The Big Bill Foundation, established in 2021, honors the legacy of Bill Robinson, co-founder of Fit2Run, who passed away in 2020 after battling leukemia. Mr. Robinson was committed to community development, was heavily involved in environmental conservation efforts, and had strong family values. After his passing, Bill’s three sons created the Big Bill Foundation. The foundation aims to celebrate Big Bill’s enduring influence on the community, providing educational scholarships to young adults and youth who have battled childhood cancer.
RECIPIENT SPOTLIGHT
Each recipient of the scholarship from the Big Bill Foundation has a unique journey, serving as a testament to the strength and transformative power of education. These stories are underscored by the recipients’ unwavering resilience and a desire to push through challenges to conquer their goals. These are the stories and prevailing aspirations of the Big Bill scholarship recipients:
Madison C.
“At the age of five, my world was disrupted by the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia…. Cancer not only took a toll on me physically but also shook me mentally, stripping away my hair, self-esteem, and ability to see beyond my immediate circumstances…. Reflecting on my journey at 19 years old, having been in remission for 12 years, I recognize my resilience and sense of purpose. The experience of being a cancer survivor motivates me to give back and reciprocate the kindness extended to me by my physicians and nurses. I picture myself working in the very hospital where I spent my formative years becoming healthy again, dedicated to saving the lives of children who mirror my younger self.”
ANTHONY L.
“I learned a lot from my first bout with cancer. I learned how life is never concerned with being convenient. Cancer does not wait for a good time to rear its ugly head…. Staying hopeful and envisioning the finish line is what kept me going. Even though I was bald, was taking a handful of medications every twelve hours, barely had enough energy to stand, and had not eaten for nearly three weeks, I kept reminding myself that I was one day closer to the finish line and stronger than I was the day before…. I had always felt that medicine was the career path for me, but after my first diagnosis I knew for sure. One of my pediatric oncologists had cancer as a teenager just like I did, and I found that the level that I was able to connect with him was unlike any connection I had made with any other doctor. My relationship with that doctor inspired me to pursue becoming a pediatric oncologist.”
JAYDEN S.
“On the 28th of February 2022, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Large B-Cell Lymphoma, an aggressively treated form of cancer…. Even though the road to remission wasn’t without setbacks, I was stronger in mind and spirit to face every issue because of my mom. For my entire life, it has been the two of us tackling problems. She is a single parent, and a Gulf War Veteran of the United States Army…. During this cancer battle, she taught me a life lesson in personal courage. We faced adversity head on. It was a long and slow process, but we never stopped fighting…. Telling my story not only opened my heart to healing, but to offer support, raise awareness for the disease, celebrate the fight against it, and find strength in the fear of loss.”