Meet Dakota
2026 Scholar
Neuroblastoma Survivor
Thanks to a generous survivorship program grant from Hyundai Hope On Wheels, twenty-three survivors were welcomed into the 2026 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.
Dakota was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma as an infant, and she relapsed twice before her fourth birthday.
Treatment took eight years and included aggressive chemo, multiple surgeries, dozens of bone marrow aspirations, clinical trials, full body radiation, and a stem cell transplant.
“There were numerous times my family wasn’t sure I would see Kindergarten, let alone be heading toward college,” Dakota told us.
Although she battles an endless list of long-term side effects from treatment, Dakota has beaten the odds and is studying elementary education. She also helps her family run a cancer nonprofit, and she volunteers to help kids with cancer whenever she gets the chance.
“Although cancer complications will likely last a lifetime, I have learned to make the best out what I went through as a child and use my experiences to help make the world more aware of this disease.”
Dakota’s Advocacy Project
Dakota is planning a bone marrow registration drive on campus. She hopes to run the recruitment drive during a large campus event to maximize participation from a large and diverse group of students.
This issue is deeply personal to Dakota because her brother had leukemia and was matched with a donor. Although he tragically passed away, her family will never forget that an anonymous donor gave him a chance.
“My family knows all too well that a close match can be the difference between life and death for so many affected by these types of cancers.”
