An Oasis High School student is among three local graduates to receive a full-ride scholarship through Barbara’s Friends, Lexington Country Club Scholarship.
Caliah Russell, 18, will pursue her studies at the University of Central Florida.
“This scholarship means everything to me,” Russell said. ” Having these funds means I can live my life freely in college, while finding myself, making unforgettable memories, and creating foundations for my future career without the stress of finances.
The Lee Health Foundation also awarded Barbara’s Friends Scholarships to Luis Machado, 18, who graduated from Mariner High School, and Cali Trepkowski, 18, who graduated from Fort Myers High School.
The three graduates are all childhood cancer survivors who will pursue studies at a four-year college, or university in the spring.
“These recipients of the Barbara’s Friends Scholarship showcase remarkable resilience, determination, and a commitment to academic success, despite the adversities they’ve faced,” Dr. Emad Salman, vice president of operations and chief physician executive at Golisano Children’s Hospital, said in a prepared statement. “We are proud to support them as they pursue their dreams.”
The scholarships, endowed in memory of Frank Haskell, founder of Barbara’s Friends – Golisano Children’s Hospital Cancer Fund – are dedicated to supporting students who have received hematology or oncology treatment for cancer, or sickle cell disease at Golisano Children’s Hospital. This is the fifth year the scholarship was awarded.
Russell became involved with Barbara’s Friends when she began her treatment and has loved every second of charity work that she has done for them.
“So, it’s a major full circle moment to be receiving this scholarship from them. I have always appreciated the support they’ve given my family and I,” Russell said.
Just like any other senior, the stress of college set in her senior year, as she submitted applications, made decisions, and thought about putting funds aside while trying to enjoy her last year of high school.
“So, when I got the news that I had been selected for the scholarship, my life changed along with my mentality towards college. It no longer held this heavy weight for me because I don’t have to stress at all now. I can just enjoy myself and focus on academics, all thanks to Barbara’s Friends and Lexington Country Club, who sponsored this award,” Russell said.
Her school career began with the Oasis Charter School system, as she first began attending Oasis Elementary North as a kindergarten student before transitioning into Oasis Middle School in sixth grade, and graduating from Oasis High School on May 15.
“I enjoyed the closeness of the student body and staff as a lot of us knew each other for years upon years and grew up together. Oasis is always described as a close-knit family and it’s the truth. My favorite tradition, which I just got to participate in, is the 13-year club. All students who have been within the system for all K-12 get together and take a picture for the yearbook. On the last day of school, the entire graduating class also has a walk through the high school, the middle school, and both elementary schools to high five younger kids and connect with past teachers and siblings within the system as a last goodbye before graduating,” Russell said.
The recent graduate plans on studying hospitality management and tourism at the University of Central Florida. Her dream is to work in hotel management.
“I have been infatuated with travel and the different aspects of tourism for as long as I can remember,” she said. “My parents have been taking me to Disney World since I was 4 months old. I’ve always loved to travel, seeing new sights, taking in old history, and seeing which hotels I Like the best. I even chose to take a trip to Alaska as my Make-A-Wish. So, it was a natural response for me to choose hospitality management and tourism as my major – it combines all of my passions.”
Russell also enjoys helping others.
“I love doing charity work and helping others in any way possible, so living a life full of providing hospitality to others is my ideal career,” she said.
Russell chose the University of Central Florida as her school of choice because it was ranked No. 1 in the world for the degree she will pursue.
“My cousin also went there and pursued a hospitality major 10 years before me, so having him as a role model really sealed the deal as I have been able to see his career path and visualize how I could incorporate it into my own life,” she said.
Russell is now 14 years “free from cancer.”
She was diagnosed at age 3 after her mother noticed that she was very lethargic and just not herself one afternoon. Russell was very pale, and her lips were the same color as her skin.
“She took me right in to the pediatrician who sent us to pediatric hematology/oncology clinic at the Children’s Hospital,” Russell said. “After bloodwork and tests, I was diagnosed that day with leukemia by Dr. Salman.”
She was immediately admitted into the hospital. Her first stay was for six weeks straight.
“Barbara’s Friends was the sponsor of the hospital ward we stayed in, so we learned about their foundation early on in diagnosis. My full treatment plan was two and a half years of many, many different chemos. Some were IV, some injected directly into my spine and some oral,” Russell said. “Over the years, Barbara’s Friends helped us with food while in the hospital, so my parents never had to leave, events to allow us to feel like normal kids, holiday parties to spoil us, and so much more.”
She now feels great, only having to deal with tiny things caused by chemo that she has learned to accommodate for.
“I truly don’t think I would be as comfortable as I am now without the help of my nurses, doctors, and organizations like Barbara’s Friends,” Russell said.
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