Cancer survivor receives $2,500 scholarship
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Kevin Leon, 19, of Siloam Springs, is among 19 pediatric cancer survivors selected this year to receive Dennis Jungmeyer Scholarships valued at $ 2, 500 each and awarded by the Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute Foundation in Little Rock.
Presented annually to current or former CARTI pediatric cancer patients, the scholarships are named in honor of cancer survivor and CARTI Foundation Board director-emeritus Dennis Jungmeyer of North Little Rock. Jungmeyer is a co-founder of the CARTI Kids Golf Classic, proceeds of which benefit CARTI Kid programs and activities. Established in 1986, the tournament has since raised more than $ 2 million.
Diagnosed with a malignant pineal brain tumor at the age of 14, Leon is a recent graduate of Siloam Springs High. Leon will be a freshman this fall at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, where he plans to major in psychology with a minor in youth ministries. He is the son of Maria and Mario Leon of Siloam Springs.
"Strangely, cancer has affected me in a positive way," wrote Leon in his scholarship essay. "The way I see, think and speak has changed completely. I have learned to value life in such a way that makes every day another opportunity to be grateful for everything I have and live through."
"As a cancer survivor, I've desired to pursue a career that provides an opportunity for me to help people," said Leon. "It brings a satisfaction to me to know I've made a positive difference in someone's life. It has been a wonderful thing to know why I was given a second chance to live. "Scholarship recipients were honored at a special presentation ceremony held June 25 at the Arkansas Governor's Mansion in Little Rock. First Lady Ginger Beebe assisted Jungmeyer in presenting scholars with their awards. "To the Jungmeyer Scholars of 2008, we offer not only our congratulations, but also our admiration and appreciation," said Rick Fleetwood, chairman of the CARTI Foundation Board of Directors, while addressing the audience during the presentation ceremony.
"You have already faced some of the most difficult obstacles life can present, and you have learned to use your experiences to encourage and inspire others," said Fleetwood. "You have every right to be proud of yourselves not only as scholars, but as survivors. And we appreciate you allowing us to share in a portion of that pride."
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