Kellsie Marchbanks was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer, at just 15 years old. Throughout her years of treatment, the care, compassion, and unwavering support she received from her medical team left a lasting impression on her heart. The family-like relationships she formed with her doctors and nurses, from her initial diagnosis, through relapses, and until the time she lost her courageous battle, sparked a strong desire in Kellsie to one day care for children facing cancer.
Kellsie earned her associate’s degree in nursing from Southwestern Illinois College and was then accepted into the Goldfarb School of Nursing. She began her first semester there when her cancer returned. Although Kellsie was unable to complete her nursing journey, her dream lives on through the scholarships awarded in her name. To honor Kellsie’s memory and her passion for helping others, Kellsie’s Hope Foundation established three annual nursing scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to individuals who are pursuing a nursing degree or advancing their education and who exemplify Kellsie’s compassion, strength, and giving spirit.
In addition to the Kellsie’s Hope Nursing Scholarship, we are honored to partner with families who wish to establish a nursing scholarship in memory of a loved one. These memorial scholarships are awarded under the Kellsie’s Hope Nursing Scholarship Program and help continue a legacy of compassion, service, and hope through future nurses.
A $1000 Scholarship to be awarded annually to a pediatric oncology staff member at Children’s Hospital who wants attend an accredited conference or workshop.
