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Meet Madison! 🎓

Madison Thomas is a hardworking student pursuing an associate’s degree in early childhood education, with plans to transfer to a four-year university and earn her bachelor’s degree.

In December 2024, Madison’s life changed when her mother was diagnosed with stage II cervical cancer. As her mother underwent chemotherapy and radiation, Madison stepped up to help support her family while continuing her education. The financial burden of treatment forced her to use much of the college fund she had worked hard to build.

Although her mother completed treatment in May 2025, the financial challenges continued as medical bills and coinsurance costs added up. Through it all, Madison remained determined to pursue her education and support her mother.

Her experience has taught her the value of life, perseverance, and the importance of being there for the people you love. We’re proud to support Madison as she continues working toward her education and her future in early childhood education. 💙 by @shredcancer

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8 days ago

Meet Madison! 🎓

Madison Blankenship is pursuing a career in healthcare, with hopes of working in the NICU or pediatric field as a nurse or occupational therapist.

Cancer has been part of Madison’s life for as long as she can remember. Her mother was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer when Madison was just 7 months old and sadly lost her battle in 2013. Watching her mother face cancer with determination, faith, kindness, and strength inspired Madison to pursue a career where she can support patients and families going through similar experiences.

Despite facing significant challenges after her mother’s passing, Madison remained determined in her education, graduating high school as an honors student with a 3.9 GPA. She is now continuing her education at a local community college and hopes to make a lasting, positive impact on others.

We’re proud to support Madison as she carries her mother’s legacy forward through her passion for healthcare and helping others. 💙 by @shredcancer

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15 days ago

Meet Takiya! 🎓

Takiya is a junior at Cornell University, where she is a Division I track and field athlete studying pre-law. A proud cancer survivor, Takiya battled stage 4 childhood cancer and has carried the resilience and strength from that experience into every part of her life.

At Cornell, she tutors incarcerated individuals through the Cornell Prison Education Program, an experience that has strengthened her passion for advocacy and public service. She plans to pursue a career in public defense, using her voice to advocate for those who need it most.

Takiya hopes to be an example to young girls who have faced illness or hardship: “If she did it, I can do it too.”

We’re proud to support Takiya as she continues turning her experiences into purpose and impact. 💙 by @shredcancer

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22 days ago

Meet Brian! 🎓

Brian is a non-traditional aviation student and Certified Flight Instructor who is working toward his CFII and Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certifications.

After serving in the military and facing significant challenges in his transition to civilian life, Brian found renewed purpose through education and aviation. Today, he is using that experience to build a career as a pilot while helping others find their own path forward.

His long-term goal is to become an airline pilot and mentor veterans and non-traditional students entering aviation.

We’re proud to support Brian as he continues turning perseverance into progress and works toward his dreams. 💙 by @shredcancer

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a month ago

🚨 Reminder! 🚨 Shred Cancer’s Bags & Beers is just around the corner! Join us September 26th from 5 PM - 10 PM at the Showplace Theater for a fun evening of cornhole, drinks, food, and fundraising. Sign up at the link in our bio! See you there! 🍻🎯 by @shredcancer

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a month ago

Meet Nicole! 🎓

Nicole is a dedicated high school science educator with more than 20 years of experience and a survivor of stage III breast cancer. As a mother of three and a full-time teacher, she continues to pursue her education so she can bring the latest advancements in educational technology and teaching to her classroom.

Her goal is to give today’s students the high-caliber education they deserve while continuing to grow as an educator.

We’re proud to support Nicole as she invests in herself and the next generation. 💙 by @shredcancer

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a month ago

Meet Ashley! 🎓

Ashley is a student at the University of the Cumberlands pursuing a career in social work with a passion for helping individuals and families through life’s toughest challenges.

After personally battling cervical cancer, Ashley has developed an even deeper understanding of resilience, compassion, and the importance of support during difficult times. As a single parent to a child with special needs, a full-time employee, and a caregiver for her mother, Ashley has experienced firsthand the challenges many families face.

Her goal is to use her education and personal experiences to advocate for vulnerable individuals and families, especially those impacted by developmental disabilities and mental health challenges. We’re proud to support students like Ashley as she turns her experiences into a commitment to serving others. 💙 by @shredcancer

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a month ago

Meet Michelle! 🎓

Michelle is a student at the University of Rochester pursuing an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing as she begins her second career in healthcare.

After losing her mother to stomach cancer, Michelle was inspired to dedicate her life to caring for others. Through years of advocacy, mentorship, volunteering, and community service, she has built a passion for making a meaningful impact.

Michelle’s goal is to serve on the frontlines of healthcare through emergency medicine, providing critical care to those who need it most. We’re proud to support students like Michelle as she continues turning compassion into action. 💙 by @shredcancer

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2 months ago

Meet Esperance! 🎓

Esperanza is a student at Washington University in St. Louis with aspirations of becoming a physician-scientist. Inspired by losing her mother to breast cancer, she is passionate about advancing cancer research while providing exceptional patient care.

Her goal is to better understand diseases of the brain and contribute to research that improves lives. Through her dedication to medicine, science, and service, Esperanza is committed to making a meaningful impact on the future of healthcare.

We’re proud to support students like Esperanza as she pursues her dream of changing lives through medicine. 💙 by @shredcancer

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2 months ago

Happy National Nonprofit Day! 💙

One of the greatest privileges of what we do is supporting students whose lives have been impacted by cancer. Today, we’re sharing a few excerpts from the heartfelt thank-you messages we received from this year’s scholarship recipients.

To everyone who has supported Shred Cancer—thank you. Your generosity is making a lasting difference. by @shredcancer

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2 months ago

Meet Thomas! 🎓

Thomas is a driven student at National University, where he is pursuing his degree in Business Administration and Organizational Leadership. He is passionate about building systems and programs that develop strong African American/Black men as leaders in their fields and industries.

After losing his mother to cancer, Thomas has been deeply inspired to turn his experiences into purpose. He is committed to using “concinnity” principles—bringing harmony and alignment—to help others grow both personally and professionally.

He volunteers his time to support individuals seeking better careers and opportunities, and he is dedicated to serving seasoned citizens by helping them re-engage and jumpstart their lives. At the same time, he works to guide younger generations toward focusing their energy on achieving their goals and dreams.

We’re proud to support students like Thomas as he continues to uplift and empower his community. 💙 by @shredcancer

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2 months ago

Meet Owen! 🎓

Owen is a freshman at Drake University with a passion for public service and healthcare advocacy. Inspired by his family’s experience during his dad’s AML treatment, he’s committed to making lifesaving healthcare more accessible for everyone.

On campus, Owen serves as a Student Senator, Residence Hall President, and College Ambassador. His leadership journey has taken him from Student Council President to lobbying at the Iowa State Capitol, where he now works as a legislative clerk.

We’re proud to support students like Owen as they continue making a difference in their communities and beyond. 💙 by @shredcancer

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2 months ago