It's part of the foundation's ongoing effort to alleviate the financial burden of families impacted by childhood cancer.
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"I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the age of two, and I had treatment when I was six. I was treated at Valley Children's in Madera," Jakob Barrera told Action News in a 2019 interview.
In November 2019, Barrera opened up to Action News about his battle with cancer. It was also his first time sharing his story.
"Growing up, I always saw myself as different, that I wasn't as good as everybody else. I was just inferior, different," Barrera said.
The now 22-year-old eventually learned it's a blessing to be different, and his story could make a positive impact on other children and their families.
"I'm pretty big with Valley Children's Hospital," he said. "Whenever they need someone to be like a showcase, or spokesperson or just represent them, they usually pick me."
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The college senior's community involvement is one of the many reasons Northwestern Mutual awarded him $10,000 through its Childhood Cancer Survivor Scholarship Program. He's one of 50 recipients around the country.
According to Barrera, the scholarship has gone toward tuition, books, and living expenses -- allowing him to focus on his future in firefighting, so he can bring hope to those in need.
"I was given a second chance on this earth for a reason," Barrera said. "Just have a positive impact on everybody, because you don't know what people are going through."
Applications for Northwestern Mutual's 2024 childhood cancer survivor scholarships are being accepted until February 1.
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