Dr. Karen E. Hoffman Radiation Therapy Scholarship

John felt appreciative. He was retired, had traveled the world and had undergone successful surgery to treat his prostate cancer at MD Anderson.

John was moved by the radiation therapy students at MD Anderson’s School of Health Professions. They visited him during treatments and kept his spirits up. For many of these students, it was their first time interacting with a patient. They were hard working and enthusiastic, but nervous.

One day, John brought in kolaches for the group. They, too, were appreciative, despite the small magnitude of the act. Tuition payments kept most of them on a tight budget. John saw an opportunity to do more for these students than just providing breakfast.

John set up the Karen E. Hoffman Radiation Therapy Scholarship, named to honor his radiation oncologist. The scholarship supports students with $1,000 scholarships, covering both years of the radiation therapy program.

John also hosts a luncheon for the students in which he can talk to them about his experience. He hopes this provides motivation and a networking opportunity. He also sees it as a way to allay nerves prior to their introduction to the clinic.

"For out-of-state students like me, the tuition relief from a scholarship makes all the difference," said Kelbe Jahnke, a Hoffman scholar. "I’ve dreamed of becoming a radiation therapist since I was young. I’ve spent many hours volunteering in cancer centers. This scholarship shows my mentors the dedication I have to this field and future patients."

You can establish a scholarship for a minimum of $25,000.

Call 713-563-4084 for more information.