Parent and Sibling Applications are now CLOSED for the 2024/2025 School Year
HELEN STOCK LEGACY BURSARY
2024 – 2025 Bursary Information
Helping Families Handle Cancer is excited to offer a parent and sibling bursary for two successful applicants in each category. The four bursaries’ will be a one-time bursary valued at $5,000 each. The parent bursary is directed towards parents of children (age of 18 or younger) who have been or are currently diagnosed with a form of childhood cancer at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. The sibling bursary is directed towards siblings of children (age 18 or younger) who have been or are currently diagnosed with a form of childhood cancer at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. We are proud to be the first and only organization to offer a bursary for oncology parents and siblings in Canada!
When a family has a child battling cancer, it is usually over a long period of time that their lives are affected financially. Even after a child’s cancer treatment, it can take many years for families to land back on their feet. With this bursary, our aim is to help cancer families take back control of their future by supporting their educational journeys.
We understand that many students often have to balance a plethora of responsibilities in addition to their studies; therefore, full-time and part-time students are eligible to apply for this bursary.
Bursaries are designed to help students offset the cost of tuition, mandatory fees, text books, supply fees and/or any training related expenses the student may incur as a result of pursuing their program of study.
About Helen Stock
This special bursary is named in honour of Helen Stock, a beloved member of the Helping Families Handle Cancer team. Helen was a kind-hearted, loving, and gentle soul who served as the Helping Families Handle Cancer Treasurer and volunteer for over a decade. Helen was also the mother-in-law of our Founder and Executive Director, Carie Stock (who started the charity in 2008). In early 2022, Helen passed away suddenly from an aggressive cancer. Helen faced the news of her prognosis with tremendous courage, spending each precious moment she had left with her loved ones.
Helen had an active bookkeeping business (she loved to “play with money”), where she enjoyed interactions with her many good clients over the years. Much like Helen’s time on earth where she encouraged others to grow their passions as she had hers, this bursary will serve as a part of Helen’s legacy that will inspire others to grow and learn in a field that also brings them passion. This bursary is meant to honour Helen and her dedication to our mission; it will also serve as a memory of everything Helen meant to our foundation and the people she touched within it.
Eligibility
Eligibility for the Parent Bursary
Applicants must ensure that they meet the following criteria:
- Be the parent or legal guardian of at least one child who has been treated, is in treatment, or is receiving follow-up care for some form of childhood cancer at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.
- Not be a current employee or Board member with Helping Families Handle Cancer Foundation (or a relative of a current employee or Board member).
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a landed immigrant.
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Be registered in an accredited postsecondary institution (including universities, colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools) for the 2024-2025 academic year. Successful applicants will be asked to provide proof of enrollment.
Eligibility for the Sibling Bursary
Applicants must ensure that they meet the following criteria:
- Be the sibling of at least one child who has been treated, is in treatment, or is receiving follow-up care for some form of childhood cancer at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.
- Not be a current employee or Board member with Helping Families Handle Cancer Foundation (or a relative of a current employee or Board member).
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a landed immigrant.
- Be 25 years of age or younger.
- Be registered in an accredited postsecondary institution (including universities, colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools) for the 2024-2025 academic year. Successful applicants will be asked to provide proof of enrollment.
Important Dates and Deadlines for Scholarships
- Completed applications must be emailed to scholarships@helpingfamilies.ca
- Applications must be received no later than April 21, 2024.
- Interviews will take place on May 13, 2024 and May 14, 2024.
- You will be advised no later than May 7, 2024 as to the status of your application.
Payment Information
- The bursary monies ($5,000) will be disbursed at the beginning of the fall term of the academic year.
- The cheque will be made out directly to the recipient, NOT the institution. Specific details regarding payment of the bursary will be discussed upon notification of acceptance.
- If for any reason the bursary recipient does not attend the indicated post-secondary institution or other institution, all bursary monies must be returned to Helping Families Handle Cancer.
Selection Process
We will review all complete applications received by the deadline. After this initial review, a shortlist is produced. Shortlisted candidates are invited for an online interview with our Scholarship Selection Committee. A functional computer, video camera, and microphone are required for the interview and will take place May 13, 2024 and May 14, 2024. Results from the interview will be compiled and reviewed by our Scholarship Selection Committee, who will then determine the successful recipients.
Shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide the following additional information:
- Letter from Oncologist, long-term follow-up physician or Family Doctor confirming child’s/sibling’s cancer history and treatment at the Alberta Children’s Hospital
- Financial statement from previous tax year.
- Proof of enrollment at an accredited post-secondary institution for the upcoming academic year.
- Proof of graduation from High School (or other post-secondary institutions if applicable).
For any questions regarding the Helen Stock Legacy Bursary, please contact scholarships@helpingfamilies.ca