Carolyn is selfless. She has dedicated her entire life to helping cancer survivors, and does it tiresly, without recognition. She has touched countless lives and will continue to change many others.
At 15 y.o., Carolyn founded her first non-profit to help pediatric cancer survivors. Today, she is 25 y.o. and works for Harvard studying and researching the pyschological impacts of cancer on the patient. At night Carolyn works on her non-profit that gives college scholarships to survivors, and on weekends is working on her book about survivorship that will be published in August. In her spare time (ha!) she volunteers for the Chordoma Foundation. To say that she gives 100 is an understatement.
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Comments
On February 11, 2009 at 09:33 AM
Carolyn, thank you very much. It has been a wonderful experience getting to know each of you and reading your stories and just how each of you have touched so many in a positive way. I hope to meet you all someday! May God carry you through your life journey and keep you healthy and guide you as you continue to be an inspiration to so many! Todd
On January 23, 2009 at 07:38 PM
I've been fortunate enough to work with Carolyn on her book, and I can say first hand that Carolyn is a deeply compassionate person. She interviewed several survivors that she got to know personally through her non-profit work and uses their stories as a platform to reach out to the young adult cancer population and provide an emotional outlet. I think it is incredibly important for this age group to learn about other individuals going through the same experiences and Carolyn saw that this need was not being met. Her desire to give to the young adult cancer survivor community is tremendous.
On January 23, 2009 at 05:31 PM
On January 23, 2009 at 01:03 PM
CAROLYN IS A HERO AMONG HEROES!!!! She gives selflessly and expects nothing in return. She changes the lives of everyone she touches and the world is a better place because of her. I can think of no other person who deserves this more. WIth her giant heart coupled with her endless drive Carolyn gives far beyond 100%.
On January 23, 2009 at 09:01 AM
Posted by Aby from Simplify 101 http://creativeorganizing.typepad.com/creative_organizing/2009/01/inspired-by-carolyn.html
Inspired by Carolyn
I met Carolyn almost a year ago. She contacted me via email as many of my potential clients do. She asked the regular questions…how does it work? How do we get started? Things like that.
Like many other prospective clients, Carolyn had a signature file with a web link. This is where things got different. The web link was for Carolyn’s Compassionate Children, a non-profit organization founded by the very same Carolyn who was emailing me about organizing coaching. The most remarkable part? Carolyn founded this organization at age 15! I was (and continue to be) completely in awe of Carolyn.
On January 23, 2009 at 08:14 AM
You are amazing!!!
On January 23, 2009 at 06:20 AM
Carolyn - my nephew is a cancer survivor - was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of 22 months, he is now 5. We are thankful everyday for him. Thank you for your time and effort in this project. People like you make our world a better place. Thank you again.
On January 22, 2009 at 09:24 AM
Carolyn, when i was asked to vote for you-I did not know much about you or your cause. I did my research and let me say I was blown away. Impressive would really be an understatement. You have, at such a young age, accomplished through dedication, true love for your cause and people, an amazing opportunity for survivors. I am certain this will be one of many deserving awards of recognition you will achieve in your life. As far as i can see you are rewarded everyday in your heart for giving the way you do. God Bless!!!
On January 22, 2009 at 08:47 AM
Go To http://www.cccscholarships.org to check out Carolyn's non-profit organization!
On January 22, 2009 at 08:29 AM
Carolyn isn't just selfless; she is also genius. In addition to helping survivors attend college with scholarships, Carolyn created a first-of-its-kind database of ALL college scholarships in the county for survivors--this way young adults with cancer can find all of the financial resources that they need for college in one place. This further reduces the financial barriers that prevent young adults with cancer from going to college. Way to go Carolyn!!! You are truly making a difference in the lives of thousands...
On January 21, 2009 at 08:12 AM
I feel Carolyn has the most generous spirit and heart to dedicate so much of her life/time to help others. I admire her very much and want to say thank you Carolyn for the difference you are making in the live's of others who are are faced with cancer. Without your caring and compassionate ways there would be less hope in the world!
On January 21, 2009 at 07:45 AM
Carolyn is an incredible woman! She gives of herself continuously & with a genuine heart!
On January 21, 2009 at 06:29 AM
I am grateful for the scholarship I recieved from Carolyn's Compasionate Children. Not only has the oranization ssisted me financially for college they provide me tips and stratgies for coping with college and succeding. CCC is awonderful organization that makes college for cancer survivors not just a dream, but a reality.
