Scholarships awarded to Marshall Health Network pediatric oncology patients

Four pediatric cancer patients at Hoops Family Children’s Hospital (HFCH) at Cabell Huntington Hospital, a member of Marshall Health Network, have received scholarships through the 2024 Jonathan A. Ferguson and Dr. Cheryl L. Cook Scholarship awards program.

(L-R) Front row: Scholarship winners Jadyn Byron, Laykin Hayes, Bella Masters; Back row: Dr. Josh Hess, pediatric hematologist and oncologist, Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center (ECCC); Monica Littlejohn, pediatric oncology nurse, ECCC; Kristi Arrowood, executive director, MHN Foundations; Jodi Smith, pediatric oncology nurse, ECCC; Courtny Lewis, pediatric oncology nurse, ECCC; Dr. Paul Finch, pediatric hematologist and oncologist, ECCC

The award recipients included:

• Jadyn Byron, first-time recipient and nursing student from Huntington, received $1,000.
• Laykin Hayes, third-year recipient and Mountwest Community & Technical College sophomore from Proctorville, Ohio, received $500.
• Isabella Masters, second-time recipient and Marshall University sophomore from West Hamlin, West Virginia, received $500.
• Evan Rakes, third-year recipient and Marshall University junior from Catlettsburg, Kentucky, received $500.

The Jonathan A. Ferguson and Dr. Cheryl L. Cook Scholarship was established in 2021 by Dr. Cook in honor of her husband, Jon Ferguson, who passed away after an eight-month battle with acute lymphocytic leukemia and lymphoma.

This annual scholarship program offers educational support to past or present patients of the HFCH Pediatric Oncology Program, who were treated for cancer and have demonstrated their ability to succeed academically despite a challenging medical diagnosis.

“We are deeply grateful for Dr. Cheryl Cook's unwavering commitment to supporting our community, especially those facing the immense challenges of cancer,” said Kristi Arrowood, executive director of MHN Foundations. “Dr. Cook's firsthand experience with the struggles of families battling childhood cancer has inspired her to create opportunities for young survivors to pursue higher education. Her dedication is building a stronger, more supportive community for all affected by cancer.”

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Cook for her vision in supporting young cancer survivors in our community,” said Paul Finch, MD, Marshall Health pediatric hematologist and oncologist, chief of pediatric oncology at HFCH, and assistant professor at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. “Her establishment of this scholarship is profoundly appreciated, and we are excited to honor even more deserving young individuals in the future.”

For more information about contributing to the Jonathan A. Ferguson and Dr. Cheryl L. Cook Scholarship awards program, please contact Arrowood at Kristi.Arrowood@mhnnetwork.org or call 304.526.2009.