Aspiring Attorney Chosen for 2016 Leukemia & Lymphoma Awareness/Law School Scholarship
Christina Carone of Dix Hills, New York will use the $1,000 scholarship toward her studies at Touro Law Center, an ABA accredited law school in Long Island, NY. For her, finding a cure for blood cancer and helping others living with it is a very personal one.
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- For the second year in a row, the Law Office of Renkin & Associates has selected a scholarship winner deeply impacted by blood cancer, a disease that attacks the blood, bone marrow or lymphatic system. This year, the honor goes to Christina Carone. Her brother, a blood cancer survivor, has inspired her to pursue a career in Family Law.
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"As an attorney, I will advocate for children undergoing chemotherapy treatment, and for children who survived cancer," she stated. "I am very appreciative for this scholarship, thank you!"
In 2003, Carone's little brother, Rafaello, was diagnosed with leukemia, a type of cancer that generally starts in the bone marrow and results in an abnormal production of white blood cells. This year, more than 24,000 people are expected to die from the disease.
"I was only a child myself as I witnessed the effect that cancer had on his little body," stated Carone. "The emotional and financial burden my parents endured eventually led to their marital separation."
Approximately every three minutes, one person in the United States is diagnosed with a type of blood cancer. In 2013, Richard Renkin, who created the scholarship and practices Family Law in California, became one of the statistics when he was diagnosed with lymphoma.
"The diagnosis is devastating," he said, "I know that first hand. But it simply isn't true that cancer has to be an end point. And we need to be reminded by hearing from those who've continued on."
Fortunately today, Renkin is now cancer-free due largely to treatments he received that only became available after research and funding from charitable institutions focused on curing blood cancers. Thanks to advances in the medical field, the five-year relative survival rate for people with lymphoma has more than doubled over the last 50 years.
To increase awareness about blood cancers in an effort to find new treatments and cures, Renkin launched the Leukemia & Lymphoma Awareness Scholarship in 2014. As part of the scholarship application process, candidates are asked to submit a short essay describing how leukemia, lymphoma, or other cancers of blood-forming cells have shaped their life. According to Carone, her brother's battle with cancer has made her a stronger person.
"I have become an independent, resilient and determined individual with a drive for constant self-improvement," stated Carone. "I have learned that maintaining a positive, optimistic attitude, while working through life's obstacles, helps one to achieve their ambitions."
Carone will graduate from Touro Law Center in May 2018 with plans to serve as a voice and advocate for cancer victims involved in the judicial system. Previously, Carone actively served in student government as well as take part in multiple charities like the American Cancer Society and Make-A-Wish Foundation while attending the University of Florida to pursue a degree in psychology. She is the founder of "Coloring 4 Cancer," a charity dedicated providing a positive and entertaining activity for pediatric patients.
"I recruit artists and develop inspiration designs that offer hope and optimism to children affected by cancer," stated Carone. "Aside from that, I'm also a board member of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I enjoy organizing fundraisers that raise money for cancer research."
In order to qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be entering or attending an accredited law school in the fall of 2016, with a current GPA of at least 3.0. They must also be over 18 and a U.S. citizen. There is no restriction on location, and students anywhere in the nation are encouraged to apply. Additional details and a submission form can be found on the firm's website.
As one of the many service and charitable organizations Renkin supports, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society remains among the top. With the month of September dedicated as "Blood Cancer Awareness Month," Renkin vows to continue supporting the organization in hopes that one day a cure for blood cancer is found.
About The Law Office of Renkin & Associates: The Law Office of Renkin & Associates is dedicated to protecting the substantial assets and the parental rights of each of their clients. Whether you're at the early stages of a divorce or already are involved in a contentious custody battle, their San Diego family law attorneys can assist you. To learn more, click here.
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