Celebrating our 2026 Scholarship Recipients!

Alina Cubaynes

Alina was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia at just two years old. Although she has been cancer-free from a young age, she continues to live with the long-term effects of treatment. Now graduating with her 2026 class, Alina will begin post-secondary studies at Bow Valley College with plans to become a Health Care Aide. Her own experiences have inspired her to provide the support she has received throughout her journey.

Arianna Diaz

Arianna’s life turned upside down in Grade 11 when she was diagnosed with a pineal parenchymal tumour of intermediate differentiation. She went to Florida for proton therapy while also contributing to research into her rare cancer. Community became important to Arianna during this time. She connected with Scarves of Hope, a nonprofit that sends scarves from survivors to patients undergoing treatment, which helped her feel grounded through the changes she was experiencing. After completing Grade 12, Arianna will pursue a degree in Forestry for Bio-Economy and Technology at the University of British Columbia.

Celia Yarish

Celia was diagnosed with an atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumour. Her cancer experience taught her determination, hard work and the importance of extending kindness and compassion to others. Through Kids Cancer Care’s Teen Leadership Program, Celia has grown in confidence, strengthened her leadership skills and learned to work with people from diverse backgrounds. Her experience has also helped her become more intentional about her values and what she cherishes in life. Celia will attend the University of Victoria to pursue a Bachelor of Social Science.

Chanhwi Choi

After being diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, Chanhwi quickly became involved in Kids Cancer Care programs. Known as Chan, he has grown into an impactful leader at Camp Kindle, completing the Leadership Development Program and receiving the Inspirit Kindie Award in 2025. Chan will continue giving back as a camp counsellor at Camp Kindle before beginning his studies at the University of Alberta, where he plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Computing Sciences with a minor in physics.

Charisse Shang

Following her diagnosis of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Charisse found strength in the love and support of her family and community. A longtime participant in Kids Cancer Care programs, Charisse says the organization helped reconnect her with a sense of normalcy during a time of constant change. Her experiences have inspired her to give back to the communities that supported her. Charisse hopes to become a business leader who leads with perseverance, positivity and care. This fall, she will begin a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Calgary, specializing in business technology management.

Julia Cortes-Garcia

Julia was diagnosed with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma at age 15. While she did not choose cancer, she chose how she would allow the experience to shape her and how she could use it to help others. Julia has always wanted to become a nurse, but experiencing health care from a patient’s perspective made that goal deeply personal. During her treatment, nurses provided more than medical care. They offered comfort, connection and the feeling of being seen as a person, not simply a patient. Julia will attend the University of Lethbridge to pursue General Sciences, with the goal of becoming a nurse.

Lucas Marchbank

Lucas was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which later developed into leukemia. Since his diagnosis, he has become a passionate advocate for childhood cancer research and support. Lucas designed a logo representing his cancer journey and created apparel featuring the design, donating 20% of the profits to Kids Cancer Care. He has also shared his experience with the broader community. Growing up on his family’s ranch and participating in 4-H helped Lucas develop his public speaking and community service skills. He will continue building on those experiences while pursuing a Certificate of Christian Ministry at Millar College of the Bible in Sunnybrae, British Columbia.

Madelyn Karpinski

Madelyn was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma. During treatment, she had to take a break from volleyball, a sport she had grown up playing. Since going into remission, she has returned to the court. Her coach describes Madelyn as a leader who treats everyone with respect and helps create a positive environment for her teammates. She will carry that optimism, resilience and leadership into her future studies at Mount Royal University, where she will enter the Bachelor of Nursing program. Madelyn has always wanted to pursue a career in health care, and her own treatment experience helped lead her toward nursing.

Maksym Lupul

After immigrating to Canada from Ukraine, Maksym was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. The support he received inspired him to give back and help others. Maksym tutors Ukrainian children who are new to Canada, helping them navigate new school systems, and organizes events for Ukrainian newcomers. A black belt in karate, he also coaches younger students in martial arts. Maksym hopes to become a health specialist focused on improving care for underserved and disadvantaged communities. He will begin pursuing a Bachelor of Science at the University of Calgary.

Savannah Button

Savannah was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and became involved in Kids Cancer Care programs. Two programs that have had a particularly meaningful impact on her are the PEER exercise program and the Teen Leadership Program. These programs helped Savannah connect with others, find a sense of belonging, step outside her comfort zone and build confidence and leadership skills. Inspired by her own experiences, Savannah hopes to support young people with their mental health by providing understanding, support and hope. This fall, she will pursue the Child and Youth Care Program at Bow Valley College.

Braydon Thomas

Before his leukemia diagnosis, Braydon was an avid athlete. Through sport, he developed discipline, perseverance and an understanding of how to manage stress and pace himself while pushing his limits. Those lessons became an important source of strength during his cancer experience. Braydon now plans to continue building on his love of movement and sport by pursuing a Bachelor of Kinesiology at the University of Lethbridge. One day, he hopes to open his own clinic.

Brooke Krabben

Brooke was diagnosed with diffuse astrocytoma as a teenager. Despite undergoing treatment, she continued to give back and stay curious about the world around her. Brooke serves on the Alberta Children’s Hospital Child and Youth Advisory Council, sharing her lived experience to help inform health care programs and resources for future patients. She has also contributed a patient and youth perspective to research projects. These experiences sparked her passion for medical research. Brooke will attend the University of Calgary to pursue a Bachelor of Health Sciences, majoring in Health and Society, along with an inquiry-based research project.

Jared Masyakin

Jared was diagnosed with stage 2 neuroblastoma at just four months old. While he does not remember much of his early cancer journey, he has experienced the lasting impact of the broader community and health care community throughout his life. Those experiences inspired Jared to pursue a career as a paramedic firefighter with the Lethbridge Fire Department’s integrated Fire-EMS service. He will begin his second year of the Advanced Care Paramedic Diploma at SAIT this fall. His experience as a certified personal trainer and fire cadet with the Calgary Fire Department has helped propel him toward his goals.

Joel Kirton

Joel was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. His treatment and recovery gave him a new perspective on how the body heals and the important role movement can play in restoring strength, confidence and well-being. After months of physiotherapy and training helped him return to sport, Joel became interested in anatomy, physiology and human movement. He will begin a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Lethbridge this fall, with hopes of helping others recover and improve their quality of life. For Joel, receiving this scholarship represents support from a community that has been an important part of his journey.