2025 Rachel’s Wish
Educational Assistance Scholarship
An update from a past scholar recipient
Rachel’s Wish was that we could continue, keep life “normal,” and move forward. Diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma at 20, she put her life on hold during treatment but wanted her husband to continue going to school, working and spending as much time with her as possible. That momentum is what kept him going until she passed away 14 months later. Without the help of others, he could not have been there for her or kept his promise. Rachel’s Wish is to help those who have gone through hardship and find they need a hand up. A way forward. To be their best when life has dealt them its worst. It’s our mission to grant her wish by coming alongside someone who has faced or is facing adversity, to support, guide, encourage and help them to achieve their greatest aspirations.
To add to the survivorship resources and opportunities provided by The Richard C. and Virginia A. Hunsaker Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Child Life Program, the Rachel’s Wish Educational Assistance Scholarship is designed to relieve financial barriers to achieving educational aspirations. This one-time financial award of up to $10,000 aims to provide financial relief to a patient or closely related individual who exemplifies a desire to further their education but may be facing challenges that prevent them from achieving their dreams.
The recipient(s) of the Rachel’s Wish Educational Assistance Scholarship will be announced at the 2025 CHOC Oncology Patient Ball presented by the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation on Saturday, June 28th, at the Marriott Irvine Spectrum.
To apply for this scholarship, the applicant must:
- Be a member of The Richard C. and Virginia A. Hunsaker Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology Child Life Program, CHOC Survivorship Clinic, a CHOC patient treated in the Hyundai Cancer Institute, closely related to a member of one of these groups. (i.e., spouses, parents, siblings, etc.)
- Be an active student or preparing to apply to a program. This includes, but is not limited to, current high school students, graduating high school seniors, community college and four-year universities, trade schools, and graduate students.
- Identify and articulate a specific, education-related need for financial assistance. (ex: tuition, tutors, room & board, etc.) The amount awarded will be based on the need articulated in the student’s application. Please be as detailed as possible.
- Submit an online application by April 25, 2025.
Applications will include:
- Completed online application.
- One letter of recommendation from a mentor, teacher, or healthcare provider. Please send a recommendation letter to: aya@choc.org.
- A 650-word essay outlining why you should be selected. This should include information on how special circumstances have or may impact your academic/career ambitions, what the scholarship will be used for, how you hope to use your education or training to make a positive impact on others, and how the amount requested will help you achieve your goal (included in the online application).
For questions or guidance on your application, please email AYA@choc.org
