2026
Brian Estano — 2026 winner
“Dear Shred Cancer Association, I am deeply honored and sincerely grateful to have been selected as a recipient of the Sharra Rainbolt Memorial Scholarship. Thank you for your generosity and for investing in students whose educational journeys have been shaped by the challenges of cancer. …It is a privilege to receive an award that carries Sharra Rainbolt's legacy, and I hope to honor her memory through perseverance, service, and dedication to my goals. My path to becoming an airline transport pilot has been anything but conventional. As a military veteran and non-traditional college student, I have spent years working toward a career in aviation. Along the way, my progress was unexpectedly delayed by cancer, forcing me to put my dreams on hold while focusing on what mattered most. Although that chapter altered my timeline, it never changed my determination. Today, I have earned my Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial Single-Engine and Multi-Engine, Certified Flight Instructor, Certified Flight Instructor–Instrument, and Multi-Engine Instructor certificates. I am now well on my way to achieving my ultimate goal of becoming an Airline Transport Pilot. This scholarship will help fund my ATP Certification Training Program with ATP Flight School at Boeing Field in Miami, Florida—the final major step before I can begin my career flying for the airlines. Your support is more than financial assistance; it is an investment in a dream that has endured despite significant obstacles. Experiencing firsthand how cancer can disrupt every aspect of life has given me a deeper appreciation for resilience, community, and the importance of helping others through difficult times. Those experiences have strengthened my commitment to mentoring fellow veterans, aspiring pilots, and anyone whose ambitions have been interrupted by circumstances beyond their control. I hope to encourage others to keep moving forward, even when the journey takes longer than expected. Thank you again for your generosity and for believing in my future. Your kindness has brought me one step closer to the flight deck, and I will carry the spirit of this scholarship with me throughout my career. I am proud to be part of the legacy that Sharra Rainbolt's memory continues to inspire. With sincere gratitude, Brian J. Estano”
Ashley Hyden — 2026 winner
“Dear Shred Cancer Association, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for selecting me as the recipient of the Sharra Rainbolt Memorial Scholarship. Learning that I was chosen truly touched me, and I feel incredibly honored to be recognized in this way. …Being personally impacted by cancer has brought not only emotional hardship but significant financial challenges for my family, especially as I juggle being a single parent to a special needs child, working full time, and caring for my mother as she faces dementia. Receiving this scholarship lifts a tremendous weight off my shoulders and allows me to focus more fully on my social work studies, which I am deeply passionate about. I'm honored to carry on Sharra Rainbolt’s legacy through this scholarship. My own experiences have shaped my determination to become a social worker and to advocate for families dealing with adversity, particularly those facing developmental disabilities and mental health issues. Your mission to support students like me—who know the impact cancer can have on families—means so much. Your generosity and commitment to easing these burdens inspire me to continue forward with hope, and I am determined to give back to others in my future career. Thank you for believing in me and for making it possible for me to pursue my educational and professional goals. Thank you, Ashley Hyden”
Nicole Norton — 2026 winner
“Dear Shred Cancer Association, I'm incredibly grateful and honored to receive the Sharra Rainbolt Memorial Scholarship. As someone whose family has faced the profound challenges brought on by cancer, this recognition carries deep personal meaning for me. …I'm honored to carry on Sharra Rainbolt's legacy through this scholarship. The financial relief that comes with this award eases the weight on my family, allowing me to continue my graduate education in educational technology and pedagogy. Juggling the responsibilities of being a dedicated high school science teacher, a graduate student, and a mother of three—one in college and two involved in travel sports—can be daunting, especially without tuition reimbursement from my district. Your support ensures I can pursue my professional development and bring innovative teaching strategies back to my students. My passion lies in equipping young people with a robust, relevant science education. Thanks to your generosity, I’m able to deepen my expertise and help my students thrive in a changing world. Knowing your mission is to support families impacted by cancer means a lot to me; your commitment not only empowers students like myself, but also uplifts entire communities. I sincerely appreciate your kindness and the difference you’re making in my life. I hope to honor Sharra Rainbolt’s memory by inspiring my students and giving back to others in the future. Thank you, Nicole Norton”
Takiya Henson — 2026 winner
