Tesimonials
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
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.”