On January 20, 2009 at 05:49 PM
I am a cancer survivor, and a recipient of the CCC college scholarship. Carolyn had been a tremendous blessing in my life and all those she comes in contact with. I believe we face trials so we are able to help those who are suffering as we have, and that is exactly what Carolyn has done, she has created a network so cancer patients can reach others through their stories of courage strength and many times triumph. She has created a ministry in which cancer patients no longer feel alone they hear stories of others like themselves, and are able to see hope through others experiences. God Has truly blessed Carolyn with the Gift of compassion and encouragement she is a picture of selflessness, and someone I look up to. If anyone is deserving of this award it is Carolyn.
On January 20, 2009 at 05:27 PM
Carolyn is such a selfless person. Although I have personally not gotten the chance to meet her in person, her foundation has blessed me with a scholarship. This kind of organization truly provides comfort for me and other young cancer survivors.
On January 20, 2009 at 07:41 AM
I’ve come to know Carolyn while conducting research for my book about young adult cancer. During my five-year research project I have connected with countless organizations and leaders in the young adult cancer community. Carolyn stopped me in my tracks. Although she has never had cancer, she deeply understands the needs of survivors.
Money is needed for sure in the cancer community. But, money alone will not solve our problems if we don’t have smart and strategic leaders knowing how to best put our funds to use. How do we get the most bang for our cancer bucks? Carolyn is a leader who doesn’t just act, doesn’t just fundraise; she thinks, researches, and asks the right questions. Here is just one example:
Carolyn’s organization has a comprehensive, easy to navigate database of college scholarships for cancer patients. Many college funds exist, but it takes applicants hours upon hours to sift through and find the ones appropriate for them. The tedious task has likely discouraged many from even applying. The cancer world is guilty of creating duplicative services – but, the database she has created is one of a kind. Carolyn clearly found a need that was not being met and she has done an outstanding job of crafting a service to meet that need. Now more patients can make use of hundreds of thousands of dollars of support.
The one of the best things about Carolyn is that she is only twenty-five. That means she has a lot to give that we haven’t even seen. Her track record speaks volumes, I’m excited for her future, and know she deserves our support.
Kairol Rosenthal, Author
Everything Changes: The Insider’s Guide
To Cancer In Your 20’s and 30’s
On January 19, 2009 at 04:34 PM
When Carolyn created the Chordoma Youth Network in 2008, she helped give a "voice" to teens with this rare cancer. My son Justin Straus was won of the first participants. Though he died from this dreadful disease in September, his voice lives on through the efforts of people like Carolyn.
On January 19, 2009 at 04:20 PM
CCCScholarships is a wonderful foundation! Keep up the great work! Scott
On January 19, 2009 at 01:34 PM
Carolyn,
Wow, you are one incredible person and you have given so much in your young life. Keep up the good work as you are helping so many in so many ways! God bless you and have a great 2009! Todd Hitz
On January 19, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Carolyn is one "amazing" young woman. We have known her for a couple of years. My daughter Emily (Cancer Survivor) was one of the winners of CCC Scholorships. I'm truly amazed at Carolyn's compassion for people!! We're praying that this happens for Carolyn. She is so deserving of this award!!!!
On January 19, 2009 at 07:01 AM
What an inspiration! Keep up the good work!!!!
On January 18, 2009 at 09:18 PM
Please check out Carolyn's non-profit CCC at http://www.cccscholarships.org
You will see the incredible difference she has made!!!!!
On January 18, 2009 at 05:18 PM
I am a friend of Carolyn's aunt, Betty Goodman. Thank you Betty for telling me about this wonderful giving, thoughtful human being. Betty knows that my husband, Herb, has gone through a cancer diagnosis this past year and thus far, is beating it. Carolyn, you have our votes, big time!
On January 18, 2009 at 04:52 PM
My son was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease, a lymphoma cancer, in March 2005. He went through numerous treatments and sought as much information about the disease as possible. During this time, he told me about the Carolyn's Compassionate Children organization. He was so pleased when he received a scholarship from CCC in 2006. He started working for Carolyn while he was recovering from his allo-transplant in 2007. Being able to work for CCC brought his spirits up since he was confined to home. In January 2008, he made a video and posted it on You Tube under Matt Ortiz Care Video, which emphasized CCC's motto of Care, Commit, Change. Carolyn was a dear friend of Matt. Matt passed away in May 2008. Carolyn has my vote; I know she would have had Matt's vote as well. Good luck!
