Each year we provide a scholarship of up to $2,000 to a deserving individual who has been diagnosed with childhood cancer.

Applicants must be enrolled in a post secondary institution and have demonstrated a committment to serving the community.

We encourage anyone to apply so you can benefit from this opportunity to help you with your education.

Please use this application form to apply.

2023 Scholarship Recipient - Rachel Marmer

 

In February of 2004, at the age of 4, Rachel was diagnosed with early acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). She underwent treatment at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto which included intense chemotherapy treatments and several blood transfusions. Rachel spent a vast majority of her first and second year of kindergarten in-hospital away from her peers while she battled cancer. In the spring of 2007, Rachel completed her final treatment and was deemed cancer free. Rachel has been in complete remission ever since.

Rachel attended the University of Guelph from 2018 to 2022 where she completed an Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. Currently, Rachel is enrolled in the Master of Science Psychotherapy Program at McMaster University with hopes of registering with the College of Registered Psychotherapists following the completion of her degree. In the future, Rachel hopes to provide therapy to children and families affected by serious illness. Rachel believes in the philosophy that “cancer changes a child’s life, but it does not define who they are” and hopes to inspire resilience in those who have a shared experience with serious illness.

Outside of being enrolled in full-time studies, Rachel enjoys playing competitive soccer, personal fitness and volunteering. Rachel has volunteered at a pediatric oncology summer camp over the last two years where she inspires “healing through happiness” with young children who have undergone, or are currently undergoing, cancer treatment.

Upon being selected as the successful scholarship recipient, Rachel says “I cannot express enough gratitude towards the Reid Cottick Little Heroes Memorial Foundation. Without generous donors like this, I would not be where I am today. This scholarship will have a significant positive impact on my studies.”

 

 

2021 Scholarship Recipient - Hannah Melnic

At age 7, Hannah was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), along with 8 spinal fractures (a complication from the ALL). She spent over two years undergoing chemotherapy treatments and spent a lot of time at both Cancercare Manitoba and the Children’s Hospital. Though it was a difficult experience, she feels that battling cancer has made her a stronger person.

In 2021, Hannah graduated from Miles Macdonell Collegiate’s International Baccalaureate Program and received a world languages certificate for studies in English, French and Spanish. Hannah attends Carleton University in Ottawa, where she has just completed her first year of studies. She is in the Bachelor of Journalism program, with minors in both History and Spanish.

Following her undergraduate degree, Hannah plans to work in the journalism field. She also plans to continue learning, whether that be pursuing another university degree or studying a new language. She wants to continue to find ways to give back to the communities that helped her while she was sick, through volunteer and charity work.

Hannah says: “I am extremely grateful and honoured to have been chosen as this year’s recipient. This scholarship will greatly help me continue my university studies.”


2020 Scholarship Recipient - Nathaniel Shewchuk

In January 2017 Nathaniel (Nat) was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (in Blast Crisis), a very rare disease among children. Nat experienced several life-threatening complications throughout his journey and spent several months in the hospital.  He needed a wheelchair and required many hours of physiotherapy to regain his ability to walk.  In September 2017, Nat underwent a bone marrow transplants; his younger brother Liam, was his donor.

To date, Nat is cancer-free, living the life of a "normal" teenager - obtained his driver's license, got a part-time job, and is attending the University of Manitoba with the intent of going into the Health Sciences.  Once COVID-19 is over, Nat hopes to get back to playing hockey - a sport he loves.


2019 Scholarship Recipient - Justin Neudorf

Justin is in his second year of studies at Canadian Mennonite University, pursuing a four year bachelor’s degree with a major in history and a minor in biblical/theological studies.  He enjoys skiing, reading, hiking and helping his community in various ways both within Winnipeg and beyond.

After his undergraduate degree, he plans on pursuing further education to become a teach or a professor of history, hopefully having the opportunity to integrate some of his theological background and knowledge into the program.  He has found it fascinating to study both subjects alongside each other.

When Justin was twelve years old, he was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a relatively rare type of bone cancer. He underwent one year of intense treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.  With the support of his family, community, church and medical providers, he was able to do what seemed impossible at twelve years old: beat the odds. Thanks to his  experience, he has gained a new outlook on life, faith, and interpersonal relationships, and is not taking any of that for granted.

On being notified of receiving the scholarship, Justin says “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity of being granted this scholarship, and I certainly hope I can put it to good and valuable use.”


2018 Scholarship Recipient - Chelsey Finney

Chelsey is in her fourth year of Booth University College’s Applied Psychology Program.  She enjoys volunteering in the community, being a Peer Tutor within her faculty and assisting professors with research projects.

Following her undergraduate degree, she hopes to earn her Masters in Counselling of Education and using this training to counsel adolescent patients (and their loved ones) as they navigate and cope with their cancer journeys, both before and after they have undergone treatment.

Chelsey was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at 10 years old.  She underwent treatment for three grueling years.  During her treatment, she experienced a series of side effect such as seizures, bone infections, depleted insulin, as well as bladder damage.  On April 18th, 2008 she was given clearance for remission.  Despite all the challenges during treatment, the peer support group program allowed her to make several genuine friends as they faced their challenges together.  She feels that having access to such programs is vital to the healing process.

Chelsey says "There are no words to express how grateful I am for this opportunity!!  The scholarship will allow me to continue pursuing my education toward my goal of helping others."


2017 Scholarship Recipient - Alex Blake

Alex is a first year student at the Asper School of Business, at the University of Manitoba. She is the Fundraising Co-Chair on the First Year Committee with the Commerce Students Association.

In January 2012, Alex was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma. She underwent several months of aggressive chemotherapy, radiation and a 14 hour surgery. After battling back the Ewings, she was diagnosed with therapy related AML. Alex was not discouraged and said "I got this." She received a grueling cord blood transplant in March of 2013 and has been cancer free since.

Alex realizes she wasn't as fortunate as some of her friends battling cancer who didn't survive. Since she has been well, Alex has worked tirelessly to give back. She has volunteered for Cancer Care Manitoba, the Dream Factory, and Canadian Blood Services, having helped to raise over $1 million in Manitoba to help establish a public cord blood bank in Ottawa.

On receiving the Reid Cottick scholarship, Alex says: "I am honored to be recognized and am encouraged to continue to volunteer to give back to the childhood cancer community."


2016 Scholarship Recipient - Kailee Rutherford

Kailee grew up in southern Manitoba as the oldest of three with a passion for hockey.  Her determination and hard work have followed her in all aspects of life, and a bone-cancer diagnosis at the age of sixteen was no exception.

Throughout treatments, the most difficult part for Kailee was watching the other kids dealing with cancer so young, and knowing there was nothing she could do to help them.

Kailee is now a third-year student at the University of Manitoba pursuing a career in medicine and research to help others who are sick.  In her spare time she has enjoyed volunteering at numerous locations.  She especially enjoys volunteering as a ward visitor at Children’s Hospital.  She has been where they are, in a sense, and feels she has much to offer them.  Along with volunteering she also enjoys spending time with friends and family as often as possible, but also enjoys relaxing with a movie, sketchbooks, or piano.

Kailee says "I am honored to have been chosen as this year’s scholarship recipient.  It will relieve some of the financial stress associated with the schooling ahead of me, and allow for more time to be able to continue volunteering."