Apply for a Scholarship
Scholarship Impact
For over 20 years, PAF (along with other gracious donors) has provided 235 scholarships totaling over $1 million. Currently 40 incredibly unique and memorable students are pursuing their course of study with funding from this program.
The purpose of our scholarship program is to provide support to individuals that are legal residents of the United States of America pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies who have been diagnosed with or treated for a cancer or chronic disease (please see scholarship guidelines for eligibility details).
Applications for 2025-2026 Academic Term
Deadline for Submissions is March 7, 2025
To apply for the National Undergraduate Scholarship please click here.
Complete List of Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a Citizen of the United States.
- Applicant must be under the age of 25.
- Must have been diagnosed with and/or been actively treated for a cancer or chronic disease within the past five years.
- Complete Scholarship for Survivors application in full
- Applicant must write an essay on how their diagnosis has impacted their lives and future goals. (500 word minimum and 2000-word maximum)
- Applicant must submit a copy of an acceptance letter from the college or university the applicant is planning to attend. If applicant is unsure or has not received acceptance letters yet, please list colleges to which student has applied. If selected as an award recipient, college acceptance will be verified.
- Applicant must upload two letters of recommendation from non-related persons (examples: teachers, coaches, community leaders). The recommender should be able to endorse your personal character, academic achievements, and work or volunteer experience. Recommender must include their name, address, and phone number within the letter. Your reference letters are an important part of your application. Think hard about who to ask!
- Applicant must provide a copy of an official transcript. If you are selected as a scholarship recipient, an official transcript will be required before funds are distributed to your college or university.
- Applicant must submit completed financial form that will demonstrate financial need and include a copy of the first two pages of tax return for the individual claiming the student as a dependent. If the student or parent claims $0 income on taxes or did not file their taxes, please complete the Declaration of Income Form.
- Applicant's treating physician, oncologist, primary care physician, or nurse must verify patient's diagnosis by completing the Diagnosis Verification Form or by submitting a signed letter on practice's/providers letterhead. The letter need only include:
- Patient's name
- Patient's diagnosis
- Date of diagnosis
- When the patient began or will begin active treatment
- When patient ended or will end active treatment (chronic illnesses do not require end date)
To apply to PAF’s Scholarship for Survivors Undergraduate Scholarship, student must have been diagnosed with and/or been actively treated for cancer or a chronic illness within the past five (5) years.
Diagnosis is considered active and eligible to apply if the patient is currently and actively being treated and managed for cancer/chronic illness and/or has been actively treated in the past 5 years.
- Scenarios demonstrating active cancer treatment/ chronic illness status include:
- Current chemotherapy, radiation, or anti-neoplasm drug therapy
- Current drug therapy being administered as treatment for chronic illness
- Current pathology revealing cancer/ chronic illness
- A newly diagnosed patient awaiting treatment
- Affirmation of current disease management
- The cancerous organ has been removed or partially removed and the patient is still receiving ongoing treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation.
- The patient is currently on adjuvant therapy for prophylactic purposes.
Diagnosis is considered historical and not eligible to apply if:
- The cancer/chronic illness was successfully treated, and the patient has been out of active treatment for more than 5 years.
- The patient had cancer/chronic illness and is coming back for surveillance of recurrence (Annual check-ups).
Scholarship Amount and Distribution:
- PAF's Scholarship for Survivor Undergraduate scholars are eligible to receive a scholarship of $3,000 per school year ($1,500 per semester: Fall/Spring) for four consecutive years until the student receives a maximum of $12,000 or graduates with a bachelor's degree, whichever comes first.
- The award is paid directly to the college or university for defraying tuition, books, and other fee costs.
If selected as a recipient, the below are requirements to maintain the scholarship:
- Complete Scholarship Acceptance Form
- Agree to media release terms and conditions
- Provide a personal bio (250 words or less) and self-portrait/headshots (at least 300 dpi) for publication
- Must maintain a cumulative 2.75 G.P.A.
