Michael Reese Health Trust Scholarship Award
For Sunrise Day Camp Staff
This award is granted to those individuals who showed commitment and dedication in their work towards a health-related field. The scholarship granted will support education in health-related fields such as nursing, child life specialist, social work and physical therapy.
Each year, Sunrise Day Camp staff are able to apply for a scholarship to pursue their academic studies.
2023 Award Winners
Ashleigh Gottlieb
Indiana University, Nursing Student
Expected graduation in 2026
“Working at Sunrise Day Camp this past summer opened my eyes to the world of people whose lives have been altered by cancer in some way. I learned how cancer not only affects the patient but also has harsh effects on the siblings as well. Cancer has never directly affected my family, and after seeing how it has impacted these kids’ lives, I feel empowered to be the light for those who can’t be it themselves – whether that be through medical or patient care.”
Issac James
University of College Cork in Ireland, Pre-Med
Expected graduation in 2026
“Sunrise Day Camp Chicago is the place where I truly found out why I wanted to pursue my medical degree. This past summer was by far the best summer of my life and Sunrise was a big part of it. Coming into the camp I was somewhat apprehensive, although I had worked with children many times before in various settings, I felt this time would be a new challenge. I have always had a strong interest in pediatrics and have considered pediatric oncology a field I may like to pursue once my time comes to make that decision, but I was still unsure if I was fit for the task. Working this past summer with both amazing co-workers and campers showed me that I am capable of undertaking the role of a both a healthcare provider and caregiver. I was given an insight into the life of a child going through cancer, not to say I have full understanding of this nor will I ever have a full understanding, but I do feel that my time spent at Sunrise will be invaluable to me in my medical career and something I will carry with me throughout my studies.”
