Davenport, Iowa (March 2017) – Gilda’s Club and CCKMA are excited to announce the following recipients, awarded $1,000 each, of the Cancer Kickin’ Scholarship:


  *   Cameron Christiansen, Muscatine, Iowa
  *   Karly Lent, Bettendorf, Iowa
  *   Katelyn McChesney, Rock Island, Ill.
  *   Sebastian Mireles, Muscatine, Iowa

Two of the receiving students are cancer survivors. The other two were impacted by a grandparent and family friend.

“Cancer has changed me; not for bad, but for good,” Mireles, a junior at Muscatine High School, wrote. “It’s been a blessing in disguise. It has made me stronger and I have had the opportunity to see how this disease changes people. I have seen the support of family, friends, and complete strangers in my time of need.”

A panel of celebrity judges – including Greg Dwyer, Denise Hnytka, John Marx and 2016 Miss Illinois Jaryn Franklin – scored 37 applicants on categories of Community/School Involvement, References and Essays to determine the winners.

“It was brave of the students to put their stories to paper to share with us,” said Kelly Hendershot, Gilda’s Club Program Manager. “Children and teens impacted by cancer experience a wide variety of emotions that can last well into adulthood. In addition to being a financial resource, we hope the essay writing was also a good exercise for the students in giving a voice to their experience.”

Recipients will be recognized on April 8, 2017 at QC Waterfront Convention Center (2021 State Street, Bettendorf) during the 10th Annual CCKMA Event. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

“This community has shown so much love and support for my late wife and her organization, CCKMA, that it just feels good to be able to give back to this community in such a positive way,” said Todd DeWilfond. “I'd like to congratulate the winners and thank all the applicants for sharing their stories with us.”

About Gilda’s Club
Free of charge, Gilda’s Club Quad Cities provides support, education and hope to all people affected by cancer.  As a Cancer Support Community affiliate, we are part of the largest employer of psychosocial oncology mental health professionals in the United States.  Our global network brings the highest quality cancer support to the millions of people touched by cancer.

About CCKMA
Angie DeWilfond, founder of CCKMA, was diagnosed with stage 3C ovarian cancer in 2007. The wife and mother of two young kids decided not to let Cancer Kick Her A..! In 2008, she held a small get together with friends and the support was so overwhelming that an annual fundraising event was held each year after that for much needed research funds. This annual event brings cancer survivors along with their family and friends to celebrate life. It is also an evening of tribute to those we have lost to cancer.

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