Lung Cancer Canada

Anne Marie Cerato Young Advocate Bursary

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Anne Marie Cerato Young Advocate Bursary

Empowering the Next Generation of Lung Cancer Advocates

The Anne Marie Cerato Young Advocate Bursary is designed to support and inspire young individuals who are passionate about making a meaningful impact in lung cancer advocacy. Named in honor of Anne Marie Cerato, a dedicated advocate and long-time Lung Cancer Canada board member whose unwavering commitment to raising awareness and improving care for those affected by lung cancer has left an indelible mark, this bursary seeks to continue her legacy by empowering young advocates to carry the torch forward.

A Journey of Strength and Advocacy

Anne Marie was 30 years old and living a fulfilling life as an elementary school teacher in Toronto when she noticed a small lump on her collarbone. What began as a routine visit to her general practitioner quickly turned into a devastating diagnosis: stage III adenocarcinoma lung cancer. “I thought someone was playing a really bad joke on me,” she recalls. “I was going to fight like hell.”

Despite never having smoked, Anne Marie faced lung cancer head-on, undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Two years later, her cancer progressed to stage IV non-small cell lung carcinoma with an ALK mutation. Through participation in clinical trials, she accessed targeted treatments that have allowed her to live a full life for over a decade—a rare experience she calls "being a unicorn."

But Anne Marie’s journey wasn’t just about survival. It became a mission to advocate for better access to care, newer treatments, and more awareness that lung cancer can affect anyone. Through her work, Anne Marie has dedicated herself to ensuring that no young person facing lung cancer feels as isolated as she once did.

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Who Should Apply?

This bursary is open to young Canadians aged 18-25 who demonstrate a strong commitment to advocacy, public health, or social justice, with a particular focus on lung cancer. Whether you're a student, a budding community leader, or someone with a personal connection to lung cancer, this bursary can provide the financial support you need to attend key conferences and expand your advocacy efforts.

How Can the Bursary Be Used?

The bursary is specifically intended to fund the costs associated with attending conferences that focus on lung cancer, public health, and advocacy. This includes:

  • Conference registration fees.
  • Travel and accommodation expenses.
  • Materials or resources needed for participation in the conference.

Application Process

Applicants are required to submit a proposal outlining which conference they wish to attend, why it’s important for their advocacy work, and how they plan to use the knowledge and connections gained to make a positive impact. A selection committee will review all applications and select the most promising candidates based on their potential to create meaningful change in the lung cancer community.

Why Apply?

The Anne Marie Cerato Young Advocate Bursary offers a unique opportunity for young advocates to:

  • Gain financial support to attend important conferences.
  • Receive mentorship and guidance from experienced lung cancer advocates and professionals.
  • Network with experts and fellow advocates to strengthen their efforts.

Join the Community - Make a Difference

By applying for the Anne Marie Cerato Young Advocate Bursary, you have the opportunity to join a community of passionate individuals dedicated to making a lasting impact in lung cancer advocacy. Whether you're just beginning your advocacy journey or looking to expand your efforts, this bursary can help you elevate your work.

Apply Today

Applications are open now. Don’t miss this chance to honor Anne Marie Cerato’s legacy and make your mark as a young advocate in lung cancer awareness and support.

Apply for the Anne Marie Cerato Young Advocate Bursary

maximum $1000.00
Please upload your proposal and any other applicable documents as one .pdf or .docx file. / Veuillez télécharger votre proposition et tout autre document applicable sous la forme d'un seul fichier .pdf ou .docx.