F. John Bargoot, MD Memorial Scholarship

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.

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.

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.

Her “calling” for pediatric oncology medicine deepened when she met a 10-year-old boy with leukemia through the UMass Sidekicks program, which pairs medical students with pediatric patients with chronic illnesses. Kyle credits this young boy as the true inspiration, calling him her “hero.”

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”.

Last year, in Ryan’s second semester of junior year, he was diagnosed with cancer, requiring surgery and chemotherapy. Weightlifting was usually his coping mechanism, but he was unable to continue with weightlifting due to side effects from the chemotherapy. Undeterred, Ryan says, “regarding cancer’s impact on my future goals, it has only fueled my ambitions.”

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.

Last year, in Ryan’s second semester of junior year, he was diagnosed with cancer, requiring surgery and chemotherapy. Weightlifting was usually his coping mechanism, but he was unable to continue with weightlifting due to side effects from the chemotherapy. Undeterred, Ryan says, “regarding cancer’s impact on my future goals, it has only fueled my ambitions.”

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.

When Erin’s dad was diagnosed with cancer, he asked her to stay positive. Sadly, he lost his battle to liver cancer after just seven months, when she was only thirteen years old. Every day Erin wishes, and knows her dad also wishes, that he could be standing next to her for all life’s important moments. But, she says,” Michael Robert Paul shaped my life in more ways than I can count; whether that’s not to be afraid even when I might be, staying positive, and looking for the good, even in the darkest situations.”