“Dear Shred Cancer Association, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for selecting me as a recipient of the Sharra Rainbolt Memorial Scholarship. Receiving this award is truly meaningful to me, and I feel both honored and thankful for your support. …As someone who has experienced firsthand the profound impact cancer can have on a family, I know how challenging it is to balance emotional struggles with financial burdens. This scholarship eases those worries and gives me the freedom to focus on my studies and future aspirations. As a low income student I am truly grateful, this has helped me in many ways in continuing my education. As a junior pre-law student at Cornell University, I’m passionate about advocacy and using my experiences to help others. This support brings me one step closer to my goal of making a difference through the legal field, empowering those who may not have a voice. I’m honored to carry on Sharra Rainbolt’s legacy through this scholarship. Your dedication to helping students affected by cancer is truly inspiring. The kindness shown by the Shred Cancer Association motivates me to work harder and to one day give back to others who face similar challenges. I am sincerely grateful for your belief in my potential and your generosity. Thank you, Takiya Henson”
Michelle Goldberg — 2026 winner
“Dear Shred Cancer Association, Thank you so much for your generous scholarship and the work you do for so many young people and students. I'm presently at nursing school at University of Rochester and received notice of the scholarship on the elevator up to my first clinical shift at the hospital. …Knowing that my next semester's fees are covered gives me considerable peace of mind so I can devote myself to this very challenging program. I chose to go into nursing because of how nurses cared for my mother as she was battling stomach cancer. I hope to be the kind of nurse that can be a compassionate and humanizing force in a family's life as they are going though some of their hardest and most meaningful times. All best, Michelle Goldberg”
Thomas Timothy Tart — 2026 winner
“Dear Shred Cancer Association, I want to sincerely thank you for choosing me as a recipient of the Sharra Rainbolt Memorial Scholarship. It truly means so much to be recognized and supported in this way, especially given the powerful mission behind this award. …I'm honored to carry on Sharra Rainbolt's legacy through this scholarship. As someone whose family has been deeply affected by cancer, I understand firsthand the emotional and financial challenges that come with such an experience. Receiving this scholarship eases the financial strain and allows me to focus wholeheartedly on my education and community service, rather than worrying about how to cover tuition. My passion lies in developing systems and programs that empower African American and Black men to become leaders in their fields. I’ve dedicated myself to mentoring and supporting others, volunteering my time to help people of all ages and backgrounds reach their goals. With your support, I can continue working toward my dream of building programs that offer both professional development and personal growth within my community. Your commitment to helping students like me, whose lives have been touched by cancer, is truly inspiring. Knowing that there are organizations out there dedicated to not just raising funds, but also raising spirits and opportunities, fills me with hope and gratitude. Thank you for your incredible generosity and support. I’m determined to make the most of this opportunity and, one day, give back to others in the same spirit. Thank you, Thomas Timothy Tart”
Owen Hubbard — 2026 winner
“Dear Shred Cancer Association, I want to express my sincere appreciation for being chosen as a recipient of the Sharra Rainbolt Memorial Scholarship. It means so much to me to be recognized by an organization that understands the unique challenges faced by students whose families have been impacted by cancer. …I’m truly honored to carry on Sharra Rainbolt’s legacy through this scholarship. Your support has lifted a significant financial weight from my family’s shoulders and is allowing me to focus on my studies and leadership roles at Drake University. After supporting my dad through his AML diagnosis and seeing the toll it took on us emotionally and financially, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to balance hope for recovery with the reality of mounting expenses. Your generosity makes it possible for me to pursue my passion for advocacy and public service, especially my commitment to healthcare reform so that no one ever has to choose between lifesaving care and basic needs. The mission of the Shred Cancer Association really resonates with me. Your dedication to supporting students like myself, through fundraising and community engagement, is inspiring. I’m grateful to be part of a community that’s working to create brighter futures for those touched by cancer. Thank you for believing in me and investing in my education. Your kindness not only makes a difference in my life, but it also motivates me to pay it forward. I hope to honor this gift by continuing to give back, advocate for others, and make a positive impact wherever I can. Thank you, Owen Hubbard”
Madison Blankenship — 2026 winner
