York High grad awarded Northwestern Mutual's Childhood Cancer Sibling Scholarship

The costly treatment associated with childhood cancer can lead to long-term financial challenges, including questions of how to afford higher education. Northwestern Mutual is committed to helping children and families affected by this disease achieve their college dreams.

As part of these efforts, Elmhurst resident Audrey Sylvester has been selected as a 2020 recipient through the company's Childhood Cancer Sibling Scholarship program.

The scholarship program was developed to alleviate the financial strain on families that often results from expensive cancer treatments by helping to fund school tuition and fees.

Forty-three students, the largest cohort to date, have each been awarded a $5,000 renewable scholarship (for a total of $10,000) through this year's program.

Audrey was 10 years old when her twin brother, Eric, was diagnosed with cancer. To better understand what this meant for her brother, Audrey educated herself on the disease affecting their lives. Through this experience, Audrey learned to be independent to help relieve some of the stress on her parents. Her brother's diagnosis helped Audrey understand that some personal sacrifices are worth making, especially when others need them the most.

"The biggest lesson I learned was that this journey wasn't all about me, which was difficult for me to accept. Sacrificing personal luxuries, particularly when it benefits those you love, are worth making," said Audrey Sylvester. "This learning moment was invaluable to me during Eric's cancer journey, and a lesson I carry with me to this day."

Since 2012, Northwestern Mutual's Childhood Cancer Program has focused on advancing childhood cancer research, providing family and patient support and serving as a resource to families managing the long-term effects of cancer treatment.

With the support of Northwestern Mutual employees and financial advisers nationwide, the company has contributed more than $30 million and funded over 400,000 hours of research through the program.

Applications for the 2021 scholarship program are open now through Feb. 1. Selection results are expected by May 2021. To learn more and apply, visit learnmore.scholarsapply.org/nmsurvivors/ or learnmore.scholarsapply.org/nmsibling/.