Meet Savannah, 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.
Savannah’s Story
Savannah was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia when she was 14.
“Prior to my diagnosis, I had been feeling fine, with the only unusual symptom being some abnormal bruising. My family and I thought it was likely nothing serious, but we decided to have labs done,” Savannah told us. “When the results came back, they were alarming, and I was quickly admitted to the hospital. The following morning, I received the diagnosis that would alter the course of my life.”
Savannah was treated with chemotherapy, followed by a bone marrow transplant and a lengthy hospital stay to recover.
“Transplant marked another difficult chapter in my journey, but I knew that this was my best chance for survival. The transplant was made possible by a complete stranger who donated their bone marrow, and it was a gift I will forever be grateful for,” she says.
“I found strength in the support of my family, friends, and medical team. My journey was filled with challenges, but it also taught me resilience, gratitude, and the importance of never giving up.”
Savannah is planning to study marketing at Grand Canyon University.
Savannah’s Advocacy Project
When Savannah returned to high school after recovering from her transplant, she started a club to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research and supporting local children’s hospitals.
“I started Team Gold in the hopes of giving back to the community and bringing attention to the impact that childhood cancer has on families,” she told us.
Team Gold’s big event was a basketball tournament that included a toy drive for the local children’s hospital and t-shirt sales to raise funds. She learned a lot about event planning and organization that helped her refine and expand the event during her senior year.
“The experience of organizing Team Gold taught me the importance of collaboration, community involvement, and the power of small actions in making a big impact,” she says. “It also highlighted how crucial it is to raise awareness for childhood cancer, especially through meaningful and engaging events that bring people together for a cause.”
For her scholarship volunteer project, Savannah plans to create a similar childhood cancer awareness club on campus.