Since 2007 the Tumour Foundation of BC has been providing educational scholarships to students in British Columbia, living with neurofibromatosis. We are pleased to offer the program again this year to students currently attending or planning to attend, a post secondary institution of education or training. A minimum of two financial awards, valued at $500 each, will be awarded annually. Funds may be use toward any post-secondary program and are applicable for the upcoming academic year.

Cameron: Award Recipient

Our first recipient is Cameron, a second year Engineering student at the University of Waterloo who has NF1. As Waterloo specializes in co-op education, Cameron is looking forward to working with a major semiconductor producer as a software developer in the upcoming year.

Outside of school, Cameron is active in athletics. "Growing up, Neurofibromatosis certainly had an impact on my ability to perform well in sports", Cameron recalls, but that didn't stop him from joining a recreational hockey league. He also participates in outrigger canoe paddling, having competed in many races and now coaching fellow athletes.

Cameron wants to tell other youth with NF that NF "is a condition and not a label; never let it stop you from believing in yourself". We wish him the best of luck as he continues his studies this fall.

Eric: Award Recipient

Eric Turchyn is an incoming first-year student at UBC Okanagan campus studying Computer Science and Data Science.

Eric is a diligent and highly motivated student, having balanced a part-time job at McDonalds with maintaining stellar grades, allowing him to gain entry into his first choice university program. He also participated in a leadership program throughout high school, eventually taking on leadership roles himself.

As well, Eric has taken part in an NF clinic trial, which lasted 18 months. Although he was diagnosed early on in his life with NF1, Eric shared that "it has been a difficult road but I do not let it deter me from doing anything".

Gabriel: Award Recipient

Gabriel is an incoming first-year student at UBC. He is an active member of his community, having worked as a mentor for younger students in Kung Fu while balancing a part-time job.

Gabriel has always been interested in science and math. "I felt that university is what all my hard work has been leading to, and I can’t wait to begin my studies", Gabriel shared. He is grateful for the support of the Tumour Foundation, as he says the scholarship will help him turn his passion for STEM into a fulfilling career.

Congratulations Gabriel and best of luck this fall!

Winnie: Award Recipient

Winnie is a UBC student with NF1 pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with the goal of eventually becoming a pediatric nurse.

Reflecting on the impact the Tumour Foundation scholarship has had on her, Winnie shared that "applying to this award not only gave me the opportunity to reflect on my experience as an NF1 patient and to share my story, but has also played an important role in lightening my financial burden when I was planning my post-secondary studies".

Winnie's dream of becoming a nurse stems from wanting to make a difference in patients' lives, just like the nurses she has interacted with have done for her. We wish Winnie the best of luck as she enters her third year of study at UBC this fall.

Laine: Award Recipient

The educational award helped me immensely with my education. I’ve completed my post secondary education, and now I'm beginning my career as a sound designer. In August I’ll be in Scotland, working as head sound designer on theatrical production for one of the worlds largest theatre festivals, The Fringe Festival. With out the love, support and generosity of the Foundation, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Who is Eligible:

• Application for an award is open to residents of BC who are living with neurofibromatosis.
• have applied to study, or are currently enrolled in a recognized educational program with the goal of increasing employability.
• are at least 17 years of age by August 1st in the year of application.

The Process:

Just complete the requirements of the application form and return it. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Read the Stories of Past Grant Recipients
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