Nationwide awards $10,000 scholarship to Nationwide Children’s Hospital Patient Champion

Nationwide awards $10,000 scholarship to Nationwide Children's Hospital Patient Champion

Cecelia Jalloh of Columbus honored at First Shot to Fight Cancer at Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship

When Cecelia Jalloh approached the first tee at The Ohio State University Golf Club's Scarlet Course, taking the ceremonial First Shot to Fight Cancer to open the 2024 Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship, she was taking a swing on behalf of all children and families who are impacted by this dreaded disease.

Nationwide, a founding partner of the Nationwide Children's Hospital Championshipgolf tournament, honored Cecelia's cancer journey by surprising her with a $10,000 college scholarship before the opening round of play at the Korn Ferry Tour Finals event.

After taking the First Shot, Cecelia reflected, "I'm so honored to have the opportunity and be here for those other patients who couldn't be. And I greatly appreciate the scholarship. It was very unexpected!"

In the summer of 2021, then 15-year-old Cecelia was experiencing abnormal aching and cramping in her body, especially affecting her legs. After enduring many painful episodes, Cecelia was taken to an urgent care clinic, but left untreated as doctors were unable to identify the cause of the aching and cramping. A few days later, the pain intensified, and Cecelia's mother took her to Nationwide Children's Hospital where a diagnosis was determined - acute leukemia. The news came right before Cecelia was set to begin her sophomore year in high school.

Chemotherapy treatment began immediately. Multiple surgeries and other procedures also followed over the next two and a half years. Despite dealing with many medical challenges and remote learning during her sophomore year, Cecelia managed to complete her studies on time while battling through treatment.

Cecelia is now 18 years old and in remission. She recently graduated from Groveport Madison High School and will soon start classes at Columbus State University where she is pursuing a degree in nursing.

"Cecelia's fighting spirit in the face of a very serious diagnosis brings to life the charitable mission of this tournament," said Jim McCoy, associate vice president of sports marketing for Nationwide and president of the tournament's host organization, Champions of the Community. "Nationwide is pleased to present this scholarship as a way to support Cecelia's future and acknowledge the incredible patient care that is delivered every day by the doctors, nurses, and staff at Nationwide Children's."

"We greatly appreciate the many ways Nationwide continuously supports our patients and families," said Steve Testa, president, Nationwide Children's Hospital Foundation. "It's great to see Cecelia thriving and planning for a future in nursing."

Tournament proceeds benefit pediatric cancer research and treatment at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Since the tournament's inception in 2007, more than $25.6 million has been raised for the hospital.

Nationwide Children's Hospital remains the cornerstone beneficiary of Nationwide. Through Nationwide's sponsorships of the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday events including the Legends Luncheon, the Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship, the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon, the Columbus Crew, and a partnership with The Dale Jr. Foundation, Nationwide sports marketing platforms have helped raise more than $63 million for the hospital since 2011.

For more information about Nationwide Children's Hospital or to make a donation, visit NationwideChildrens.org.