“While the South Shore Rotary Foundation John Dressler Scholarship is named in memory of a Eltingville, Staten Island resident who lost his 15 month battle with cancer nine years ago, it is inspired by doctors and nurses who cared for John and who stood out among a pool of dedicated health care workers,” said Rosemarie Dressler, South Shore Rotary president, during a recent ceremony presentation. “I learned that these special professionals who seemed to truly connect with patient were cancer survivors.”
The South Shore Rotary Club awarded their John Dressler Scholarship to Brianna Bove, a two time survivor of leukemia who has battled the disease since she was 12 years old. She has undergone chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries and a bone marrow transplant.
The John Dressler Scholarship provides support to enable students battling cancer to continue their education. “Often the high cost of alternative and traditional medical care leaves students with cancer with little means to continue their education,” said Rosemarie Dressler. “This scholarship aims to help these students with school costs. “
The $7000 scholarship was awarded to Brianna to cover the cost of her tuition this semester with continued support next semester at Wagner College where she is a senior studying to be an oncology nurse.
“People,” she said, “think of cancer as something negative in life, but as a survivor I believe it showed the strength and the power within myself. I always knew her cancer would lead her to something positive.”
