Tampa, Fla. (Aug. 18, 2005) – Children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer oftentimes put their hopes and dreams on hold. Fighting this disease depletes families of resources that could be used for future endeavors and diminishes hope that their children will one day attend college. But for five Florida teens, the dream of college is now a reality thanks to the American Cancer Society and a south Florida family that is honoring their father, Nicholas R. Chiera, who died from cancer. Last spring the Chiera family, through the proceeds of their annual Nicholas R.
Chiera Golf and Tennis Classic in Palm Beach County, earmarked a portion of the tournament proceeds to fund five college scholarships offered through the American Cancer Society R.O.C.K. College Scholarship Program.
The R.O.C.K. College Scholarship Program is one of three American Cancer Society, Florida Division R.O.C.K. (Reaching Out to Cancer Kids) programs designed to enhance the quality of life for all Florida children who are fighting and surviving cancer. The other programs, R.O.C.K. Camp and Families R.O.C.K. Weekend, are funded, in part, by the remainder of the Nicholas R. Chiera Tournament proceeds.
The Chieras have long been supporters of the American Cancer Society’s R.O.C.K. Camp. In twelve years, the Nicholas R. Chiera Golf and Tennis Classic has raised more than $1.5 million dollars to enable children with cancer to attend this weeklong camp experience. Three years ago they expanded their support to include the American Cancer Society’s Families R.O.C.K. Weekend and R.O.C.K College Scholarship Program.
The five recipients of the American Cancer Society/Nicholas R. Chiera College Scholarship are Ryan Moyer of Coral Springs; Marc Thomas O’Keefe of Boca Raton; Heather Quinn of Boca Raton; and Ella Leung of Wellington, all of whom previously received the scholarship, and David Margulis of Plantation, a new recipient who attends Florida State University.
“These college scholarships represent a vote of confidence, from both the American Cancer Society and the Chiera family, in these five young cancer survivors,” said Evelyn Foster, chairman of the R.O.C.K. College Scholarship Committee for the American Cancer Society, Florida Division.
Moyer, a leukemia survivor, is beginning his third year at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, majoring in mechanical engineering. He was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in October of 1991. After undergoing two and a half years of extensive chemotherapy, the disease went into remission. At the age of 16, the cancer came back. Because he was unable to attend a regular high school, Moyer enrolled in the hospital homebound program and graduated as class valedictorian with a 4.0 grade point average.
O’Keefe, a mucoepidermoid carcinoma survivor, is beginning his third year at Florida International University in Miami, majoring in music.
O’Keefe has persevered through two major surgeries as well as 33 radiation treatments. He was a member of the Olympic Heights High School jazz band, marching band and successfully competed in a variety of state music competitions.
Heather Quinn survived a medulloblastoma tumor of the brain, diagnosed when she was 16 years old. Prior to having cancer, Quinn was an accomplished athlete who regularly played softball, soccer and volleyball.
Although she cannot play sports any longer, she stays in touch with her friends by keeping score at softball games. Heather is enrolled in Palm Beach Community College’s physical therapy assistant program.
Ella Leung, a lymphoma survivor is starting her second year in the University of Miami’s prestigious six-year honors medical program. Since continues to excel academically, her dream of becoming an oncologist may very well become a reality.
“The pain and suffering that I have experienced has made me feel older than I really am and made me realize that I want to spend the rest of my years helping save lives,” Leung said. “I have a 70-year-old’s appreciation for life and an 18-year-old’s drive and energy to become an oncologist. Thanks to this scholarship opportunity, I’m well on my way.”
David Margulis is a melanoma survivor who was diagnosed in March of 2004. He is a music vocal performance major at Florida State University and sings opera, hoping to one day sing at the Metropolitan Opera.
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem through research, education, advocacy, and service. In Florida, there are three Hope Lodges, more than 35 American Cancer Society offices, and approximately 100,000 active volunteers. For information about cancer, call toll-free anytime 1.800.ACS.2345 or visit the American Cancer Society Web site at www.cancer.org.
Kristi Lam
Communications Manager
American Cancer Society, Florida Division
3709 West Jetton Avenue
Tampa, FL 33629-5146
phone 813.253.0541 ext. 223 fax 813.349.4482
