2025 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Meet Our 2025
"Think About What Your Are Going To Do In The Future" Scholarship Winners
We at Julia’s Grace Foundation are proud to announce the winners of our 2025 Think About What You Are Going To Do in the Future scholarships.
Awarded to childhood cancer patients and their siblings, these $1,000 scholarships can be used for post-high school education or training programs.
Scholarship applicants completed essays about how childhood cancer has affected their lives and how they have used their experience to make a positive impact on others.
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Olivia Calbazana
Diagnosed with medulloblastoma at age three, Olivia underwent brain surgery, chemotherapy, and proton radiation. Throughout her treatment, Olivia found joy in special moments like trips to aquariums and zoos with her family. After completing treatment, she took a Make-a-Wish trip to Disney, then later returned to Give Kids the World Village to volunteer during her senior mission trip. Strengthened by her own experiences, Olivia has been tireless in supporting families facing childhood cancer by raising funds for their support. When Olivia was receiving treatment, her parents were told that she wouldn’t be able to attend regular school if she survived—but Olivia graduated from Red Lion Christian Academy with a 4.0 and now attends Washington College, where she made the Dean’s List in her first semester.
Ava Conley
When Ava was eight, her brother Logan was diagnosed with a brain tumor. While her parents focused on Logan’s care, Ava learned independence and resilience beyond her years. Seeing how important blood transfusions were to Logan and other children with cancer, Ava organized a blood drive. The drive was so successful that Ava decided to become a Red Cross Blood Leader, taking on the challenges of emailing donors, organizing volunteers, and making sure information about blood drives was distributed. Since February 2024, Ava has hosted monthly drives and collected over 700 units of blood. Ava finds joy in seeing others give hope to patients like Logan. She plans to attend Coastal Carolina University, and she hopes to participate in A Moment of Magic to continue supporting children with cancer.
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Nikolas Picchierri
At age 14, Niko was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After enduring chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, he emerged with resilience, gratitude, and a desire to give back. When granted a Make-A-Wish, Niko didn’t choose a gift for himself—he donated the opportunity back to her hospital to give hope to others facing cancer. This selflessness reflects his deep compassion and strength. Today, Niko is pursuing studies at an electrical trade school with dreams of one day running his own business.
Note: Niko is pictured here celebrating his scholarship with his emotional support pig, Pee Wee. He got him when his lymphoma relapsed and his funny face really got him through the toughest times.
Addison Wright
Addison was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma when she was 11. Supported by her family, friends, and community, she continued gymnastics and school while enduring a year of chemotherapy. Anxiety and self-confidence issues were constant challenges during her treatment, but Addison’s strength and perseverance helped see her through—and have helped her grow into the determined young woman she is today. Inspired by the compassionate care she received at CHOP, Addison plans to study Health Sciences at Duquesne University and pursue a career in pediatric oncology as a physician assistant while competing on a Division I Acrobatics and Tumbling team.
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Iva Yen
Diagnosed with infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia at only seven months old, Iva spent her earliest days in the hospital, enduring countless treatments and procedures. Though she remembers little, her scars serve as a reminder of her fight—and her survival. A Make-A-Wish piano gift sparked a lifelong love of music, leading her to violin, viola, and organ, where she now serves as concertmaster in her school orchestra. Inspired by the nurses who stood by her in her toughest moments, Iva plans to study in the healthcare field at Messiah University with hopes of working as a pediatric or oncology nurse. Iva’s journey has taught her perseverance and purpose, reminding her daily that every challenge shapes who she is meant to be.