Plymouth Meeting resident and 2020 Plymouth Whitemarsh High School graduate Raquel Baskin has been selected as a 2020 recipient of Northwestern Mutual’s Childhood Cancer Survivor Scholarship. Baskin is currently a student at Penn State University.
Baskin began her battle with leukemia at just five years old. Throughout her experience, Raquel found solace in crafting beaded bracelets for family and friends, eventually finding her passion for entrepreneurship. Raquel began selling bracelets to raise funds for her hospital and childhood cancer research. Creating and distributing these bracelets provided her with a sense of purpose during her cancer journey. As a survivor, she is committed to lending herself in ways that will ultimately help find a cure for childhood cancer. She currently volunteers with Little Smiles Philadelphia, an organization that provides gifts and fun activities to children impacted by serious illness, homelessness, or tragedy.
“The happiness I experience by creating bracelets outweighed any physical pain I endured. Having a creative outlet that also helped those around me saved my life,” said Raquel Baskin. “Raising money for children with cancer is my passion. I will continue to remain hopeful and take an active role in finding a cure for childhood cancer.”
The scholarship program was developed to alleviate the financial strain on families that often results from expensive cancer treatments by helping to fund school tuition and fees. Forty-three students, the largest cohort to date, have each been awarded a $5,000 renewable scholarship (for a total of $10,000) through this year’s program.
Since 2012, Northwestern Mutual’s Childhood Cancer Program has focused on advancing childhood cancer research, providing family and patient support, and serving as a resource to families managing the long-term effects of cancer treatment. With the support of Northwestern Mutual employees and financial advisors nationwide, the company has contributed more than $30 million and funded over 400,000 hours of research through the program.
Applications for the 2021 scholarship program are open now through Feb. 1, 2021. Selection results are expected by May 2021. To learn more and apply, visit: