The Tracy Austin Cancer Hero Scholarship
The Tracy Austin Cancer Hero Scholarship is a full scholarship for part 1 and 2 of the Ignite Program, including the Discovery Weekend and Breakthrough Weekend. It is named after one of our Next Level Trainings’ graduates, Tracy Austin, and is for current or former cancer patients and their caretakers. The powerful mindset work of the Trainings can be an incredible tool for those in the fight for life.
Background
Shortly after completing the Breakthrough Weekend with Next Level Trainings in October 2016, Tracy Austin's oncology doctors handed him a death sentence: “Pancreatic cancer. You have six to twelve weeks left to live.”
Described by a friend as, “maniacally positive and passionate,” Tracy chose life instead and set an intention to use his cancer, in his words, “For Giving.” For the next nine months, well past his diagnosis, Tracy gifted the world with a legacy and example to live by as he always did - with curiosity, focused out on others, and sharing his gratitude for every moment. On the path to death, Tracy lit the way for all of us with a huge smile and the legendary laugh that we’ll never forget.
Tracy was known for wearing his attitude-of-the-day on a name tag for all to see, and for nine months he tirelessly let us in on his journey, shared daily on social media. We met his caregivers, his doctors, his childhood friends, his family, the Special Olympics athletes he coached, and his Franklin University students. The name tags he wore said, “Hello, my name is” with a chosen intention for the day such as “Love,” “Bravery,” or his favorite which he wore most often, “Hello. My name is Grateful.”
Tracy lived by Charles Swindoll’s famous and inspiring mantra: “I believe life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you react to it.” He never complained, never once asked “why me?” and was fearless in the last fight of his life. His most powerful defenses against the disease were love, inspiration, intention, and giving.
Tracy died June 27, 2017. However, he lives on through his legacy in the hearts of the people he touched as well as to those who receive this scholarship. The Tracy Austin Cancer Hero Scholarship is awarded to those who have a relationship with cancer and who - like Tracy - wish to impact the world.
Details
There is one seat set aside in in every Discovery Weekend and Breakthrough Weekend for one cancer patient (current or former) and one cancer caretaker (family or healthcare provider).
In order to be eligible for one of the two spots, you must meet one of the following criteria:
Have a cancer diagnosis
Be a cancer survivor with remission within the last 5 years
Be a caretaker/close family member of someone with cancer
Be a healthcare provider for cancer patients
If you are interested in this scholarship for yourself or would like to nominate someone for the award, please submit this form below.
You will be contacted for a brief interview after submitting your information.