“Dear Shred Cancer Association, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for selecting me as a recipient of the Sharra Rainbolt Memorial Scholarship. It truly means so much to be recognized and supported by an organization whose mission resonates so personally with my own experiences. …Receiving this scholarship lifts a tremendous weight off my shoulders, as it helps ease the financial strain that comes from navigating both the emotional and economic challenges of cancer in my family. Your generosity gives me the peace of mind and motivation I need to stay focused on my studies and keep moving forward toward my dreams. Growing up surrounded by healthcare, I’ve witnessed firsthand how illness impacts families, and it inspired me to pursue a career in the healthcare field. I’m committed to making a positive difference for others, just as so many dedicated professionals and supporters have done for me and my loved ones. I’m honored to carry on Sharra Rainbolt’s legacy through this scholarship. Your compassion and dedication to helping students like me are a true inspiration. I hope to embody these same values as I work toward my goals and, one day, give back to those in need. Thank you, Madison Blankenship”
Esperance Bukenya — 2026 winner
“Dear Shred Cancer Association, I want to sincerely thank you for awarding me the Sharra Rainbolt Memorial Scholarship. Being selected for this honor fills me with gratitude and pride, especially given the profound challenges my auntie and I have faced due to cancer. …I'm so appreciative of your mission to support students like me who have been personally touched by this illness, and I’m glad to have learned about Sharra Rainbolt through this scholarship. Your generous support will ease the financial strain of my education, making it possible for me to focus on my studies and continue working toward my dream of becoming a physician-scientist. I aspire to provide the highest standard of patient care in the hospital and to contribute to research that can unravel the complexities of brain diseases and cancer. This scholarship not only brings me closer to these goals but also inspires me to give back to others who are battling similar challenges. Knowing that your organization is dedicated to helping students affected by cancer motivates me to honor your trust by working hard and, one day, uplifting others in need. Thank you for your kindness and for investing in my future. Thank you, Esperance Bukenya”
Madison Thomas — 2026 winner
“Dear Shred Cancer Association, I am incredibly honored to be a recipient of this year's scholarship. When I wrote my essay, I never imagined that it would allow me to attend college this year debt free. …It has completely changed my life. It's been nearly two years since my mother's cancer diagnosis and at that time attending college seemed to be nothing more than wishful thinking. This scholarship made those dreams a reality for me. I thank you for the way in which you honor Mrs. Sharra Rainbolt. Her name is one I think of often when I imagine the upcoming school year. I intend to apply my absolute best effort and honor her through my studies. I'm pursuing a degree in education, and I want it to be known that this scholarship is not only contributing to my own schooling but to the education of a future generation of students I hope to leave an impact on. Best, Madison Thomas”
2025
Anthony Bufanio — 2025 winner
“Dear Sharra Rainbolt Memorial Scholarship Committee, I am incredibly grateful and honored to be chosen as a recipient of the Sharra Rainbolt Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship not only provides vital financial support for my studies at Georgetown University but also inspires me deeply as I pursue my passion for pharmacology. …Coming from a family that has faced health challenges, including my father’s battle with cancer, this scholarship holds special meaning for me. It strengthens my commitment to advancing research and making a real difference in the field of medicine. Thank you for believing in me and investing in my future. Your generosity encourages me to keep pushing forward and to give back to others in the same way one day. With Sincere Gratitude, Anthony Bufanio”
Sadie Hughes — 2025 winner
“Gratitude. Connection. Empathy. I felt these emotions waking up to an email announcing the winners of this year's Sharra Rainbolt Memorial Scholarship through the Shred Cancer Association. …I am honored to be among the scholars carrying on the legacy of Sharra, a young mother—a victim of cancer's thievery. Thinking of Sharra's children, I cried for them. I understand the deep chasm loss leaves behind. Sharra was so young, so beautiful. I sense her vibrancy from her pictures and the tributes others make in her memory. Like Sharra, I have three children myself, two boys and a girl. I will think of Sharra along my journey. I wish she had the same opportunity in her life that the scholarship so generously offers me today. To Sharra's family, thank you for sharing your mother through this memorial scholarship. To the Shred Cancer Association, thank you for this opportunity. I will bring Sharra's memory with me as I begin law school. I am thankful to play a part in her story. Thank you for believing in my story.”
