Two young men who have either suffered cancer or have seen cancer affect their families’ lives have been awarded scholarship money from the community cancer support group DeSoto Hope. The scholarship awards were presented on Tuesday evening.
The first recipients of the awards are Hunter Peeks and Reid Russell. They each received $2,500 in scholarship money from the DeSoto Hope board.
Peeks and Russell each submitted essays that were judged to determine who would receive the scholarship money.
DeSoto Hope said in announcing the recipients the pair are “inspiring young men whose lives have been shaped by cancer and who now carry that experience with courage and purpose into the next chapter of their lives.”
In Hunter’s essay, he expressed that cancer has had a profound effect on his family as his father has dealt with the disease. He reflected on the strength he’s witnessed in his father and the resilience it has sparked in him.
Reid Russell and familyHunter Peeks and familyReid Russell with DeSoto HopeHunter Peeks with DeSoto Hope
“The strongest person I know battles daily pain, and nothing tests me more than feeling powerless while I try to remain resilient for him and my family,” Peeks wrote. “It has opened my eyes in so many ways, especially seeing my dad fight through it all these years. My dad is my hero.”
Russell was diagnosed with cancer 10 years ago and in his essay, he shared how it has transformed his outlook on life.
“Cancer taught me never to take a single day for granted,” Russell wrote. “Each night, I ask myself: If I passed away tonight, did I give it my all? This question drives how I live. I wouldn’t wish my experience on anyone, I’ve learned that sharing my story can help other families facing similar battles.”
Russell attends the University of Mississippi and Peek attends Mississippi State University.
DeSoto Hope said a number of outstanding applicants submitted essays for the contest and that community support helped to fund the program.
The scholarship program will become an annual one and donations to it can be submitted when you CLICK THIS LINK.
A vision of cancer survivors and their supporters, DeSoto Hope has a mission to be sure no one feels forgotten during their cancer journey. What are called Hope Baskets are provided to those in DeSoto County who request them and who are beginning cancer treatment; offering comfort, encouragement, and support.
In addition, the support group offers Travel Grants to help individuals seek second opinions and the scholarships for students whose families have been impacted by cancer, the first awards of which were made Tuesday evening.
You may find out more about DeSoto Hope at their website.
