Davenport, Iowa (April 2016) – Gilda’s Club and CCKMA are excited to announce the following recipients, awarded $1,000 each, of the first Cancer Kickin’ Scholarship:
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Alissa Calsyn, Davenport, Iowa
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Katherine Melbourne, Bettendorf, Iowa
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Emilia Porubcin, Coal Valley, Ill.
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Claudia VanOpdorp, Annawan, Ill.
Three of the receiving students have been impacted by parents and grandparents who have had cancer, one is a cancer survivor herself.
A panel of celebrity judges – including Greg Dwyer, Denise Hnytka, John Marx and Miss Iowa Taylor Weibers – scored 46 applicants on categories of Community/School Involvement, References and Essays to determine the winners.
“All four of the judges shared with me how touched they were by the stories they read,” said Kelly Hendershot, Gilda’s Club Program Manager. “It was brave of the students to put their stories to paper to share with us.”
Recipients will be recognized on April 9, 2016 at QC Waterfront Convention Center (2021 State Street, Bettendorf) during the 9th 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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