Throughout the cancer journey, it is often very difficult for children and teenagers to maintain schooling requirements given the emotional and physical duress of treatment. For many patients, the routine of school is often missed and its absence can sometimes engender a sense of anxiety.
At Challenge, we recognise this struggle and have aimed to address the issue by establishing The Scaffidi Foundation Scholarship. It was established in 2003, in honour of two remarkable women: Norina and Cathy Scaffidi. Norina and Cathy were mother and daughter, but sadly passed away much too soon when they lost their battles to breast cancer in 1998 and 2002, respectively.
The scholarship is available to patients aged between 5 and 18 years of age, who are members of Challenge and are attending either primary/secondary school or a tertiary institution.
Scholarships are awarded annually to support academic pursuits, and funds can be used for educational purposes such as school fees, tuition, books and equipment. Applications close at the end of November and are awarded for the following school year.
If you would like to apply for the Scaffidi Foundation Scholarship, you can either complete it online OR download the form to handwrite your application, and then send it to us at hospital@challenge.org.au.