Cancer for College

May is Brain Cancer Awareness Month 💙

We’re honored to recognize Oliver Solorzano, A brain cancer survivor and Cancer for College scholarship recipient whose perseverance continues to inspire us.

Oliver is a super senior at UC Davis, working toward his Master’s degree in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. His journey has required incredible strength, focus, and resilience, all of which he brings into his academic and personal pursuits every day.

With his sights set on pushing the boundaries of innovation and engineering, Oliver is a powerful example of what it means to rise above challenges and keep reaching higher.

Join us this month as we raise awareness, support survivors, and celebrate stories like Oliver’s. If you'd like to support other brain cancer survivors as they pursue their dream of a college education, please visit https://givebutter.com/brightfuturescfc

Congratulations to Cancer for College alumni scholar, Drake Baker on his recent marriage to his longtime girlfriend, Diane!

The couple first met while Drake was attending California State University, Northridge, and together they’ve built a beautiful life filled with love, growth, and new adventures.

Today, Drake works with the NFL as a Manager of Digital Production, helping produce daily news shows and podcasts for the league. The newlyweds currently live in Los Angeles with their dog Delilah, who has completely stolen their hearts.

Stories like Drake’s are a reminder that life after cancer can still be filled with opportunity, purpose, and joy.

If you'd like to help more survivors pursue their dreams beyond cancer, support the mission here: https://givebutter.com/brightfuturescfc

May is Brain Cancer Awareness Month 💙

Today, we’re proud to spotlight Karlee McMullen — a brain cancer survivor and Cancer for College scholarship recipient who continues to inspire us with her resilience and purpose.

Karlee is currently a senior at the University of North Carolina Charlotte, where she’s pursuing a degree in elementary education. Her journey hasn’t been easy, but her determination to turn her experience into something meaningful for others speaks volumes.

With a passion for shaping young minds, Karlee is on a path to make a lasting impact in the classroom — proving that strength isn’t just about overcoming challenges, but using them to lift others up.

Join us this month in raising awareness, supporting survivors, and celebrating stories like Karlee’s. If you'd like to support other brain cancer survivors as they pursue their dream of a college education, please visit https://givebutter.com/brightfuturescfc

It was 33 years ago that this guy, while a student at USC Trojans, decided he was going to make a difference in the lives of cancer survivors. Since then, he has built a movement of friends, family, colleagues and supporters that has awarded more than 2,000 scholarships totaling over $8 million. His vision has helped cancer survivors overcome the devastating financial impact of cancer while empowering them to achieve their college dreams.

Join us in wishing Craig Pollard a very happy birthday! Give him a shoutout in the comments or make a donation by clicking the link https://givebutter.com/brightfuturescfc .

"We've got a fever! And the only prescription is more cowbell!" In honor of our friend Will Ferrell hosting Saturday Night Live this weekend, we have a handful of signed cowbells up for grabs. All proceeds benefit our scholarship fund and help send cancer survivors to college. Pick up yours today and really explore the space around your home, office or local fast food establishment. Grab one while supplies last: https://cancer-for-college.myshopify.com/products/will-ferrell-signed-cowbell

Congrats to scholar Udit Nijhawan was nominated for an NAACP Award for his documentary Sakhee. The film was screened at DOC NYC and Tasveer Film Festival in 2025. His short film Noor screened at the Vortex Film Festival and the Rhode Island Film Festival. He’s had a strong awards run as well, winning Best Director at the Lee Strasberg Film Festival and the Merit Award at the Awareness Film Festival.

Udit, who is a cancer survivor and graduate of the American Film Institute, was also selected for the prestigious American Society of Cinematographers Vision Mentorship program making him a part of community of esteemed cinematographers from all over the world. Check out his work here: www.uditnijhawan.com.

This Nurses Week, we're celebrating our scholars who turned their cancer experience into a calling. These incredible survivors are now pursuing nursing degrees, heading back to the bedside — this time, as the caregiver.

To our future nurses: your patients are lucky to have someone who truly understands. 🩺💛
Cancer for College currently has 13 scholarship recipients pursuing a nursing degree!

This Nurses Week, we're celebrating the caregivers who helped make it possible for cancer survivors to dream about college, and a future beyond the disease.

Tag a nurse who has made a difference in your life 🎓
To support the education of a future nurse, please visit: https://givebutter.com/brightfuturescfc

The Wells Fargo team from the Fallbrook Branch, led by VP Laurene Soper, has been a cornerstone of our Classy Golf Classic volunteer crew for years—and they’ve officially earned VIP status at our morning check-in!

Bright, early, and full of smiles, their can-do attitude keeps golfers moving seamlessly from arrival to first tee. Simply put, they make the magic happen before the first swing of the day.

Many companies, like Wells Fargo, offer employee volunteer programs, paid service hours, or donation matches—meaning your time can make an even bigger impact. And volunteering together is more than helpful—it’s a fun team-building experience that boosts morale, builds connections, and gives coworkers a shared purpose beyond the office.

💡 Ask your workplace about volunteer incentives and bring your team out to our next event! Email [email protected] to get your coworkers involved and make a real difference together.