Over 15 years ago, I had the brief opportunity to meet Marni McNichol.
I went to high school with her daughter Meghan and a friend of mine was coaching her son Pat's soccer team. While we sat on the metal bleachers at North County High School, watching the team’s games, she shared with me that she had breast cancer.
Over those few months of soccer season, we would talk about the game and her treatment. During those times, despite chemotherapy, radiation, and the unpleasant residual effects of cancer treatment, she fought cancer valiantly -- with her infectious smile, immense strength, and unequaled bravery. She always put her children first. No matter how bad she felt from her treatments she was always there in the stands supporting her son. When I was diagnosed, I looked to her for my inspriration. Being a mother of three young boys, 2, 4, and 6, I knew that I had to fight and stay strong so that I too could one day sit on those metal bleachers and watch my sons play high school soccer. Marni fought as hard as she could but she eventually fell victim to the disease.
As part of the Amystrong Foundation’s mission, we strive to help those children who have lost a loved one or have had a parent affected by breast cancer. Going through these treatments, you come to understand the emotional and financial burden that cancer carries. We will be granting The Marni McNichol Scholarship to a Maryland high school senior that will be attending college in the fall. We will release the application through our website on Januray 1st and will accept applications until April 1st. A committee, which will include Marni’s children, will review applications and the recipient will be announced in May.
Please consider contributing to the scholarship fund by attending our Annual Amystrong Bull & Oyster Roast each Fall or our Golf Tournament at Compass Point Golf Course each Spring.
Marni’s spirit will continue to send smiles and sunshine through this scholarship. Help us spread her light.