Meet Adeline, 2025 Scholar
Thanks to a generous survivorship program grant from Hyundai Hope On Wheels, twenty-two survivors were welcomed into the 2025 Children’s Cancer Cause College Scholars Program, representing both organizations’ strong investment in survivors and belief in their bright futures.
Each of these students receive a financial scholarship to help with academic expenses, and each Scholar commits to undertaking a volunteer project of their choosing related to childhood cancer advocacy.
Adeline’s Story
“When I was 13, five weeks into quarantine for the COVID-19 pandemic, I was diagnosed with an incredibly rare form of leukemia,” Adeline shared with us. “Due to the rarity of my cancer and higher relapse risk, my treatment was extended from two and a half years to almost four. I received chemotherapy through IVs, spinal taps, pills, and shots, along with steroids and antibiotics. I fought through hospitalizations, side effects, pandemic anxiety, and high school until I finally rang the bell to signal the end of treatment.”
Adeline’s diagnosis was complex, which made it difficult to determine the best treatment course. Her cancer cells were 90% T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and 10% myeloids (AML), all with a genetic defect called Monosomy Seven.
Adeline was left with significant long-term side effects, including chemo-induced diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and osteonecrosis in her knees, hips, and spine.
“My experience has given me insight into the healthcare system’s challenges. Witnessing the financial and emotional toll of treatment has deepened my commitment to healthcare policy and advocacy,” she says. “My family was fortunate to have community support, but many others face impossible choices between medical care and basic necessities.”
Adeline’s passion for shaping policies that improve access to care has motivated her to pursue a career in public health, her intended major at Kansas State University.
“My cancer journey has been long and difficult, but I have persevered. As I approach college and adulthood, I am excited for what the future holds.”
Adeline’s Advocacy Project
For her volunteer project, Adeline plans to organize a bone marrow registry drive on campus.
“While I have never received a bone marrow transplant, I know that for many cancer patients, it is a crucial part of their treatment or even a life saver,” says Adeline.
“Expanding the bone marrow registry is crucial because it lacks the necessary diversity. While white patients often find matches easily, many minority groups face long, uncertain waits for a life-saving donor,” she explains. “I believe that a college campus is a great place to grow the registry, as it is large and diverse.”