Erin Trujeque Memorial Scholarship awarded to 23 students for 2009-2010 Academic Year totaling more than $60,000.

The Erin Trujeque Memorial Scholarship was established in loving memory of Erin Trujeque. Proceeds of the Erin Trujeque Memorial (Gala, Pro-Am and Golf Tournament) make it possible for students who have undergone treatment for childhood cancer in New Mexico to continue their education beyond high school and to fulfill their educational and professional dreams. Several hundred scholarships have been awarded, since the inception of the scholarship program in 1989.

All students who have undergone treatment for childhood cancer are encouraged to apply for the Erin Trujeque Memorial Scholarship. Our criteria: The student must have been treated for childhood cancer in New Mexico and be registered for college or another post secondary institution in order to be eligible to receive a scholarship. Each student meeting the criteria is awarded a scholarship.

We work closely with the UNMHSC Pediatric Oncology Clinic staff to identify graduating seniors yearly.

• The UNMHSC Pediatric Oncology Clinic staff generates a list of students whose birth dates coincide with graduation dates in a given year.
• CCFNM provides an application packet to the UNMHSC Pediatric Oncology Clinic staff to send to potential applicants informing them of this scholarship opportunity.
• CCFNM sends funds directly to the institution of higher learning, each semester, stipulating that upon registration, the total should be applied to tuition fees and if none are owed, the balance is refunded to the student for use toward other educational expenses.
• Scholarships are renewable each year that the student is attending an institution of higher learning.

With the dramatic rise in tuition, fees, and book costs, the scholarship awarded to each student under this program is greatly appreciated, but simply not sufficient—even if a student has a (New Mexico) lottery scholarship. A resident student in the State of New Mexico, who lives on campus, must pay more than $8,000 per semester. This does not include the cost of books, or specific tools and supplies a professor might require. There are many associated costs of going to school and these costs accumulate rapidly. In addition, just in New Mexico this year in-state tuition was raised by 5% and out-of-state by 10%.

The scholarships have had a very positive impact on the students lives which is evident when you read through some comments we received from recipients.

Ashley - Clovis Community College

”Having cancer at age 13 was an awful occurrence. I cannot, however, in good conscience say that I would change my past. Everything that I have been through has created the person writing this letter. Having cancer was not a curse, but a blessing in disguise. I use my illness not as an excuse but as an inspiration. If I could help just one person realize how important life is, help just one person to realize that they can be better; then everything I went through was completely worth it.”

(18 years old, Diagnosed in 2005 with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma-Sate IIIB)

Sarah - New Mexico State University

“Having childhood cancer has taught me that life can be short sometimes, so do what makes you happy, and always have a positive attitude. I believe in giving back because I like to se people having fun and living life with happiness. I try to always see the strength of the child like my parents did and still do in me. I believe with a positive attitude I can overcome any obstacle in life, because I am a survivor. This experience has also helped me realize the importance of love and encouragement in a child’s life. Having childhood cancer has given me the determination to make my dreams a reality.”

(Age 20, Diagnosed in 1992 with Wilm’s Tumor)

Tash - Occidental College

“I was young, but I was fully aware that cancer killed people and I was next on the chopping block if I did not fight for my life. At times I felt like it was time to give up, but seeing my mom’s teary eyed face and hidden fear every time a needle plunged into my chest kept me going full throttle. Cancer was hard, to say the least, but I beat it. Who knows whether I will relapse and have to go through it all again, but I have realized that time is precious and every day of life is truly a gift and worth living to its full potential. I want to challenge myself just like cancer challenged me. It was time for me to try and move on and find a life free of needles, tears and hospital visits. It was time for college.”

(20 years old , Diagnosed in 2003 with ALL)

Vincent - St Mary’s University

“I have now been in remission for eight years. However, I am constantly reminded of what I lived with, as I take more than a dozen pills per day and inject myself with growth hormone every other day. I have never been able to grow my hair back, but that is a benefit for me. I shave what little hair I have and not only does it provide a unique look, it reminds me that cancer didn’t beat me. As awful and intrusive as my battle with cancer and its effects has been, the experience has given me an advantage in anything I do. I can persevere through anything.”

(20 years old, Diagnosed in 1999)