Savanna Vinson
Savanna Vinson is a 20 year old student who currently attends University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and plans to graduate May 2027. Being a college student and daughter who witnessed her mother being a breast cancer survivor is what qualifies her for this scholarship. Here's what she has to say about how breast cancer has changed her life and her journey with breast cancer as a supporter.
"I was young, but I do know that cancer sucks. Cancer is the worst kind of disease any person can have in their lifetime. I have had several family members who have had cancer. This brings me to share a story about a SURVIVOR! My Mom! My Warrior! My example of STRENGTH and determination; and her testimony of her battle with cancer. My Mom has been a breast cancer survivor for 18 years. Her breast cancer diagnosis came only a few months after I was born. For as long as I can remember, my mom has had to soldier up against this attack on her body; all while being a mom. My mom! (Tammy). She is a very caring, sweet and loving individual. And please don’t let me forget to share that she is a phenomenal cook.
Her symptoms and side effects from chemotherapy. The frequent doctor’s appointments, the pain (that she tried to hide from me and my younger sister), the medications; everything became more apparent. My mom made sure my sister and I did not miss a beat with her being sick. Growing up and understanding what having breast cancer can do to a person, what other illnesses it leads to. Watching my mom get sick and have heart problems, which would have her in the hospital several times; still makes me emotional. My sister and I would usually be with a family member who would take us to school.
As a result, the repercussions of my mom's breast cancer affected her body and life, but for me it affected my childhood. With her having to deal with the aftermath of breast cancer made it hard for her to live. Dealing with health problems and raising 2 kids on her own wasn’t easy. As a single mother she must rely on checks in order to take care of my sister and me. Since she had heart problems, she couldn’t work a job because of her health problems, which made a way for her to become a stay-at-home mom. It helped me be good at school. That would make me the scholar that I am today."