2024 Children of WunderGlo Scholarship Recipients

The 2024 Children of WunderGlo Scholarship Recipients- View their Thank You Collaboration Film here

In our seventh year of “The Children of WunderGlo Scholarship Program”, our 2024 student applicants touched our hearts and brought us great hope for the future of the world. The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation once again made the decision to step outside of our “scope” by awarding a total of Six (6) WunderGlo Scholarships to this year’s outstanding young men and women who graduated high school this year. Our 2024 scholarship recipients are comprised of six (6) students who each lost their father to colon cancer when they were ages 5-17. 

WunderGlo awarded Three (3) $4,000 Scholarships, and Three (3) Recognition Scholarships in the amount of $1,000.00.

We are beyond grateful to the family of Deborah Rachel Goldberg for their financial support to our WunderGlo Scholarship program this year, which increased our 2024 monetary award budget by $6,000 with their generous donation.

The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation is extremely proud to announce that this year’s 2024 WunderGlo Scholarships have been awarded to Six (6) outstanding students from • Maple Valley, Washington • Alexandria, Ohio • Quincy, Massachusetts • Porter Ranch, California • Aurora, Colorado •  Elk River, Minnesota.

Our scholarship recipients are five young woman and one young man who are now attending: • Biola University • The Ohio State University • University of Massachusetts Lowell •  UC Santa Barbara •  Rider University •  Grinnell College

The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation’s Annual Scholarships enhance the lives of young men and women throughout the country. Our hopes are that these remarkable young adults will always remember that The WunderGlo Foundation cares what they have been through, and we will always remember them. These are “The Children of WunderGlo”.

           

Courtney Crawford – 2024 Recipient of The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation Scholarship – in Memory of Jim Gainey

Courtney Crawford is a brilliant, talented and grateful young woman who is attending Biola University.

“Music has always been my foundation.
I began piano lessons when I was seven years old, but it was not until
my dad was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016 that piano became a passion. Feeling lost in waves of grief, the emotional outlet and mental challenge of music became my anchor.
While playing for my dad, I saw the true healing power of music revealed.
When I read The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation mission statement, I resonated with the goal of empowering and supporting those still fighting. I spent three years supporting one of the most important people in my life – and who needed it the most. The scholarship from The WunderGlo Foundation goes beyond financial aid: it is proof that there are people who understand the far-reaching impacts of cancer. My dad’s diagnosis changed my life. With the support of those around me, I can turn it into a change for good.
My dad left a legacy of hope. When a cure for colon cancer is found, it will be the single greatest way to honor his battle. Until that day, I carry his song in my heart.

When my dad passed away from colon cancer early in 2020, my life was turned upside down. At the time, I was 14 years old, and overwhelmed by grief and loneliness. Today, my life looks different. Receiving The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation Scholarship in Memory of Jim Gainey has been a powerful reminder that there are still so many good things in my life. While the funds will help me pay for college, the scholarship is so much more than money. It is a reminder that I am not, and never have been, truly alone. There are people who understand the painful effects that cancer can have on a family, and these people care about my future. As I prepare to study music therapy at Biola University, I am reminded of how far I have come over these past years. Thanks to the support from this scholarship and the donors who made it possible, my future is brighter. I am so proud, honored, and grateful to be part of The Children of WunderGlo!” – Courtney Crawford 

Congratulations, Courtney! The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation is proud to have chosen you to receive our top scholarship. You are an incredible young woman who is wise beyond your years; We wish you success at Biola University and throughout your amazing life ahead. Please view her individual Thank You video here.

           

Aja Irwin – 2024 Recipient of The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation Scholarship – in Memory of Jim Gainey

Aja Irwin is an incredible young woman who is attending The Ohio State University.

