2025 Dr. Eileen Gillan Honorary Scholarships

Supported by Andrew’s Ohana Foundation and the Abigail Zittoun Family Foundation

PURPOSE AND AWARD  

The REACH for the STARS Pediatric Cancer Survivorship Program at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (RFTS) is dedicated to creating unique programs and tools that enable pediatric cancer survivors to reach beyond the boundaries of their diagnosis and fulfill their ambitions while maintaining a high quality of life. The Dr. Eileen Gillan Honorary Scholarships include is a one-time scholarship of $1,000 awarded to one recipient each year, and one-time scholarships of $500 awarded to two recipients each year.  

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS - Previous RFTS scholarship awardees are not eligible to apply. 

Applicants must be:  

  • A graduating, high school senior in good standing  

  • A pediatric cancer survivor (A patient is considered a survivor from the day of diagnosis)  

  • Receiving/have received treatment from Connecticut Children’s Division of Hematology/Oncology 

  • Seeking an associate’s or undergraduate degree, or a vocational training program certificate 

  •  Enrolled in/awaiting acceptance from an institution of higher education or post-secondary vocational training program for fall semester of 2025

  •  An individual who demonstrates academic ambition and embraces a way of life that overcomes the obstacles of living with a cancer diagnosis  

THE SELECTION OF RECIPIENTS AND PRESENTATION OF THE SCHOLARSHIPS  

Selection of the recipient will be at the discretion of the scholarship selection committee. The recipients will be notified and asked to attend and speak at a reception held in honor of the recipients on May 28, 2025.  The scholarship check will  be made payable to the survivor for use covering college expenses directly related to post-secondary education or vocational training program.  

PROCEDURES  

To apply, submit a completed application postmarked by May 1, 2025.  

  • The application will need to be completed by the student  

  • Selection will be based on submission of the following: 

1.      A completed, signed application

2.      A copy of the applicant’s academic transcript

3.      A two-page essay describing a major personal experience, achievement, risk or ethical dilemma the applicant has faced and its impact on the applicant

4.      One letter of recommendation from a non-family member

5.      Completed W-2 and New/Change Vendor Forms with the applicant’s information