Fort D Student Earns Komen Scholarship

From thousands of national entries, South Carolina native and Fort Dorchester High School graduate Amber Heyward was recently named a Komen Collegiate Ambassador – one of five students nationwide to receive a college scholarship from Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world’s leading breast cancer organization.

Each year, Susan G. Komen provides scholarships of up to $10,000 a year for four years to college-bound students who have been affected by breast cancer. 

Heyward's mother lost her battle with breast cancer last year. At a time when most high school students are preparing for proms and making graduation plans, Heyward stepped into much different role after her mother gracefully lost her breast cancer battle. Heyward’s family faced challenges, causing her to grow up quickly – she was charged with being a caregiver for her siblings, managing a household, paying bills and cooking for her family, essentially stepping into her mother’s footsteps.

Heyward continued to excel in school and discovered her passion for helping others. She became a breast cancer advocate by creating specific awareness initiatives and campus support programs for other students whose family members have been diagnosed with breast cancer. 

Starting in the College of Charleston this fall, Heyward will continue her advocacy efforts by pursuing a degree in law.

"In the future, I see myself embracing the role as a Komen Collegiate Ambassador by expanding and improving the programs and awareness initiatives I already have established," Heyward said. "I want to continue bringing this fight to be an advocate to not only my peers and community, but to a more global audience."

Heyward is not alone in her profound, life-altering loss.

"When a young person loses a close family member to breast cancer, the course of his or her life is forever changed,” said Nancy G. Brinker, founder and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “Not only is there tremendous sadness, matched with insecurity about the future, a deep and personal commitment to help others fight the battle often comes to the surface as well. Our scholarships empower and support these young survivors as they move us all closer to a world free from the suffering breast cancer brings.” 

Also receiving a Komen College Scholarship Award this year are Neda Ashtari, attending the University of California-Los Angeles; Michael Costley, attending the University of Texas at Austin; Teddy Reich, attending San Francisco State University; and Emily Moore, attending the University of Colorado at Boulder. 

The Susan G. Komen College Scholarship Award Program is designed to ease the financial burden of undergraduate higher education for those who have lost a parent to breast cancer or received a personal diagnosis under the age of 25. Komen offers scholarships of $10,000 a year for up to four years. Recipients are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service, financial need and demonstrated leadership potential. Honorees serve as ambassadors for Komen and the breast cancer movement within their social networks and on their collegiate campus. To date, more than 55 scholarships have been awarded. 

Komen will open applications for the 2013-2014 College Scholarship Awards in late 2012. Students may apply online at www.komen.org.