“After a lot of research on my dad’s illness, I became interested
in the study of other sicknesses as well.
I decided to take this information that I gained to the next level and go to The Ohio State Outpatient Care facility, where I shadowed a Nurse Practitioner and got a closer look at their day-to-day lives. As I work toward my Bachelor of Science in Nursing over the next several years, I am confident that my sense of determination will only intensify. Lending a helping hand to those in need has had a profound impact on my desire to be a nurse, and seeing the positive impact that caregivers have on patients has motivated me to deliver the same level of care and support. We all hope to one day see an end to colon cancer. Until that happens, with The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation’s support,  I want to be the hero that supports others’ during their battle.

Thank you for selecting me to receive The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation Scholarship allowing me to further my education. It is an honor to have been chosen. I was 7 years old when my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and he passed away exactly one year later. I miss him every day. As your Foundation continues their incredible research, I hope that one day soon there will be a cure for this horrible disease. Thank you WunderGlo Foundation for being a part of the fight because every child deserves to be raised and loved by two parents. I am so thankful to have been chosen to receive this scholarship which I will use to attend The Ohio State University in the fall, which by the way, is the college my dad attended. I know my dad is proud of me.” – Aja Irwin

Congratulations, Aja! You are a such a gifted young woman. Everyone at The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation is extremely proud to have chosen you to receive our top Scholarship. We wish you all the luck at The Ohio State University and beyond. Please watch her individual thank you video here. 

           

Kieran Collins – 2024 Recipient of The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation Scholarship – in Memory of Jim Gainey

Kieran Collins is a hardworking and kind young man who is attending University of Massachusetts Lowell.

“My father was a good man and a fantastic dad. Ever since I was little I would remember how he would constantly kiss me goodnight on the forehead every night without fail, the grizzle of his constant five o’ clock shadow always grazing and ticking my forehead. For years, I thought I could not have been gifted a better childhood. And then the diagnosis came. Colon cancer, and it was advanced. Losing someone so close to me so early in my life has been hard to reckon with, especially trying to understand how quickly and unexpectedly cancer can change the course of the lives of so many people. My dad gave so much of the final months of his life towards fundraising and raising awareness for cancer. He was a big supporter of ending cancer for good and providing support to those most affected by the tragic loss of parents to cancer. It means the world to me to see an organization like The WunderGlo Foundation supporting both research into helping those diagnosed with and battling cancer, as well as providing opportunities to children who have unfortunately faced such a devastating loss.

Losing a loved one is and will always be an irreversibly life changing event, and the scars of such an event never leave our hearts and souls. Knowing that there are people who devote their lives to sujpport those who have gone through such tragic losses is truly uplifting and inspiring. People like the staff and supporters of The WunderGlo Foundation have given their lives to making a difference and have stuck to that goal and mission.
It is so meaningful to me to know there are people who have not only experienced similar events and so understand the pain, but also those who are aware of these situations and devoting themselves to making a difference and shedding light on the impacts cancer has on everyone affected. Thank you to all the wonderful people of The WunderGlo Foundation, your work means everything to me and all the other people impacted by such tragedies.” – Kieran Collins

Congratulations, Kieran! You are amazing! The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation is proud to honor such an intelligent young man. We wish you the best at University of Massachusetts Lowell and in all that you pursue in your bright future! Please watch his individual thank you video here.

           

Tyler Wells – 2024 Recipient of The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation “Recognition Award”  Scholarship – in Memory of Jim Gainey

Tyler Wells is a respectful and compassionate young man who is attending UC Santa Barbara.

“My father, Chris, was tragically diagnosed with colorectal cancer
when I was only three years old.
Unfortunately, as I was so young, I have few memories of him. I’ve wondered what life would be like if he had lived. This past year I have experienced my biggest challenge ever when, out of nowhere, I was diagnosed with type one diabetes. I am insulin dependent for life. I am adjusting because I cannot change this. I will have to closely monitor myself also for any signs of colorectal cancer. I feel strongly about contributing toward ending colorectal cancer and also finding a cure for type one diabetes. The fact that The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation focuses on supporting students who have experienced the tragic loss of a parent to this horrible illness means more than I can say. I feel a special connection to this Foundation and receiving this scholarship will carry extra significance for me.

