Emilyne Biggs from Pahrump, NV stayed at the Ronald McDonald House several times during her two-year battle with Leukemia. In May 2012, she graduated high school and was awarded a scholarship from RMHC of Greater Las Vegas to attend George Fox University in Oregon. The following is an email we recently received from Emily:
My life changed drastically on July 5, 2004, five months after I turned 10 years old. After feeling very tired for days, visiting a doctor, and having a tremendous amount of trouble breathing, my parents took me to the hospital in Las Vegas where I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. On one hand, I was relieved to finally know what was wrong with me; on the other hand, it was disappointing to find out that it would be two years before I would be well again.
Needless to say, the horrible experiences of chemotherapy and the many medical complications I experienced were no picnic. I am so thankful for my family, my nurses, for my friends who love me, for the people who did not know me but cared enough about me to help in any way that they could, and for God who provided everything that I needed.
My friends at the Ronald McDonald House always provided a comfortable place for me and my family to stay when I was in treatment. They also had wonderful gifts and parties during the holidays. I was so happy when the Ronald McDonald House gave me a computer and a printer so that I could stay up with my studies during treatment.
I remember my dad, mom, and sister’s dedication to care for me, and for my friends and extended family who came to visit me. Every single face, every act of kindness, each gentle touch, encouraging word, and prayer has brought me to a place in my life where I would like to make a real difference in the lives of others who have medical needs.
That is why I am attending George Fox University’s Nursing Program - one of the best nursing programs available. My family does not have a lot of money, but my parents have encouraged me and my sister to excel academically. I am thankful for the support I have been given through the Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarship Program in reaching my goal to become an excellent nurse.
Thank you!
Emilyne Biggs
George Fox University
(702) 252-4663
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas Scholarship Program is a partnership between RMHC, McDonald's, and local community organizations. Since 1999, the RMHC scholarship program has given out more than $2.8 million to students from Clark and Nye counties in Nevada. In 2012, the program awarded $252,000 to 115 high school graduates, and $100,000 to 50 returning college students.
McDonald’s Owner/ Operators of Greater Las Vegas help raise funds for the scholarship program by donating proceeds from every Las Vegas Review Journal newspaper sold at participating restaurants and by hosting an annual in-store fundraising event each April. Since 2002, McDonald’s has contributed more than $1.3 million to the RMHC Scholarship Program.
Scholarship applications, terms and eligibility requirements can be found on our website, www.rmhlv.org. Applications are available to high school seniors in October of each school year.
