Sharing our stories, challenges, and triumphs created a bond that went beyond words. It was a reminder that, even in the midst of adversity, we were not alone.
Hailey Vincent
2024 Scholarship Winner
University of South Carolina in Aiken – Education
My name is Hailey Vincent and I am writing today to share a personal chapter of my life, one that unfolded when I was just twelve years old—a time when my world was shaken by the news of my mom’s breast cancer diagnosis. However, amidst the challenges, there was a beacon of hope and support that illuminated our path—the Little Pink Houses of Hope retreat in Blue Ridge, Georgia in June 2019.
My mom was diagnosed on May 23, 2018 and that date marked a turning point in our lives. As a twelve-year-old, the gravity of the situation was both confusing and overwhelming. I watched my mom face the uncertainties of cancer with remarkable strength, and it was during this time that we discovered the incredible work of Little Pink Houses of Hope.
The retreat in Blue Ridge, Georgia, became a sanctuary for our family—a place where we could find solace, share our experiences with others who understood, and create memories that would stay with us forever. Despite the challenges that cancer presented, the retreat offered a reprieve, a chance to momentarily escape the harsh realities and immerse ourselves in a community of understanding and support. The experience was nothing short of incredible. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, we found a renewed sense of hope and resilience. The activities including river tubing, paddle boarding, boating, karaoke and riding the train provided a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, giving my mom, myself, and our family an opportunity to focus on healing both physically and emotionally.
What struck me the most was the sense of camaraderie among the families present at the retreat. We were all connected by a common thread—facing the challenges of breast cancer. Sharing our stories, challenges, and triumphs created a bond that went beyond words. It was a reminder that, even in the midst of adversity, we were not alone. The retreat left an indelible mark on me. It taught me the importance of community, compassion, and the strength that can be found in shared experiences. It was a journey that not only brought us closer as a family but also instilled in me a deep appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.
I share this story with you to express my gratitude for the incredible work that organizations like Little Pink Houses of Hope do. Their commitment to creating moments of joy, connection, and healing for families facing breast cancer is truly commendable. I also hope that by sharing our experience, others who may be going through similar challenges find comfort in knowing that there is support and hope available.
I am thrilled to share that I have been accepted into the University of South Carolina Aiken, starting in the upcoming fall semester. The prospect of becoming an educator has been a long-time goal of mine, driven by a passion for inspiring young minds and making a positive impact on the future generations. Choosing the University of South Carolina Aiken was a deliberate decision based on the institution’s outstanding reputation for academic excellence, dedicated faculty, and commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment. Not to mention, I want to live at home and both my parents attended USCA, that’s actually where they met and fell in love. My dad attained his education degree from USCA so I am confident that this university will provide me with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to excel in the field of education.
Throughout my academic journey, I have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence and community service. My experiences working with children in various capacities have further fueled my passion for education, and I am eager to contribute positively to the field.