Margaret A. Riley Sharing the Journey Scholarship 2008

For 20 years, Margaret A. Riley has been a tireless advocate for cancer survivorship. As past director of the cancer program at Saint Joseph’s Hospital, she had the professional vision and personal commitment to start the Cancer Survivors’ Network.

The Cancer Survivors’ Network has offered support and encouragement to thousands of cancer survivors and caregivers and contributes over 5,000 volunteer hours each year to the Saint Joseph’s cancer program.

To thank and honor Maggie, the Cancer Survivors’ Network at Saint Joseph’s Hospital is pleased to offer two scholarships in her name. Learn more below or download a Margaret A. Riley Scholarship brochure.

Purpose:

To offer two annual scholarships in recognition and honor of Margaret A. Riley’s many career contributions on behalf of cancer survivorship.

Eligibility:

One scholarship will be awarded to a cancer survivor*, caregiver, or cancer survivorship volunteer.  A second scholarship will be awarded to an oncology professional**.  Both scholarships are given so that recipients might attend a cancer-related educational or support program of their choice.

Eligible Programs:

Scholarships may be used to attend an approved cancer-related program, conference, seminar, or retreat.  Applicants do not need to specify the program at the time of application.  Suggestions for approved programs may be requested from the Cancer Survivors’ Network (CSN), as well as assistance identifying eligible programs.

Scholarship Award:

A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded to each recipient.  The award is approved to provide for travel, lodging, ground transportation, and program registration fees. The scholarship for survivors/caregivers may allow for the inclusion of a guest.  The CSN will manage all program registration and travel arrangements. 

Nomination Process:

Candidates may personally apply or be nominated by a member of the CSN, Saint Joseph’s Hospital staff, or other individuals associated with the CSN or Saint Joseph’s cancer program. 

Application Process:

Written applications are due to the CSN office by Friday, August 29, 2008.  Download the application or call 404-851-5051 to have one sent by mail.

Selection Process:

A selection committee, appointed by the CSN Executive Committee, will validate eligibility, evaluate applications and select the scholarship recipients.  Priority will be given to applicants who have actively participated in the CSN cancer support programs, oncology services at Saint Joseph’s Hospital, or are known and recognized for their broad cancer survivorship support in their personal and/or professional lives.

Scholarship Announcement:

Recipients will be personally notified by September 16, 2008, with the formal award presentation to be held at the Saint Joseph’s Cancer Survivors’ Network Annual Meeting and Volunteer Appreciation Event on Thursday, October 9, 2008.

*The term “cancer survivor” is defined as anyone with a diagnosis of cancer.

**The term “oncology professional” is used inclusively to refer to physicians, nurses, social workers, pastoral care counselors, or anyone working in an oncology-related capacity.

About the 2007 Margaret A. Riley scholarship recipients:

The 2007 Survivor Scholarship was awarded to Terry Davenport, a survivor of colon cancer.  Terry is a regular participant in our monthly colorectal cancer support group and is an active volunteer and Executive Committee member with the CSN.  He uses his upbeat personality and positive attitude to spread the word about the great importance of routine colonoscopies, and he is always looking for opportunities to support others.  Terry and his wife, Kay, attended the Colon Cancer Alliance’s National Conference in October 2007.  They returned energized and even more committed to fellow cancer survivors.

 The 2007 Scholarship for Oncology Professionals was awarded to Lanell Bellury, an oncology nurse at Saint Joseph’s Hospital.  Lanell has been a nurse for more than thirty years and has a master’s degree in adult health oncology.  With the scholarship, Lanell attended the 2007 Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Congress where she participated in the chemotherapy certification class to become an instructor.  All Saint Joseph’s nurses who administer chemotherapy must be trained and certified.  However, Saint Joseph’s did not have an ONS-approved provider on staff.  Through Lanell’s instruction, all inpatient oncology nurses are now chemo-certified.  In addition, Saint Joseph’s opened the training to the Georgia nursing community and raised enough funds to send two oncology nurses to the ONS Congress in 2008.  As a result of the Scholarship, Lanell has made an extensive and wonderful impact on the cancer community!