- Must be a full-time student
- Must sign an agreement to complete 20 hours of community service for the year the scholarship will be dispensed and provide PAF with a confirmation when that service has been completed to include a signature of supervisor
Failure to meet any/all of these requirements is a violation of the award, and the recipient will be responsible for repayment of the award monies. Prior to beginning the application process, please make sure you have all pertinent documents and information for uploading and completing the application. The system will not allow for advancing if a field is skipped.
To apply for the Virginia Undergraduate Scholarship please click here.
Complete List of Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a Resident of Virginia.
- Applicant must be under the age of 25.
- Must have been diagnosed with and/or been actively treated for a cancer or chronic disease within the past five years.
- Must be pursuing an Associate’s degree or higher.
- Complete Scholarship for Survivors application in full
- Applicant must write an essay on how their diagnosis has impacted their lives and future goals. (500 word minimum and 2000-word maximum)
- Applicant must submit a copy of an acceptance letter from the college or university the applicant is planning to attend. If applicant is unsure or has not received acceptance letters yet, please list colleges to which student has applied to. If selected as an award recipient, college acceptance will be verified.
- Applicant must upload two letters of reference of recommendation from non-related persons (examples: teachers, coaches, community leaders). The recommender should be able to endorse your personal character, academic achievements, and work or volunteer experience. Recommender must include their name, address, and phone number within the letter. Your reference letters are an important part of your application. Think hard about who to ask!
- Applicant must provide a copy of an official transcript. If you are selected as a scholarship recipient, an official transcript will be required before funds are distributed to college or university.
- Applicant must complete the financial section demonstrating financial need and include a copy of the first two pages of tax return from the most recent tax year for the individual claiming the student as a dependent. If the student or parent claims $0 income on taxes or did not file their taxes, please complete the official letter of non-filing from the IRS and complete the Declaration of Income Form.
- Applicant's treating physician, oncologist, primary care physician, or nurse must verify patient's diagnosis by completing the Diagnosis Verification Form or by submitting a signed letter on practice's/providers letterhead. The letter need only include:
- Patient’s name
- Patient’s diagnosis
- Date of diagnosis
- When the patient began or will begin active treatment
- When patient ended or will end active treatment (chronic illnesses do not require end date)
To apply to PAF’s Scholarship for Survivors Undergraduate Scholarship, student must have been diagnosed with and/or been actively treated for cancer or a chronic illness within the past five (5) years
Diagnosis is considered active, and student is eligible to apply, if the patient is currently and actively being treated for cancer/chronic illness and/or has been actively treated in the past 5 years.
- Scenarios demonstrating active cancer treatment/ chronic illness status include:
- Current chemotherapy, radiation, or anti-neoplasm drug therapy
- Current drug therapy being administered as treatment for chronic illness
- Current pathology revealing cancer/ chronic illness
- A newly diagnosed patient awaiting treatment
- Affirmation of current disease management
- The cancerous organ has been removed or partially removed and the patient is still receiving ongoing treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation.
- The patient is currently on adjuvant therapy for prophylactic purposes.
Diagnosis is considered historical and not eligible to apply if:
- The cancer/chronic illness was successfully treated, and the patient has been out of active treatment for more than 5 years.
- The patient had cancer/chronic illness and is coming back for surveillance of recurrence (Annual check-ups)
Scholarship Amount and Distribution:
- PAF's Scholarship for Survivor Undergraduate scholars are eligible to receive a scholarship of $3,000 per school year ($1,500 per semester: Fall/Spring) for four consecutive years until the student receives a maximum of $12,000 or graduates with a bachelor's degree, whichever comes first.
- The award is paid directly to the college or university for defraying tuition, books, and other fee costs.
If selected as a recipient, the below are requirements to maintain the scholarship:
- Complete Scholarship Acceptance Form
- Agree to media release terms and conditions
- Provide a personal bio (250 words or less) and self-portrait/headshots (at least 300 dpi) for publication
- Must maintain a cumulative 2.75 G.P.A.
- Must be a full-time student
- Must sign an agreement to complete 20 hours of community service for the year the scholarship will be dispensed and provide PAF with a confirmation when that service has been completed to include a signature of supervisor
Failure to meet any/all of these requirements is a violation of the award, and the recipient will be responsible for repayment of the award monies. Prior to beginning the application process, please make sure you have all pertinent documents and information for uploading and completing the application. The system will not allow for advancing if a field is skipped.
To apply for the National Graduate Scholarship please click here.
Complete List of Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a Citizen of the United States.
- Must have been diagnosed with and/or been actively treated for a cancer or chronic disease within the past ten years.
- Must be pursuing a Master’s degree or higher.
- Complete Scholarship for Survivors application in full
- Applicant must write an essay on how their diagnosis has impacted their lives and future goals. (500 word minimum and 2000-word maximum)
- Applicant must submit a copy of an acceptance letter from the college or university the applicant is planning to attend. If applicant is unsure or has not received acceptance letters yet, please list colleges to which student has applied. If selected as an award recipient, college or university acceptance will be verified.
- Applicant must upload two letters of recommendation from non-related persons (examples: teachers, coaches, community leaders). The recommender should be able to endorse your personal character, academic achievements, and work or volunteer experience. Recommender must include their name, address, and phone number within the letter. Your reference is an important part of your application. Think hard about who to ask!
- Applicant must provide a copy of an official transcript. If you are selected as a scholarship recipient, an official transcript will be required before funds will be distributed to your college or university.
- Applicant must submit completed financial form that will demonstrate financial need and include a copy of the first two pages of tax return for the individual claiming the student as a dependent. If the student or parent claims $0 income or did not file their taxes, please complete the official letter of non-filing from the IRS and complete the Declaration of Income Form.
- Applicant's treating physician, oncologist, primary care physician, or nurse must verify patient's diagnosis by completing the Diagnosis Verification Form or by submitting a signed letter on practice's/providers letterhead. The letter need only include:
- Patient’s name
- Patient’s diagnosis
- Date of diagnosis
- When the patient began or will begin active treatment
- When patient ended or will end active treatment (chronic illnesses do not require end date)
Diagnosis is considered active and eligible to apply if the patient is currently and actively being treated and managed for cancer/chronic illness and/or has been actively treated in the past 10 years.
- Scenarios demonstrating active cancer treatment/ chronic illness status include:
- Current chemotherapy, radiation, or anti-neoplasm drug therapy
- Current drug therapy being administered as treatment for chronic illness
- Current pathology revealing cancer/ chronic illness
- A newly diagnosed patient awaiting treatment
- Affirmation of current disease management
- The cancerous organ has been removed or partially removed and the patient is still receiving ongoing treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation.
- The patient is currently on adjuvant therapy for prophylactic purposes.
Diagnosis is considered historical and not eligible to apply if:
- The cancer/chronic illness was successfully treated, and the patient has been out of active treatment for more than 10 years.
- The patient had cancer/chronic illness and is coming back for surveillance of recurrence (Annual check-ups).
Scholarship Amount and Distribution:
PAF's Scholarship for Survivor Graduate scholars is eligible to receive a scholarship of $3,000 per school year ($1,500 per semester: Fall/Spring) for up to two consecutive years until the student receives a maximum of $6,000 or graduates with a Graduate or Ph.D. degree, whichever comes first. The award is paid directly to the college or university for defraying tuition, books, and other fee costs.
If selected as a recipient, the below are requirements to maintain the scholarship:
- Complete Scholarship Acceptance Form
- Agree to media release terms and conditions
- Provide a personal bio (250 words or less) and self portrait/headshots (at least 300dpi) for publication
- Record at least (1) 30 second- 1 minute "Thank You" video for our donors
- Must maintain a cumulative 2.75 G.P.A.
- Must be a full-time student
- Must sign an agreement to complete 20 hours of community service for the year the scholarship will be dispensed and provide PAF with a confirmation when the service has been completed to include a signature of the supervisor
Failure to meet any/all these requirements is a violation of the award, and the recipient will be responsible for the repayment of the award monies. Prior to beginning the application process, please make sure you have all pertinent documents and information for uploading and completing the application. The system will not allow for advancing if a field is skipped.
On behalf of Patient Advocate Foundation's Board of Directors and Scholarship Review Committee, we thank you for your interest in our 2025-2026 Scholarship for Survivors program.
After you have applied, your application will be reviewed and you will receive an email from us with an expected date of decision, usually 3-4 months after the application deadline. Applicants that were selected to receive funding will be personally contacted and a contract that outlines the funding guidelines will be forwarded.
For questions please email: scholarship@patientadvocate.org
![](https://www.patientadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/2024-Scholarship-Photo.png)
To learn more about the students, click the link: https://my.visme.co/v/mx8xm7md-mm6j3n
![](https://www.patientadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/Makenna-Schwab-.jpg)
Makenna
In Memory of Carol Balch
I was born with a rare connective tissue disorder called, Larsen’s Syndrome which makes all of my joints dislocated, my air way weak and my spine and c-spine unstable. At age 8, I started to do service projects to give back to my local Children’s Hospital raising over 1.2 million dollars! I also founded a non-profit called the Makspire Foundation to help me continue what I love to do. I will be pursuing a degree in Communications at the University of Washington this fall and want to continue in the world of children’s health.
![](https://www.patientadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/Kathryn-M.jpg)
Kathryn
After being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease and Celiac Disease in high school, and going through multiple medicine combinations, we finally found one that worked. My symptoms became manageable allowing me to participate in many extracurriculars including band, the academic team, and Model United Nations.
![](https://www.patientadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/Giancarlo.jpg)
Giancarlo
I am deeply grateful for PAF and its donors as my scholarship will help my family and me afford my college tuition, especially after the financial burden posed by my cancer diagnosis and treatments in high school.
![](https://www.patientadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/Gracie.jpg)
Gracie
In Honor of Diane Mauk
Board of Directors Scholarship
Thank you PAF for giving me the opportunity I have always hoped for. Now I can further my education and help others who suffer from autoimmune disease like me. Wanting to achieve your goals is something all people want to do, but for people who suffer from medical issues, it’s so much harder. I appreciate your aid and support.
![](https://www.patientadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/Allison-Swiger-e1633631762755.jpg)
Allison
The Lissa Albertson Award
Just before my junior year of high school, I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and received extensive treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Through my journey, I discovered a passion for physics and radiology ultimately leading me to pursue a Bachelor’s in Physics at Washington University in St. Louis. I hope to be able to help kids in the same position I was in and show them that there is a life beyond cancer.
![](https://www.patientadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/Sarah-C.jpg)
Sarah
I was diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymph Histiocytosis and an XIAP-2 deficiency but didn’t let it stop my love for all things music! I write, sing, play the guitar, and participate in musical theater. Music is my outlet and form of self-expression, and I cannot wait to share this gift with others facing similar hardships.
![](https://www.patientadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/Karlee.jpg)
Karlee
At age 13, I was diagnosed with Pilocytic Astrocytoma (inoperable brain tumor). After long chemo treatments, countless surgeries, and feeding tubes, I maintain a positive attitude and look forward to college and furthering my education.
![](https://www.patientadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/Calli.jpg)
Calli
I am so thankful to be a recipient of this scholarship to further my studies in criminology. I want to help get dangerous people off the streets and help reduce the victims of violence. In my free time, I participate in many community and volunteer organizations.
![](https://www.patientadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/Zoe.jpg)
Zoe’
I am incredibly involved in my school community as a member of the Debate Team, Cheer Team, Students of Color Support Program, Arlington Teen Board, Sisters Circle, and more! I helped organize and lead the Black Student Union Club, am president of Jack and Jill of America Northern VA Teen Chapter and was a summer veterinary intern. I look forward to becoming a successful veterinarian.
![](https://www.patientadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/Amani.jpg)
A’mani
At age 13, I was diagnosed with Lupus resulting in numerous hospital stays throughout my school career. These stays sparked my interest in having a career in the medical field, and now attending college, I am getting closer to chasing that dream.
