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Jersey City Awards $10,000 Scholarship to Cancer Survivor

Celebrating scholarship awards for cancer survivors at a restaurant event.

News Summary

Victoria Ordonez, a young cancer survivor from Jersey City, has received a $10,000 scholarship to aid her medical degree journey. The surprise award was presented by Cancer for College during a special event at Jersey Mike’s, underscoring their commitment to supporting students overcoming cancer. Ordonez, who battled sarcoma, aspires to become an oncologist to help others navigate the challenges of cancer. With the scholarship, she aims to relieve the financial burden of medical school and fulfill her dream of making a positive impact in the medical field.

Jersey City Hosts Scholarship Award for Cancer Survivor

Jersey City, NJ – Victoria Ordonez, a determined young cancer survivor, has been awarded a $10,000 scholarship to support her pursuit of a medical degree. This scholarship is a vital step as Ordonez prepares to enter medical school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) this fall.

The scholarship was awarded to Ordonez during a surprise event at Jersey Mike’s restaurant, where she initially thought she was attending an interview for Cancer for College, a non-profit organization that provides college scholarships to cancer survivors. The partnership between Jersey Mike’s and Cancer for College aims to aid students who have overcome cancer, enabling them to achieve their educational goals and dreams.

Ordonez, who has bravely battled sarcoma for the past five years, has set her sights on becoming an oncologist. Her aspiration stems from her personal experiences with cancer and a desire to help others navigate similar challenges. She expressed surprise and disbelief upon learning about her scholarship award, showcasing the emotional impact this recognition has had on her journey.

Jersey Mike’s Support for Cancer Survivors

Wednesday marked a significant day for jersey Mike’s as it also coincided with their Day of Giving. On this special day, 100% of the profit from sandwich sales at various locations were directed toward supporting other Cancer for College scholars, further emphasizing the restaurant’s commitment to philanthropy and community support.

The partnership with Cancer for College exemplifies how businesses can contribute to meaningful causes and assist individuals in their educational pursuits. The scholarship awarded to Ordonez not only eases the financial burden associated with medical school but also serves as a testament to her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Victoria’s Journey and Future Aspirations

Having survived a life-threatening illness, Ordonez’s story stands as an inspiration to many. Her diagnosis of sarcoma, a type of cancer that affects connective tissues, was a challenging ordeal, but it never deterred her from her dreams. With this scholarship, she is determined to make a difference in the field of medicine, particularly for those who have faced similar battles.

Ordonez’s goal to become an oncologist reflects her commitment to not only understanding cancer from a medical perspective but also providing emotional and psychological support to patients dealing with the disease. Her unique experiences as a survivor grant her a valuable insight into the difficulties encountered by cancer patients, which she aims to incorporate into her future practice.

Background on Cancer for College

Cancer for College was founded to address the educational needs of cancer survivors. The organization’s mission is to provide scholarships that allow these individuals to attend college, and ultimately pursue their career aspirations. Many of the scholarship recipients have faced significant health challenges, demonstrating exceptional resilience in their academic journeys.

The collaboration between Cancer for College and businesses like Jersey Mike’s reinforces the necessity of community involvement in supporting cancer survivors during their educational pathways. Such initiatives not only provide direct financial assistance but also foster awareness and promote greater understanding of the challenges faced by those affected by cancer.

As Victoria Ordonez embarks on her medical school journey, her experience and resolve pave the way for a promising future. The scholarship not only symbolizes a financial boost but also recognition of her tenacity and hope to influence the lives of countless others facing similar hardships.

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STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER

The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.

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