Meet Maurquez: 2023 and 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.
Pictured at right is a young Maurquez at a 2013 Hyundai Hope on Wheels handprint event.
“I want to be an example to other survivors, proving that we can all rise above our circumstances with resilience and distinction to achieve a greater good.”
Maurquez’s Story
Maurquez was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) when he was six years old.
“As a result of the chemotherapy and treatment, I experienced blindness, seizures, hypertension, and memory loss,” he told us. “I also missed the early years of elementary school, as I had a immunocompromised body. There were times when I felt despair, missed school, and being outside as much as I'd wanted. I remained determined, courageous, and optimistic to feel healthier, as I wanted to be outside with my family, friends, and back in school to learn.”
Maurquez has overcome so much and has a deep passion for serving the community and fighting for justice. He’s a first-generation, low-income student who graduated as one of four valedictorians in his high school class and is attending Stanford University, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Economics.
He plans to become a public interest attorney in order to help marginalized people who can’t afford effective legal counsel. Towards that goal, he’s already volunteered with a local juvenile court program and interned with a law firm.
“I owe much of who I am to my mother,” he said. “My momma is determined, intentional, and supportive of everything I do. She raised all ten of her kids by herself and made it look easy, even when times were very difficult. Witnessing my mother remain optimistic and courageous during my treatment has molded me into the young man I am today.”
“Who would have imagined I’d be at Stanford today? My cancer journey is a testament that sometimes life becomes challenging, however, if we embrace uncertainty and remain resilient, we will be able to tackle any challenges that lie ahead.”
Maurquez’s Advocacy Project
For his 2023 project, Maurquez volunteered to help other cancer survivors and families navigate the college admissions process and find scholarships. He started by creating a scholarship list of resources, and he’s presented to local high school students about the college admissions process.
“Many survivors face unique challenges—whether that be academic or financial—that can make the transition to higher education more difficult,” Maurquez told us. “Through this initiative, I plan to work closely with high school counselors to provide tailored guidance to cancer survivors and their families.”
For his 2025 project, Maurquez plans to expand on this passion project to reach a wider audience by hosting a Zoom session in the fall of 2025 for childhood cancer families who are beginning to think about college admissions and scholarships.
Maurquez also plans to partner with local organizations and campus groups to host a community blood drive in the spring.
“Blood donations are a critical component of cancer treatment and research. I will work to raise awareness about the vital need for blood donations and organize events that make it easy for students to donate on campus,” said Maurquez.
