Pediatric Cancer Survivors Receive 2017 Dan Brooks Memorial Educational Award
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Thirty-three pediatric cancer survivors are off to college after receiving the Dan Brooks Memorial Educational Award. |
Stony Brook, NY, July 28, 2017 – On Thursday, July 20th, 33 students who had been treated at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital for pediatric cancer, were the recipients of this year’s Dan Brooks Memorial Education Award. The award ceremony was held at the Hilton Garden Inn on the Stony Brook University Campus.
The Sunrise Fund’s Daniel Brooks Memorial Educational Award for Students with Cancer was established in memory of Dan Brooks, a young man who completed treatment for leukemia at Stony Brook University Medical Center. Following his treatment, Dan went on to obtain his degree in Special Education. He felt his experience with childhood cancer motivated him to pursue a career helping children who also faced challenges. Additionally, Dan played a significant role in the development of the School Intervention and Re-entry Program, which transitions children with cancer back to the classroom following cancer treatment. Sadly, Dan’s life was cut tragically short in a motor vehicle accident. His spirit and dedication to education, and children with cancer, prevail through this program.
The award was first given in 2003 to 4 student patients. Since then, we have presented 356 awards to 125 patients, totaling over $258,000. 100% of this money was raised by the grassroots efforts of staff, patients and their families, and our neighboring communities via walk-a-thons, car shows, calendar sales, and more.
All graduates of the Pediatric Oncology Program at Stony Brook Children’s who are pursuing post High School education/training are eligible for this award.
This year’s recipients were:
Alexis Attardi, Adelphi University
Julianne Baker, Molloy College
Victoria Blydenburgh, SUNY Oneonta
Cheyenne Boulden, SUNY Albany
William Brennan, Stony Brook University
Dante Buonconsiglio, Suffolk County Community College
Amanda Cirrincione, University of Alabama
Ariana Cotignola, Fashion Institute of Technology
Rebecca Davan, Suffolk County Community College
Rachel Dennis, Utica College
Lindsey Ehrlich, Stony Brook University
Thomas Erler, Farmingdale State College
Nicholas Franzi, Mercy College
Donglue Guo, Stony Brook University
Kyle Gutman, Syracuse University
Ryan Harrington, Farmingdale State College
Joshua Heinzer, Suffolk County Community College
Drew Isacksen, Farmingdale State College
Adrian Jones, Johnson and Wales
Bryana Kern, Nassau County Community College
Zachary Krackow, Suffolk County Community College
Catherine Liang, Stony Brook University
Haley Mahr, Suffolk County Community College
James Martello, SUNY Albany
Dylan McGovern, Stony Brook University
Francesca Mollo, Villanova University
Megan O’Connor, Marymount Manhattan College
Tyler Ponzio, Limestone College
Dominic Pryor, Hofstra University
Rachel Ragone, Fordham University
Michelle Riff, Fashion Institute of Technology
Cody Rosato, St. Joseph’s College
Robert Whalen, Suffolk County Community College
To read about more of the Cancer and Blood Disorder Support Services at Stony Brook Children’s, click here.
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About Stony Brook Children’s Hospital
With 106 beds, more than 160 pediatric specialists in over 30 specialties Stony Brook Children’s Hospital is Suffolk County’s only children’s hospital. More than 8,000 children and young adults are discharged each year. The hospital is home to Suffolk County’s only Level 4 Regional Perinatal Center, Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the nation’s first Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center and also offers a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program, Pediatric Cardiology Program, Pediatric HIV and AIDS Center, and Cystic Fibrosis Center. To learn more, visit www.stonybrookchildrens.org.
