Local cancer survivor recognized

Monday, September 22, 2008

Greencastle resident Kevin Celebi hasn't let cancer stand in the way of his dream of pursuing a college degree. Recently Celebi was awarded an American Cancer Society Young Survivor Scholarship. Celebi, who attends DePauw University, is one of 103 cancer survivors in Indiana and Michigan to receive a scholarship for the 2008-09 school year from the Great Lakes Division of the Society. This funding opportunity is available for young adults in Indiana or Michigan who have survived childhood cancer.

For the past 10 years, the Great Lakes Division's Young Survivor Scholarship program has helped young cancer survivors rebuild their lives and pursue their goal of higher education. Since 1998, the program has recognized 449 deserving cancer survivors with a total of $953,000 in scholarships.

"Cancer places such an enormous emotional and financial burden on the lives of these young students and their families," said Vicki Rakowski, chief operating officer, of the Society's Great Lakes Division. "

To meet eligibility requirements for the Young Survivor Scholarship, each applicant must be a cancer survivor age 20 or younger; a full time student with 12 or more credit hours; a minimum GPA of 2.0; a U.S. citizen and legal resident of either Indiana or Michigan and attending, or planning to attend, an accredited institution of higher education in Indiana or Michigan.

"To barely escape the clutches of cancer's menacing grip and to be awarded this scholarship from the American Cancer Society gives me an immense feeling of gratitude," said Celebi.

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  • Wonderful, Great to hear some good news for a change!!!

    -- Posted by skittlebug on Mon, Sep 22, 2008, at 6:46 AM
  • I am very honored and gratified that the B.G. wrote an article about me...I have always been determined to take the opportunity and second chance that was given to me and give it back to the world through the beauty of music, composition, helping people, listening, and doing whatever else is in my ability to earn the circumstance of life re-given...

    kc

    -- Posted by jazz on Mon, Sep 22, 2008, at 10:59 AM
  • Congratulations to Kevin whose music, positive attitude, and courage are such an inspiration and joy to those of us who know him. ...a well deserved honor!!

    -- Posted by Maeve04 on Mon, Sep 22, 2008, at 12:15 PM
  • Wonderful story. Life is a precious gift.

    -- Posted by cominatcha on Mon, Sep 22, 2008, at 2:02 PM
  • "Congratulations to Kevin whose music, positive attitude, and courage are such an inspiration and joy to those of us who know him. ...a well deserved honor!!"

    I don't know this young man, but I am inspired by his actions too. God bless you KC

    -- Posted by Xgamer on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 4:59 AM
  • Kevin is an outstanding trumpet student and an inspiration to many here at DePauw. This is well deserved indeed. I am pleased that this community has embraced him in such meaningful ways, enhancing all of our lives.

    -- Posted by Lennie Foy on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 12:48 PM
  • You guys should write a story on http:///cccscholarships.org

    They are a non profit dedicated to improving the lives of young adult cancer survivors by improving access to schools by giving out scholarships!

    -- Posted by bspoont on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 7:46 PM
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