putting teens first.

Cancer is both emotionally and financially draining. The Ruth Cheatham Foundation is dedicated to providing hope to young adults in all stages of the cancer treatment process. We offer college scholarships in order to reduce the financial burden of a cancer diagnosis and help young people pursue their dreams of higher education.

Here’s how we make a difference:

Focusing support on young adults who have been hit particularly hard by the physical and financial burdens of cancer, a traditionally unsupported population in the landscape of cancer organizations
Targeting low-income, highly driven teen cancer survivors - those who would not have the ability to attend college without our support.
Following up with our scholarship recipients and stay involved in their lives, providing support, resources, and encouragement to help them succeed on their chosen paths.
Tracking graduation rates and gather data on the impact of our efforts.
Maintaining a very low overhead cost, always prioritizing our financial aid packages.

MAKING A MEASURABLE IMPACT FOR THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST.

We’ve raised over $2,659,567 in support for teen cancer patients and their families. Here are some of our other notable statistics:

Interested in applying for a scholarship?

The Ruth Cheatham Foundation Scholarship Program is designed to provide funding to cancer patients and cancer survivors who want to continue their education through an accredited undergraduate school, trade school or graduate school.

Find out how to apply here

Words from our Scholars

Any cancer diagnosis means a harsh physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial struggle for the patient and their family. These struggles don’t end after you get the clean scan at the end of treatment. I would not have been able to attend college without the TRCF Scholarship and I am determined to succeed in the face of my hardships.

- Ellen

Beyond the physical aftermath, cancer took a jab at my zeal for life. Dimming the eyes of innocence I once saw the world with, life didn’t feel so magical anymore. The Ruth Cheatham Foundation helped ease the financial barrier and allowed me to focus on being the best student I can be. Given everything I went through with cancer, I don’t want to miss out on my education simply due to financial reasons.

- melaine

I want to be able to share my life with others and help inspire them to fight through whatever life throws at you. I want to encourage others to know that your strength of character grows through trials. Tough times don’t last, but tough people do!