Siblings of childhood cancer warriors are just as important as the patient, yet they are often overlooked as people tend to focus on the patient. For the Founder and President of Sofia's Hope this was never an option as her daughter, Gabriela, is as important as her sister Sofia. Sofia's Hope also recognizes that the financial impact on families with a child with cancer is dramatic and hopes these scholarships can help alleviate that burden making attending college a reality for these deserving warriors.
Eligibility Requirements
- The applicant must be the sibling of a childhood cancer survivor (does not have to be receiving treatment to qualify), or of a patient that is currently diagnosed with a childhood cancer and is in treatment. Sibling must live in same household as childhood cancer patient, and specifically during their treatment. Siblings of childhood cancer patients that have not survived the diagnosis or their treatment are also eligible.
- The applicant is enrolled in or accepted for enrollment to an accredited undergraduate or graduate program in the U.S.
- Sofia's Hope requires the recipient of a scholarship to submit a copy of an acceptance letter from the college/university of their choice or a letter of good standing from the registrar. NOTE: If chosen as a recipient, the college/university attending can be updated.
- The applicant must submit the completed Scholarship Application. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
- The applicant must submit at least one letter of recommendation from academic teacher addressing why they should receive the scholarship. Must be on official school letterhead. Applicant can submit a maximum of three letters of recommendation.
- A letter on official letterhead from survivor/patient's attending physician verifying medical history and current medical situation must also be submitted. Medical information will be kept confidential and will only be utilized to support the qualification of consideration for the scholarship.
- The applicant must submit an essay discussing the following question. "How has my experience with childhood cancer impacted my life and career goals?" Essay must be a maximum of 500 words.
- Awardees will be eligible to apply for funding every year, so long as they provide a testimonial and photo or video. More details will be provided to awardees.
- The applicants and their parents if they are minors, must sign a release, that they agree to have their name and photo published in the news media or any Sofia’s Hope publication as a recipient of a Gabriela Blanco scholarship and that they agree to have their name, photo and success story published on Sofia’s Hope website or any other Sofia’s Hope publication.
- Completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted by March 15th to be considered for the Fall Semester. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Scholarship recipients will receive the laptop or tablet in the summer either via mail or in-person presentation. The $2,000 award willl be paid directly to their accredited college/university by August 1st to help with tuition and/or room and board.