Scholarship Helps Raleigh Native & Cancer Survivor Pay It Forward

A Raleigh native, inspired by her brother’s cancer fight, is using the experience to one day be an ally to others facing challenges of their own. Blakely Mckinion was recently honored as a recipient of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation’s scholarship program for childhood cancer survivors and their siblings. The scholarship reflects the Foundation’s dedication to supporting children and their families who have been affected by childhood cancer. Blakely, who bravely stood by her brother Harrison as he battled cancer when he was younger, is now a student at NC State. Studying psychology and nutrition, her long-term professional goal is to become a pediatric clinical counselor so she can pay it forward by helping kids like herself and her brother who are going through difficult times.

Blakely hopes to emulate the people who supported her through her brother’s fight against leukemia – like her teachers, who put in extra effort to help her with the midterms that fell shortly after Harrison’s diagnosis, helped her talk through the roller coaster of emotions she was feeling, and even organized daily prayer groups with her classmates.

“A childhood cancer diagnosis is one of the most unsettling circumstances that families can encounter, and treatment can require tremendous sacrifice, both emotionally and financially," said Eric Christophersen, president of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation. “All children deserve the opportunity to pursue their college dreams and live life to the fullest.”

Northwestern Mutual launched its Childhood Cancer Program in 2012 to find better cures and treatments, as well as to provide family and patient support. Many childhood cancer survivors and their families struggle financially because of costly treatment, so the scholarships are intended to help alleviate some of these burdens. Granted through the Northwestern Mutual Foundation’s Childhood Cancer Program, the scholarships are administered through Scholarship America. Each recipient receives an initial $5,000 to offset their tuition costs, and the scholarship can be renewed for a second year for a total of $10,000. The 35 students selected in 2018 demonstrated strong academic performance, financial need and leadership. Since the scholarship program launched in 2017, Northwestern Mutual has provided more than $175,000. Survivors and siblings affected by childhood cancer can apply for 2019 scholarships by January 30, 2019.