It means a lot to me to be recognized and receive this support. It was very hard to have my dad die of colon cancer, even at such a young age. I know that he would be very proud of me as I pursue my lifelong interests in college by majoring in Pre-Biology and then most likely Zoology. I appreciate that you provide these opportunities for students who have had a parent die because of colon cancer.” – Tyler Wells

Congratulations, Tyler! You are truly an amazing young man, and you will undoubtedly succeed in all that you pursue. Please know that all of us at The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation are honored to play this small role in your incredible life and we are so very proud of you. We wish you every happiness and success at UC Santa Barbara and onward. Please watch his individual thank you video here. 

           

Avery May – 2024 Recipient of The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation “Recognition Award” Scholarship – in Memory of Jim Gainey

Avery May is a respectful and compassionate young woman who is attending Rider University.

“If someone were to ask me to describe the color gold, my mind would likely go straight to what my father was like. While most people might describe gold as a color that glistens in the sun and is warm and radiant, I would describe these traits as they were presented by my father. The way he laughed when I told him one of my jokes or the way his voice sounded when he comforted me after a hard day made my world seem to glisten in the sun and become warm and radiant. My father was gold; his actions were gold, his lessons were gold, and his love was gold. When he was diagnosed with Stage IV Colorectal Cancer in 2018, he didn’t lose his gold. In fact, he was determined to share his gold with me and my brother. Cancer took so much from me and my family but it also taught me how to succeed in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges that cancer inflicted on me, I have continued to pursue my dreams. In an effort to share who my father was with the world, I will spread my own gold with people looking for a shimmer of light in their own lives. To end cancer would be to restore the gold that was lost in so many lives, to give parents the chance to grow with their children, and to instill hope in a community that needs it. With the support of The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation, these ambitious goals can become a reality and children can begin to find their gold just as I did.

This organization has fostered an incredible community dedicated to supporting families that have been devastated by cancer and empowering the children of individuals who have lost their lives to colorectal cancer to share their stories with the world. After losing my father to colon cancer in 2020, I dedicated my life to demonstrating the values that he instilled in me. I have committed myself to helping others, perservering through life’s obstacles, and taking advantage of every opportunity sent my way just as my father had taught me to do. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of such an impactful organization and I could not be more grateful to have been recognized in my efforts to share my father’s legacy.” – Avery May

Congratulations, Avery! You are such an amazing young woman and we are certain that you make your father so proud. You are such a gifted young woman. Please know that all of us at The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation are honored to play this small role in your incredible life and boundless future. We wish you every happiness and success at Rider University and onward. Please watch her individual thank you video here. 

           

Arabelle Rohs – 2024 Recipient of The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation “Recognition Award” Scholarship – in Memory of Jim Gainey

Arabelle Rohs is a vibrant and caring young lady who is attending Grinnell College. 

“My dad taught me that one’s character is revealed by how a person handles responsibilities. He gave me tasks, held expectations for their fulfillment, modeled persistence and follow-through. One of my favorite things to do with my dad was solve problems. My symptom-free dad was diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer in February of 2022 and died thirteen months later. Cancer was a problem we could not solve. I am deeply grateful for the global collaboration in the quest to cure colon cancer, including The WunderGlo Foundation.
A true solution would bring our world hope and relief. Although I have lost the advice and collaboration of my beloved dad to cancer, I honor him by continuing to solve problems, embracing the optimism of “yet,” fulfilling all of my responsibilities, and embracing his values in my life.
Even in grief, while processing what Dad taught me, I am determined to carry forward his legacy.

I deeply appreciate The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation’s relentless pursuit of cancer cures, while supporting youth in their own quests to improve the world. It is a deeply shared future. Thank you for enabling me to accomplish my goals
and for supporting my education.”
 – Arabelle Rohs

Congratulations, Ava! You are such a special young woman. Everyone at The Gloria Borges WunderGlo Foundation is extremely proud to have chosen you to receive one of our scholarships. We wish you every success at Grinnell College -and throughout your incredible life to come – you deserve it all! Please watch her individual thank you video here. 

           

We Congratulate all our 2024 Children of WunderGlo Scholarship Recipients!!!