Congratulations to our own Hanna Safley for winning a $10,000 grant through the Northwestern Mutual’s Childhood Cancer Survivor Scholarship Program. This grant supports Hanna’s education at the University of Washington, where she studies Early Family and Childhood Studies.

Hanna is a two-time cancer survivor. At 13 years old, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and beat it through a series of chemotherapy sessions. She remained cancer-free for three years, when she was diagnosed with Secondary Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a rare treatment-related cancer, only one month before she was set to graduate high school. In September 2019, Hanna underwent a double cord blood bone marrow transplant and has been cancer-free ever since.

Following her treatment, Hanna immediately went back to school at the University of Washington. She graduates this year with a degree in Early Family and Childhood Studies. Following graduation, Hanna plans to become a Child Life Specialist. During her battle with cancer, Child Life Specialists played an important role in her safety and comfort. She describes hers as a soothing presence, helping her navigate the fear and uncertainty of treatments. 

Hanna has worked with Cancer Pathways since February of 2019. She has served as a Program Coordinator and Teen Ambassador for Cancer Happens, our teen cancer education program. Learn more about the work Hanna does for Cancer Happens and watch her interview with Fox 13.