![](https://www.patientadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/Samantha-Strasser.jpg)
Samantha
In Memory of Anne and Murry Herbst
I have been fighting Dysautonomia, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, and digestive tract paralysis since the 5th grade. In 11th grade I became a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician and will attend Boston College to study biology working towards becoming a pediatric neurologist. I cannot shy away from the fact that my medical challenges contributed to my character, self-determination, and bravery. Thank you PAF for the scholarship!
![](https://www.patientadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/Abaigail.jpg)
Abigail
After being diagnosed with a rare renal disease called Nutcracker Syndrome, I received a kidney transplant in my senior year of high school then was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Despite all the difficulty, I get to pursue my love for the violin and am a member of the University of Memphis Symphony Orchestra and the Sinfonietta Memphis Orchestra.
![](https://www.patientadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/Maia-Havrda.jpg)
Maia
In Memory of Lois Helen Boone Montgomery
I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis at a very young age and have experienced many hospitalizations and major surgery. At first, the hospital was a great source of anxiety for me, then I found the silver lining through my amazing nurses. It is a dream of mine to provide the care that I was given in my time of need. I strive to not only be a healer, but a true patients’ advocate as I pursue a career in nursing. Thank you PAF for helping me on my journey.
![](https://www.patientadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/Madison-F.jpg)
Madison
I have Hereditary Angioedema and Reflex Neurovascular Dystrophy, both having a significant impact on my life. I enjoy being involved in patient advocacy organizations and legislative advocacy whose focus is on the Hereditary Angioedema community and rare disease patients!
![](https://www.patientadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/Safwan.jpg)
Safwan
After advocating for myself as my vision began deteriorating, I was diagnosed with Unstable Bilateral Keratoconus. Knowing I will always have poor vision empowered me to pursue activities that fulfill me and ones that improve others’ lives.
![](https://www.patientadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/Alice-S.jpg)
Alice
I will be studying special education in hopes of being a teacher to kids with similar challenges I once faced. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, cheerleading, and giving back to the community.
![](https://www.patientadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/Olivia-D.jpg)
Olivia
In 8th grade I had a mass in my pelvis removed that turned out to be Ependymoma (brain tumor). It returned in high school and after completing treatment I attended a summer camp for kids with cancer and their siblings. It was amazing and recently I got to return as a counselor! That experience will help me in my goal of being an Early Childhood Educator.
![](https://www.patientadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/Hima-H.jpg)
Hima
Growing up with left isomerism and pulmonary and mitral valve diseases in Alppo, Syria, allowed me to realize I would like to work with the Doctors Without Borders organization and help those who do not have access to the great medical care I received in the United States.
![](https://www.patientadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/Maya-Evohr-scaled.jpg)
Maya
In Memory of Linda Kelly
Receiving this scholarship allows me to continue my volunteer work while pursuing college in biomedical engineering. As someone with many hours of experience as a patient in medical settings, my dream is to help other patients with rare or chronic conditions thrive. My own journey would not be possible without the incredible support of my doctors, who taught me perseverance initiating my will to pay it forward in innovative ways to help others.
![](https://www.patientadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/Meghan-Tayman.jpg)
Meghan
The Dr. Mary T. Christian Award
At only a few months old, I was diagnosed with a chronic lung disease called Cystic Fibrosis. To help me perform tasks, I have a service dog named Milo who will accompany me to Radford University while I major in Criminal Justice. At Radford, I will also be riding horses and showing on their club team. I have been riding and showing horses for three years now and love it. My sister also has a passion for horses, so I enjoy riding with her as well. My family is my biggest support team in overcoming any health obstacles thrown my way.
![](https://www.patientadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/Kayla.jpg)
Kayla
In Honor of W. Jackson Wisdom
Board of Directors Scholarship
After extended hospital stays due to my chronic illness, I came up with the idea to start a nonprofit collecting entertainment and educational items to donate to children’s hospitals throughout the United States. I have been featured on NBC Nightly News and won several awards from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Young Entrepreneurs Academy, Heart of America, President’s Volunteer Service Award Gold Level, 2020 United Nations Ambassador honor, and been honored by Senators, Congressmen and Florida’s Governor.
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