Mary Barbuzzi Breast Cancer Memorial Scholarship

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.

Michael’s mother’s ovarian cancer diagnosis upended his family’s world. As his mother’s health declined, he witnessed her resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. In the wake of her passing, Michael was inspired to adopt her mindset in his own life, to honor his mom’s legacy. Michael says, “his mom’s memory serves as a guiding light to never lose sight of what truly mattered: love, family and faith. Her spirit guides him each day in gratitude, resilience, and a commitment to make a difference.

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.

Bridget witnessed firsthand the importance of a strong support system—both within her family and in the medical field. Her father’s recovery after thyroid cancer included physical therapy, and Bridget, too, has faced significant health challenges, undergoing four shoulder surgeries and extensive physical therapy. Inspired by the dedication of her father’s and her own physical therapists, Bridget has chosen to pursue a career in physical therapy.

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.

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.

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.

Last year, Isabella’s father was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer, and soon after developed lymphoma. It was difficult for her to watch her father lose his battle to cancer. Her dad was her best friend, and always her biggest fan, believing she could do anything. She says: ”I am forever grateful for everything he taught and did for me, and he forever lives in my heart”.

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.

When Braden was eight, he lost his father, his best friend, to cancer. He remembers his father telling him he loved him very much, wanted him to keep being the man he raised him to be, and to continue playing football. Braden always strives to be the best version of himself, to make his father proud and to honor his wishes.