At six years of age, Connor Flanagan, of Tyngsboro High School in Tyngsboro, MA, was diagnosed with a rare type of leukemia. As a last resort, he underwent a bone marrow transplant that ultimately saved his life.. While Connor continues to battle health issues and the long-term side effects of cancer treatment, he has learned to monitor his expectations and remains strong when faced with adversity.
"When faced with challenges at such a young age, I had two options," he wrote. "I could give up or simply change my expectations. I did not give up, but instead I focused on the things I was able to do and excelled at them."
Because his physical challenges limited his athletic activity and participation in many extra-curricular activities, Connor discovered other interests like theater and student government. He is a high honor roll student, the co-president of the PALS program, and volunteers his time with local theater productions. Most notably, Connor, along with his family, started a nonprofit organization to raise funds and awareness for Boston Children's Hospital, the hospital that he credits with saving his life.
Please join us as we congratulate Connor as being named a finalist in the 2017 Richie's Spirit Foundation College Scholarship Program. This year, the Foundation will award a record $5,000 in scholarships to the top three recipients. Winners will be announced in May.