitalized children like me. Seeing the smiles on their faces was a powerful reminder of how even small gestures can bring comfort during difficult times. It was in those moments that I realized my calling—to support and uplift children facing medical battles. I still to this day hold a stuffed animal drive every holiday season. I know that I am meant to help children in fragile medical states. While I may not have the mind of an oncologist or a transplant surgeon, I have something equally valuable—a heart full of compassion and a determination to make a difference. My journey has made me appreciate the importance of emotional and financial support for families navigating serious illnesses, and I want to dedicate my life to providing that assistance. I am pursuing a degree in Business Administration to learn how to effectively start my own nonprofit. My twin brother, who is studying Marketing and Communications, will be right by my side. Together, we hope to create a strong, compassionate foundation that supports families struggling with medical bills and emotional burdens. As a former Make-A-Wish recipient, I know firsthand the impact such organizations can have. My goal is to take this even further—to create something unique that meets needs beyond what already exists. This dream is not just a career path; it is a mission born from my own experiences. Every challenge I have faced and every struggle I have overcome has given me the perspective and drive to help others. With hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to making a difference, I know that anything is possible.