Aliyah Harris — 2025 winner
“This scholarship touches a part of me that still hurts. Cancer didn’t just affect my family it changed us forever. …The stress, the pain, the financial weight… it’s something you never forget. Being chosen for this feels like someone out there sees that struggle and wants to help me keep going for my career for cancer research and becoming a radiation therapist and the purpose I feel God truly wants me to take!!! I’m truly overwhelmed with gratitude. Thank you for believing in me when I needed it most this means more than you’ll ever know.”
Ornella Makolo — 2025 winner
“Dear Shred Cancer Association, Thank you so much for awarding me this scholarship. I can’t begin to express how much this means to me; not just financially, but emotionally. …Your support comes at a time when I’ve been navigating so much, and receiving this was a reminder that I’m not alone. It feels like a little light in the middle of everything. This Scholarship is helping me pursue my graduate education and continuous effort toward my goals remain my priorities. I am deeply honored to be selected as a recipient and sincerely thank you for your belief in me and the invaluable support you provide to those affected by cancer. With heartfelt gratitude, Ornella Makolo.”
Ella Stone — 2025 winner
“This scholarship means the world to me. It’s going to help me afford my school! Thank you so much”
Chan Park — 2025 winner
“Dear Shred Cancer Association Committee, I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for selecting me as a recipient of the Sharra Rainbolt Memorial Scholarship. I was both honored and humbled when I received notification of this generous award. …This scholarship will significantly alleviate the financial burden of my Master’s program in Mental Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Your support allows me to focus more fully on my academic pursuits and the meaningful research that drives my passion. My graduate studies are deeply focused on developing innovative approaches to support pediatric patients during long-term hospitalizations. Many children confined to inpatient units for extended periods unfortunately miss experiencing the brightness of the world due to their illnesses. My mission is to ensure these young patients do not lose hope or succumb to emotional and mental health challenges while undergoing treatment. Through my research, I am developing methods to help these children maintain their connection to the joy, wonder, and beauty of life beyond hospital walls, so they can look forward to experiencing all the good and exciting aspects of the world once they recover. Your organization’s commitment to supporting this work demonstrates not only an investment in my education but also in the wellbeing of countless children facing difficult medical journeys. Your generosity directly contributes to research that will help transform the inpatient experience for our most vulnerable young patients. I promise to honor your belief in me by pursuing this mission with unwavering dedication. Thank you again for your generosity and for helping make this important work possible. I look forward to sharing the outcomes of my research and the positive impact it will have on pediatric patients.”
Catherine Anyango — 2025 winner
“Dear Shred Cancer Association, I am truly honored and grateful to be chosen as a recipient of the Sharra Rainbolt Memorial Scholarship. It means a great deal to me to carry forward Sharra Rainbolt’s inspiring legacy through this scholarship, especially as someone personally touched by cancer within my family. …Your generosity provides vital support that allows me to continue my education without the heavy financial burden often associated with cancer treatments. This scholarship alleviates a significant worry and enables me to dedicate myself fully to my studies. My passion is advocating for those who lack a voice; children, marginalized groups, animals, and underserved communities, and this program helps me develop the skills needed to create meaningful change through strategic communication. Your support brings me closer to making a positive impact by raising awareness and influencing policies that protect and empower vulnerable populations. I am deeply inspired by your mission to support students and families affected by cancer, understanding the financial challenges they face. Your kindness not only eases my journey but also encourages me to give back and help others overcome their difficulties. Thank you sincerely for your generosity and for investing in my future. I am committed to honoring Sharra Rainbolt’s memory by working diligently toward justice and equality for those who need it most. With heartfelt appreciation, Catherine Anyango”
2024
Wendy Parcel — 2024 winner
“Thank you so much! I very much appreciate your kindness to me and everything you do.”
Taylor Adams — 2024 winner
“Thank you so much! I am incredibly grateful to be awarded this scholarship. It will be tremendously helpful for me and for my family. …I’m so close to graduating and this scholarship helps relieve some of the stress surrounding school expenses. I will always appreciate your support, thank you.”