The legal firm John Foy & Associates has announced Madilyn Abor as the winner of its 2025 Strong Arm Leukemia Scholarship. Abor, who was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia at age nine, will receive $1,000 to support her final semester at Baylor University, where she is completing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. Her childhood treatment for ALL led to severe complications, including septic shock, organ failure, and two blood clots around her heart, experiences that have directly shaped her career ambitions in healthcare.
Abor's recovery has fueled a commitment to supporting children facing similar health challenges, with her scholarship essay describing both physical suffering and survivor's guilt alongside her determination to become a pediatric oncology physician assistant. "I want to stand beside children who need someone to help them see their own strength, and to ensure they know their battles do not define them," Abor wrote. She has already begun this work as a camp counselor with Camp John Mark, gaining practical experience in supporting young people through difficult circumstances.
After graduation, Abor plans to work as a medical assistant for one year before entering a physician assistant program, creating a direct pathway from patient experience to professional practice. The team at John Foy & Associates stated they were deeply moved by Abor's story and hope the scholarship eases her financial burden during her final semester. The firm established the scholarship to support students affected by leukemia, with future applicants able to learn more about the 2026 Strong Arm Leukemia Scholarship terms, qualifying criteria, and submission deadlines.
This scholarship highlights the intersection of personal adversity and professional aspiration in healthcare, demonstrating how lived experience can inform and improve medical practice. Abor's journey from patient to aspiring provider underscores the importance of survivor-led support in pediatric oncology, where empathy and understanding of treatment challenges can significantly impact patient care. Her academic and career plans directly address the emotional and medical needs she experienced firsthand, aiming to improve outcomes for future patients through both clinical skill and personal understanding.
The implications of Abor's story extend beyond individual achievement to broader healthcare considerations, suggesting that patients who become providers bring unique insights that can enhance treatment approaches and patient support systems. Her planned career path represents a tangible example of how healthcare systems benefit when those with personal health experiences enter the medical field, potentially improving both technical care and emotional support for vulnerable populations. The scholarship recognition validates this approach while providing practical support for Abor's educational journey toward making these contributions.
