Over the past 17 years, Kids Cancer Care has proudly awarded more than $522,000 in scholarships to 238 resilient young people whose lives have been touched by childhood cancer. Thanks to the Calgary Foundation, our scholarship fund now sits at over $1 million, ensuring this legacy of support continues for future generations. This fund helps level the playing field for childhood cancer survivors who face unique challenges—physical, emotional, cognitive, and social—that can impact their education and future.
This year, we are thrilled to recognize 20 outstanding scholarship recipients, each of whom has demonstrated courage, determination, and a passion for making a difference. Their stories are inspiring reminders that cancer may leave its mark, but it does not define them. This scholarship is our way of showing that we believe in each childhood cancer survivor and want to help give them the best start as they take the next step in their life.
Here are our 2025 scholarship recipients.
Brady McSween
Diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma at 15, Brady persevered through missed school years to follow his dream of becoming a video game developer. He is heading to Bow Valley College’s Centre for Entertainment Arts to study Advanced Game Development. Fun fact: Brady already speaks three programming languages—Python, C#, and Java!
Daniel Trujnikov
Daniel faced acute lymphoblastic leukemia in grade 6, an experience that shaped his resilience and appreciation for family and friends. This fall, he begins his studies in Information Technology Services at SAIT, while continuing to climb new heights with his love of bouldering.
Evan Preusser
After relapsing with Philadelphia-like ALL, Evan underwent a stem cell transplant and has since dedicated himself to giving back. He has fundraised for Kids Cancer Care and Make-a-Wish Canada and plans to study Aviation Management at Mount Royal University or Aviation Maintenance Engineering at SAIT, with dreams of becoming a commercial pilot.
Faith Dunn
Faith’s experience with Hodgkin’s lymphoma during the pandemic inspired her interest in sociology and education. She is now entering her third year at the University of Lethbridge, pursuing a combined degree in sociology and education with a minor in religious studies. Her passion is to empower younger generations.
Helen Liu
Diagnosed with leukemia at a young age, Helen’s resilience and empathy have fueled her dedication to justice and public service. She is beginning a Bachelor of Arts in criminology at Simon Fraser University, with aspirations to work in criminal justice.
Joshua Stalker
Diagnosed with medulloblastoma at age 5, Joshua has been part of Kids Cancer Care nearly his whole life. Despite being told he would never walk again or graduate from high school, Joshua proved everyone wrong. Passionate about computer programming, he is hoping to pursue a Bachelor of Computer Science at SAIT with dreams of working at Mojang Studios, the creators of Minecraft.
Laura Rushforth
Legally blind after being diagnosed with pilocytic astrocytoma, Laura has transformed challenges into leadership opportunities. From captivating audiences with her presentation “I See Leadership” to teaching Goal Ball. Laura inspires others daily and will continue to when she begins her business degree at Mount Royal University this fall.
Levi Barrenechea
Even while undergoing treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Levi completed a biathlon race and continues to coach and mentor others in the sport. This fall, Levi will study Automotive Service Technician at SAIT, with a goal of becoming a red seal mechanic.
Levi Hamm
Inspired by his leukemia diagnosis, Levi is pursuing a career in prosthetics and orthotics to help others. He begins a Bachelor of Science in biology at Mount Royal University this fall, with hopes of supporting children and Indigenous communities in the future.
Nyah Green
Nyah’s journey with ALL, two relapses, and a bone marrow transplant has shaped her into a fierce advocate for patients. She has served as both Alberta Children’s Hospital and Kids Cancer Care Ambassador. This fall, she begins a Bachelor of Science in Immunology at the University of Alberta, aspiring to become a pediatric oncologist.
Oscar Yip
Oscar was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia at 16. Grounded in his faith, he now gives back to youth at his church. He will pursue a Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Calgary, with dreams of also studying theology and writing a book about life’s biggest questions.
Rowan Fricke
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma and undergoing a knee replacement, Rowan has shown extraordinary community engagement through debate, volunteer work, and leadership roles. He will pursue a Bachelor of Health Science at McMaster University before heading to medical school.
Samuel Botheras
Despite being diagnosed with T Cell lymphoblastic lymphoma, Samuel has remained academically driven, aiming to graduate as valedictorian. He will pursue a Bachelor of Communications in Journalism and Digital Media at Mount Royal University, with dreams of reporting on the gaming industry.
Sloan McGinn-Thompson
Sloan, diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia at age two, has thrived academically and athletically. Sloan has excelled in advanced academics, tutored peers in STEM, and led on the volleyball, basketball, and track teams. With a love of science, he is headed to the University of Calgary to study Astrophysics this fall.
Sophie Hall
Diagnosed with ALL at age 4, Sophie is a dedicated student-athlete pursuing a Bachelor of Secondary Education at the University of Alberta, while playing on the university’s women’s basketball team. She dreams of inspiring her students both academically and personally.
Joel Gerbrandt
Once a hockey player, Joel now leads as a junior hockey coach and is an active member of Scouts Canada. With a passion for engineering and medical technology, Joel will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in hopes of creating innovations that change lives.
Kayden Nguyen
Kayden’s lymphoma diagnosis in grade 7 gave him the perspective that “you never know what someone is going through.” Inspired by the beauty of the night sky, Kayden is pursuing astrophysics and engineering at the University of Calgary.
Miley Michaelezki
Miley was diagnosed at age 4 with an anaplastic ependymoma brain tumour. Even through a few relapses, she is a dedicated and talented sledge hockey player and library volunteer. Miley plans to attend the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Online Library Clerk Program and later SAIT’s Library Information and Technology program.
Carson Presber
Diagnosed with a CNS germinoma tumour at 13, Carson is committed to living life to the fullest. He begins a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Calgary this fall, ready to make breakthroughs in medical technology.
Sameer Moosa
Diagnosed with retinoblastoma before his first birthday, Sameer has been an active part of Kids Cancer Care and the Royal Canadian Airforce Cadets. A passionate tutor and volunteer, he will pursue a degree in Chemistry at the University of Calgary, followed by Education, with hopes of becoming a teacher.
A heartfelt congratulations to all our outstanding scholarship recipients, you have earned it! Your determination, courage, and dreams inspire us all. Thank you for showing us what it means to face challenges with strength and hope. We cannot wait to see the incredible impact you will make in the world. Congratulations!
