When cancer strikes in young adulthood, it disrupts more than just your health – it interrupts the very foundation of who you're becoming. Our dear friend Kayla Schmitz (Redig) showed us this truth through her powerful journey, not just as a 24-year-old cancer patient but as a relentless advocate determined to change the narrative for young adult cancer patients.

Through her groundbreaking documentary "Vincible," Kayla bravely pulled back the curtain on the often-overlooked challenges young adults face when battling cancer. She taught us that healing extends far beyond medical treatment – it's about wrestling with questions of fertility and future parenthood, navigating intimate relationships when your body feels foreign, and finding your footing with mental health when your world has been upended. These are the conversations that weren't happening in hospital corridors, the struggles that weren't addressed in standard treatment plans.

The Young Adult Cancer Survivor Scholarship honors Kayla's vision and determination. It's designed for survivors aged 18-39 who, like Kayla, refuse to let cancer define their story. We recognize that while treatment may end, the journey of rebuilding and rediscovering yourself continues. Whether you're pursuing education, professional development, or creative projects that amplify young adult cancer voices, this scholarship supports your path forward.

Kayla showed us that being "vincible"—acknowledging our vulnerability while fighting for change—isn't a weakness. It's a profound source of strength that can transform not just your own healing journey but the experiences of the 70,000 young adults diagnosed with cancer each year. Your voice, your dreams, and your determination to thrive matter. We're here to help you write the next chapter of your story.