Empowering the oncology workforce of tomorrow

Via the ASRT Foundation, the Elekta Radiation Therapy Scholarship provides financial assistance for the training of future U.S. radiation therapists

In 2006 the Elekta Radiation Therapy Scholarship was established in partnership with the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Foundation to assist six U.S. students financially as they study to become radiation therapists. Elekta cares deeply about the oncology profession and is an enthusiastic supporter of radiation therapists.

ASRT Foundation COO, Steven Hardy expressed gratitude for Elekta’s longstanding support of the scholarship. “With the current workforce shortages, scholarships like this one are more critical than ever to fuel the pipeline and make education accessible to those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it.”

This year’s recipients are Andrea Diaz, Adrianna Harper, Olivia Knurowski, Sara Lesniewski, Sara E. Pederson and Jeremiah Reeves.

Andrea Diaz – Fulfilling a childhood dream to work in oncology

Since she was a child, Andrea’s goal has been to contribute to the oncology field, particularly since both of her parents had cancer.

“My mother also is grateful, as times are difficult for both of us and require ‘extra boulders on our shoulders’ to continue my education.”

“Receiving the Elekta Radiation Therapy Scholarship will help me realize that goal and allow me to focus on my studies and education to gain the knowledge and experience to work in my chosen field,” Andrea says. “My mother also is grateful, as times are difficult for both of us and require ‘extra boulders on our shoulders’ to continue my education. I thank Elekta and ASRT for helping us lift those boulders.”

She adds that she hopes as a radiation therapist she will be able to continue serving communities the way radiation oncology served her community and family.

Adrianna Harper – A burden lifted

Tuition for thousands of students who are enrolled in institutions outside of their home state can be an onerous financial problem as it has been for Adrianna.

“This scholarship lifted a significant weight off my shoulders as I prepared to head into my first clinical rotation this past May.”

“As an out-of-state student, the financial burden has weighed heavily on my family as we navigate how to afford the expenses that come with both tuition and housing seven hours away from home,” Adrianna says. “This scholarship lifted a significant weight off my shoulders as I prepared to head into my first clinical rotation this past May. Due to Elekta’s generosity I now have the peace of mind that we will be able to afford this year’s expenses.”

She adds that the grant will allow her to devote her attention fully to her academic endeavors without the worry of financial constraints.

“It also has validated that my dedication and hard work in my radiation therapy program have not gone unnoticed,” Adrianna says. “The scholarship has motivated me further as I make the transition from didactic learning to clinical rotations. As I continue my last year of the radiation therapy program, I will prioritize making a positive impact on the radiation oncology field, and I intend to seek employment at a center that uses Elekta equipment.”

Olivia Knurowski – Timely help during difficult times

According to Olivia, the Elekta Radiation Therapy Scholarship has opened up many opportunities for her as an aspiring radiation therapist.

“The last year has not been financially easy for me, as I had to leave my phlebotomy job to better focus on my academics,” she says. “It caused me a lot of stress and burden, especially knowing that my clinical internship was coming up at that time and that was an additional cost on top of tuition and rent.

“When I first received the news, I actually cried,” Olivia continues. “Elekta’s support is having such a profound impact on my life, and I am truly grateful and humbled to be a recipient.” She adds that beyond the financial significance of the grant, the funds have also further motivated her to “give it my all in this profession.”

“I can’t wait for the day I can provide care and support to my patients throughout their cancer journey, both physically and emotionally.”

“I can’t wait for the day I can provide care and support to my patients throughout their cancer journey, both physically and emotionally,” Olivia says.

Sara Lesniewski – Ready to start clinical education in her hometown

A financial windfall – particularly when it comes as a grant through one’s hard work – can be the best feeling in the world, as Sara relates.

“When I received this scholarship, I froze with excitement. I just wanted to scream with joy, but I was studying at the library.”

“When I received this scholarship, I froze with excitement,” she remembers. “I just wanted to scream with joy, but I was studying at the library. I promptly left and called my mom, who was as happy as I was as she had a lot of financial stressors. She wants to help me with school, but currently cannot.”

Sara adds that after “geeking out over phone with my mom,” she was able to run to friend’s room and call her boyfriend to share the news.

Sara received more good news lately, as she learned that for her upcoming clinical education, she will be placed at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, her hometown, which will allow her to be close to family.

“I want to express how much this scholarship means to me,” she says. “My financial stress has been reduced considerably.”

Sara E. Pederson – A passion for treating and curing cancer

For Sara, who is attending the radiation therapy program at Oregon Health & Science University, her receipt of the Elekta Radiation Therapy Scholarship could not have come at a more appropriate time.

“I am mourning my mother’s recent passing from cancer,” she says. “The scholarship will alleviate the financial burden and allow me focus wholeheartedly on my studies. It also will fuel my hope and remind me why I decided to be in this field in the first place.”

In addition to maintaining an excellent academic record, Sara is actively involved in various extracurricular activities.

“My passion lies in treating and curing cancer, and I am committed to making a positive impact in this field.”

“I am a board member of Legal Action of Wisconsin, where I have learned valuable leadership skills and developed a sense of community,” she says. “My passion lies in treating and curing cancer, and I am committed to making a positive impact in this field.

“I also am grateful for the opportunity to participate in mentoring and helping other students, which has enriched my learning experience,” Sara adds. “As I pursue my degree in radiation therapy, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Elekta’s investment in my education inspires me to work diligently and strive for excellence.”

Jeremiah Reeves – A memorable Zoom call

Recently, Jeremiah received an email informing him that ASRT CEO and Executive Director Dr. Melissa B. Pergola wanted to meet via a 15-minute Zoom call to further discuss his scholarship application.

“I was unsure what this meant about the status of my application,” he remembers. “Many thoughts raced through my mind, like maybe there was something wrong with it, or maybe this is a second-round interview, and why was it only 15 minutes on Zoom?”

Less than five minutes into the call, Dr. Pergola informed Jeremiah that he had been selected as a recipient of the Elekta scholarship.

“I was speechless, ecstatic and so overwhelmed with great emotion.”

“I was speechless, ecstatic and so overwhelmed with great emotion,” he says. “I loved that the CEO of ASRT took the time out of her day to call me, talk with me and share the news. I immediately called my parents to give them the news. I am so thankful to be selected for this prestigious scholarship. It has made a profound impact on my life and the trajectory of my future, and I will be forever grateful.”

Jeremiah adds that he was expecting his senior year to be very difficult in terms of covering the tuition cost, as well as room and board.

“I genuinely did not know how my parents could afford the cost, so I was worried,” he says. “I feel such a huge sense of peace now.”

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