Nobody knows opportunity better than Sandra. At just 17 years old, she was diagnosed with cancer in situ, a localized and treatable form of cancer. The diagnosis was serious but caught early, giving her hope that with care and consistency, she could recover fully.
At the same time, Sandra had no stable home or living parent, making her an unaccompanied homeless youth. She moved between friends’ couches, juggling medical appointments, school responsibilities, and the uncertainty of each day. Even in these difficult circumstances, Sandra stayed focused on her goals and her future.
Sandra also faced out-of-pocket medical expenses that were not covered by insurance. SHIP was able to secure funding to help pay some of these medical bills and ensure she had access to ongoing follow-up care, allowing her to focus on her recovery and education without the constant worry of financial strain.
Once back in school, Sandra began to thrive. Her teachers provided flexible support, and she worked hard to keep up with assignments even during recovery. That summer, she attended SHIP’s New Horizons Summer Academy, where she earned credit toward graduation, gained new friendships, and rediscovered her confidence.
Now, one year later, Sandra is a senior. Her cancer remains in remission, and she is attending school consistently, exploring college options, and looking forward to walking across the stage in May. She truly got the opportunity of a lifetime.
And just a heads up! If you see our case managers wearing a pink ribbon on their lanyard, you can remember Sandra’s story, how she fought for her health, her education, and her opportunity to rise with SHIP alongside every step of the way!