Bloomingdale student wins Northwestern Mutual's Childhood Cancer Survivor Scholarship
Northwestern Mutual, through its foundation, is dedicated to supporting children and families who have been impacted by childhood cancer through research funding and providing resources for survivors and their families.
As part of this commitment, Samantha Sowa, a Bloomingdale resident, has been selected as a recipient of the company's Childhood Cancer Survivor Scholarship.
Each year, Northwestern Mutual selects 35 students to receive scholarships through the program. Each recipient has been affected by childhood cancer, either as a survivor or sibling, and has demonstrated strong academic standing.
Sowa, a childhood cancer survivor, has been chosen as one of the 2019 recipients, receiving a $5,000 renewable scholarship for a total of $10,000.
Sowa was diagnosed with cancer at 11 years old, but made it her goal to remain positive throughout her treatment journey. Now a survivor of the disease, she continues to find ways to give back and help advance childhood cancer research.
Sowa dedicated her high school senior research capstone to uncovering factors that influence potential donors to contribute to childhood cancer research, and presented her findings during a TEDx Talk at her college. She also raised more than $2,000 last year for cancer research as a fundraising captain for CureSearch. Sowa is currently pursuing her dream of becoming an actuary at North Central College, and plans to give back to the childhood cancer community by offering a scholarship for college-bound patients or survivors.
Launched in 2012, Northwestern Mutual's Childhood Cancer Program was developed to find cures, provide family and patient support and aid those who continue to struggle with long-term effects of cancer treatment. With the help of employees and financial representatives nationwide, the program has contributed more than $20 million and has helped fund over 240,000 hours of research.
To learn more, visit foundation.northwesternmutual.com/childhood-cancer/