Awarded annually to a college-bound north of Boston high school senior whose parent either passed away from cancer, survived cancer during the applicant’s childhood years, or is currently undergoing treatment for cancer, and has an interest in pursuing a career in medicine. This scholarship is awarded in honor of Herbert H. Leventhal, MD.
Herbert H. Leventhal, MD was past president and long serving member of the Boston North Cancer Association’s Board of Directors. This scholarship honors his more than 49 years of dedicated and compassionate care for patients with cancer. A resident of Swampscott, Dr. Leventhal, now retired, treated patients at Lahey Medical Center, Peabody, MA and Lynn Hospital, Lynn, MA. He is a graduate of Harvard College and Tufts University School of Medicine and is a board-certified Radiologist, Radiation Oncologist.
When she first heard her mother had breast cancer in 2022, Giselle felt overwhelmed as she became her mom’s primary support system for two years, accompanying her to every medical appointment as a translator and source of comfort.
Adriana’s story is one of hope and resilience. Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer before Adriana was born and experienced a recurrence a year later. Despite being told she may never get pregnant, Adriana’s mother never gave up hope—and that hope was realized with Adriana’s birth. Through her mother, Adriana learned the importance of gratitude and the power of simple acts of kindness.
Beyond her academic achievements, Reese is deeply committed to giving back. She volunteers at Camp Sunshine in Casco, Maine, where she helps children undergoing cancer treatment enjoy a fun and memorable summer experience.
Jayden’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, and went through 18 months of extensive treatment of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. He said that “cancer taught him to be grateful for those who love and support me, especially my mom, my biggest cheerleader.” His mother taught him that whatever life throws you, you need to stay positive and roll with the punches. And his mom, though not feeling well through treatment, attended every one of his hockey and lacrosse games.
Lucille lost her mother to Gastric Stomach cancer at age 4. She said, “it has been the hardest thing I had to learn to live with; a piece of my identity, my role model missing from my life.”
After college, Nicholas pursued his interest in oncology conducting research at the National Institute of Health through UGSP, a program for high-performing students from disadvantaged backgrounds. His work focused on T-cell therapies for pediatric malignancies and on bladder cancer.
Her mom told Kaitlyn, “she was the greatest blessing in his story.” And through it all, he demonstrated to everyone what it means to be resilient regardless of the circumstances, to persevere through all adversity and to have fun along the way.
Ian’s journey has been deeply shaped by his family’s experiences with cancer. His mother has battled breast cancer three times—first diagnosed when he was in first grade and most recently during his senior year. Despite these challenges, Ian is grateful for the time he has spent supporting her, accompanying her to appointments, and, most of all, celebrating her victories over cancer. In addition to his mother’s diagnosis, his father has faced skin cancer, while both of his grandmothers have fought cancer.
Krysta’s mother passed away from Breast Cancer when she was two years old, and Krysta says she has an endless list of things she would give up to have known her Mom. Her aunt tells her that she’s a carbon copy of her mother, carrying her resilience, strength, sarcasm, and empathy.
Fueled by creativity and passion, Luke plans to pursue a career in film. He already writes, produces, and edits his own short films and interviews, and composes music and performs both as a solo artist and with a band.
P.O. Box 3153
Peabody, MA 01960
