Losing my Dad to brain cancer when I was seven years old shaped so much of who I am. At that age, I didn’t completely understand what was happening, but I felt the weight of his absence in every milestone he missed. As I grew older, I realized how isolating it can be to experience loss so young. That feeling, of being alone, inspired me to help other people facing the same grief, stress, and pain. Ever since I can remember, I have been committed to raising awareness for brain cancer research and supporting families of those who have been affected by cancer. In 2017, at 10 years old, the only thing I wanted for Christmas was a donation to the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), to fund research for a cure. After my Mom saw this, she collected donations for the ABTA on her Facebook page. It was my simple Christmas wish that led to hundreds of dollars more being donated to a cause close to my heart. Although the ABTA is a tremendously important organization, my focus has shifted to Camp Kesem more recently. Camp Kesem is a national summer camp that provides a free, week-long experience to children who have been affected by a parent’s cancer. Camp Kesem is so much more than a summer camp. It is an opportunity for children to find support, love, and belonging in their communities. It is an opportunity for children to see other people going through the same thing. It is an opportunity for children to be kids again. Because I understand the stress and grief of experiencing a family member’s cancer journey, I know how important it is for children to have a space where they can simply be themselves and find happiness amid hardship. Through my local Camp Kesem chapter, I have helped raise tens of thousands of dollars, providing countless opportunities for children to find belonging in a supportive community. In turn, this sense of connection and understanding strengthens the larger community, fostering empathy, resilience, and a shared commitment to supporting families impacted by cancer. In the fall, I will be following in my Father’s footsteps, attending the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Receiving this scholarship would significantly ease the burden of university expenses, as I am paying for my education, without support or substantial financial aid. Although my intended major, Political Science, is not directly related to cancer research or care, I am confident that my college degree will equip me with the skills that are necessary to advocate for cancer patients and their families. In the future, I plan to attend law school and may join the Cancer Legal Advocacy Interest Group of the American Bar Association, furthering my mission to help those affected by cancer. While I am not certain where exactly my path will lead, one thing remains certain: I will always be dedicated to helping cancer patients and their families because we have lost too many incredible people to this devastating disease.