Two cancer survivors holding their scholarship awards in Dallas
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Dallas Sees Hope with Scholarship Winners Overcoming Cancer

Today in Dallas, a sense of hope and inspiration fills the air as two remarkable individuals have been chosen as the winners of the prestigious Mesothelioma Cancer Victims Memorial Scholarship. Devan Tatlow and Braden Fleagle, both cancer survivors, have proven that personal battles can lead to a greater purpose in life. Each of them will receive a generous scholarship of $2,500 to help them continue their education.

A Journey Through Cancer

Both Devan and Braden were asked to share their experiences with cancer, detailing how it has influenced their lives and aspirations. Their heartfelt submissions were reviewed by a dedicated committee, leading to their well-deserved selection. Let’s take a closer look at their stories.

Devan Tatlow: From Patient to Advocate

Devan’s winning entry was a powerful written essay that highlighted his struggle with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia. The young man, now attending Harvard University, uses his experiences to shed light on the healthcare disparities faced by children in low-income regions. “Over three decades, my form of leukemia has gone from a death sentence to curable—in wealthy countries, that is,” he wrote. “Where I was born in Colombia, fewer than 1 in 5 children survive cancer.”

Devan has taken on the role of an advocate for childhood cancer patients, having spoken at the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus on numerous occasions. His efforts have helped to raise millions of dollars for cancer foundations and bring awareness to children suffering in war-torn areas like Ukraine. His unwavering passion for health equity drives him as he aims to study the genetic, socio-economic, and environmental factors contributing to disease and healthcare access.

In his essay, he stated, “Surviving cancer has made me grateful for life’s highs—and its lows. I never take waking up for granted.” Devan’s impressive academic pursuits, including participation in the debate team and contributions to a satellite team, speak volumes about his dedication to making a positive impact.

Braden Fleagle: Shifting Dreams

In contrast, Braden Fleagle took a different approach, presenting his story through a video essay that focused on his challenging journey with germinoma brain cancer. In a heartfelt manner, he shared the emotional and physical challenges he’s faced and how these struggles have altered his outlook on life and future goals.

Braden initially envisioned a future that included a busy college life, complete with a part-time job and aspirations to work as a CFO for a major corporation. However, after battling cancer, his goals have transformed. “Cancer changed me,” he reflected. “I want to get a degree to work for organizations like Four Diamonds or St. Jude’s, focusing on finding a cure for this terrible disease.”

Now enrolled at Penn State World Campus, Braden is pursuing a degree in health policy and administration. He is also actively engaged in student government, showing a commitment to raising awareness about pediatric cancer and advocating for affected families.

A Message from the Scholarship Committee

The president and managing shareholder at the sponsoring law firm expressed his admiration for these two inspiring young men. “Devan and Braden are inspirational and compassionate individuals, finding purpose through their illness and dedicating much of their lives to helping others,” he stated. Their resilience and determination represent hope not only for their own futures but for countless others facing similar challenges.

A Legacy of Support

The Mesothelioma Cancer Victims Memorial Scholarship is a testament to the memory of those affected by mesothelioma and a beacon of support for future leaders. More than ever, stories like Devan’s and Braden’s remind us of the importance of advocating for health equity and the healing power of education.

This announcement serves as a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, hope and change can blossom.

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