Matt was also a great admirer of Lance Armstrong; he had read all of Lance's books and drew inspiration from them.
On January 18, 2009 at 04:00 PM
You really couldn't draw up a more deserving recipient of this award. I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Carolyn for some time now. She typifies what it means to be a human being in her ability to be selfless and at the same time stand up and fight for what she believes in. As everyone else has attested to, Carolyn deserves this award for a myriad of reasons. One of the biggest reasons I believe she deserves this award is her intent. Her intentions are to simply help others. Unfortunately, that is rare in this world but she thrives at it and has done so her whole life. All who have been blessed enough to have her in their lives are the better for it. I am very proud to know and recommend Carolyn for this award.
On January 17, 2009 at 05:21 PM
Carolyn's Compassion and heart have touched our lives and we are forever grateful to her. Her kindness and generosity is a result of a genuine selfless concern for others, as demonstrated by forming Carolyn’s Compassionate Children at the age of 15. She had the courage to speak out and create a service for children with cancer after observing the isolation and despair that other children with cancer were facing. For ten years she has persevered to make a difference in the lives of cancer survivors, including providing valuable scholarships. While others are out “indulging” themselves, Carolyn works quietly to support those in need.
Most recently she designed, coordinated, and funded the very special and impactful First Chordoma Youth Conference for teens affected by chordoma, a bone cancer of the skull and spine. Of note, she initiated this program and volunteered to coordinate the entire program. Carolyn’s commitment and dedication is remarkable!
Many people begin a foundation and raise awareness after they personally experience an illness or tragedy. It takes a rare individual who initiates a service to help others without ANY personal gain. Carolyn is one of these unique and exceptionally talented people. She gives 110% of herself and embodies strength of character. She follows her heart and improves the lives of everyone who has the fortune of knowing her.
She’s the “Nike 100%” winner in my book.
Simone Sommer, MD, MPH
Cofounder & President
www.ChordomaFoundation.org
On January 17, 2009 at 02:55 PM
Carolyn is an amazing person and extremely giving! She definitely deserves this honor!
On January 17, 2009 at 09:10 AM
Carolyn is a true hero. She is an example to all that it shouldn't take a cancer diagnosis to start caring, to get involved, to make a difference in the lives of others BEFORE cancer affects another person. The organization that she founded has given $70,000 to young adult cancer survivors who need financial assistance to go to college. Go Carolyn! I can't imagine what this world would be like if we all gave 1/10th of what she gives...
On January 17, 2009 at 06:59 AM
With a sincere smile like that you know her heart is there and true. Full of blessed kindness and love. There are heros and then there is Carolyn.
On January 17, 2009 at 06:26 AM
Carolyn is beautiful and nothing short of magnificent....I wish her the very best..!!
On January 17, 2009 at 06:02 AM
On January 16, 2009 at 04:40 PM
she's awesome!
On January 16, 2009 at 03:43 PM
Everyone's comments do not do justice in explaining why Carolyn deserves this award. Through her dedication, Carolyn has time and time again proven that she truly cares about helping others and strives to do the best she can. No one deserves this more than Carolyn!
On January 16, 2009 at 03:26 PM
My daughter and I are blessed to know Carolyn who is a truly amazing young lady. Carolyn has made such a difference in our lives specially my daughter who has/had cancer and still is in treatment. I know that there are angels on earth the night we met Carolyn. Please vote for Carolyn, a person who makes a difference.
On January 16, 2009 at 03:03 PM
Carolyn's kindness and generosity are unmatched. I truly admire her and am grateful for all that she does.
On January 16, 2009 at 02:57 PM
Carolyn has dedicated almost every waking moment to helping survivors of cancer albeit with letters of encouragement to helping them with school (i.e. scholarships) to helping find a cure through fund raising for chordoma, if she doesn't deserve this, I am not sure who does...
On January 16, 2009 at 02:27 PM
Carolyn is the most giving person I have ever met! Her passion and energy for helping others amazes me every day. She is incredibly deserving of this!!
On January 16, 2009 at 02:15 PM
Carolyn's organization does remarkable things, and helps the lives of young people in a way that no others do. The fact that she founded the company when she was 15 makes it even MORE amazing! Vote for her!
On January 16, 2009 at 02:15 PM
Carolyn is a wonderful person and truly deserves this award due to her hard work that she does.
On January 16, 2009 at 01:39 PM
Carolyn is truly amazing and always gives more than 100%. This is so well deserved!!!
Vote for her!!!
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