Spring Flowers, Community Support and Scholarships
Daffodils are a harbinger of spring and a sure sign that Gems of Hope is at work brightening the lives of others. Every year, their Hope Blooms program brings sunshine and happiness to cancer patients and many individuals in our community.
You can purchase bouquets of daffodils and gifts through Gems of Hope’s website by downloading and mailing the order form. Gifts include vases, potted daffodils, notecards and this year’s mascot, a snuggly stuffed llama named Audee.
Act now because the last day to order is February 15.
A Community Gem for Cancer Patients
The Ghosh Center is a sponsor of Hope Blooms and a long-time supporter of Gems of Hope. This nonprofit organization brings hope to cancer patients and their families through a variety of programs. You may be familiar with their handcrafted cards, available at our center and other practices. Each features an inspirational quote, accompanied by a hope gem, earrings or other small gift.
Other Gems of Hope programs include:
Pages for Hope - a book donation program designed to reach children, teens and their families with information and support concerning cancer
Cancer Really Sucks – a website and phone app for teenagers who have loved ones facing cancer
What About Us? – free structured activities for children ages 5-12 to help them process their feelings when someone they love has been diagnosed with cancer
Scholarships for Graduating High School Seniors
Gems of Hope also offers scholarships to area high school seniors who will be pursuing additional education. The scholarships are for graduating seniors who demonstrate financial need and who have been personally affected by cancer because of their own diagnosis or the diagnosis of an immediate family member.
In 2019, they will be granting up to 12 scholarships of $1,500 each. To apply, students must download and complete an application form, accompanied by a short essay and letters of support attesting to their integrity, ethics, initiative, or service to others.
Over the past four years, the program has awarded $39,000 in scholarships. Last year, scholarships went to students across our community, from Belle Plaine and Central City High Schools to Linn-Mar, Kennedy, Prairie and others. Each one has made life a little easier for a student who’s been through hardship at a young age.
Mitch, one of last year’s recipients writes, in part:
I am extremely blessed and grateful to have been chosen for this great honor. The Gems of Hope scholarship has significantly aided me as I have entered my first year of college at the University of Northern Iowa. With help from the scholarship, I have the ability to choose my destiny and dictate my future.
Know a high school senior who might qualify? Pass this post along and encourage them to apply. Applications must be received by 4 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2019.
To learn more about Gems of Hope, the ways they give back and how you can help, go to their website.