Morgan Sherwood
2026 Scholarship Winner
Missouri Baptist University

In 2021, my life underwent a significant change. My mom has always been my biggest supporter and my best friend. The fear of losing her is something I would not wish on my worst enemy. However, throughout my mom’s time in the hospital, I witnessed nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers make her feel cared for. They not only provided medical care but also offered comfort and empathy. My mom’s experience is what originally shaped my desire to pursue healthcare. In 2022, my family and I were blessed enough to attend the Little Pink Houses of Hope retreat to North Carolina, and it truly was a beautiful experience. Surrounded by families facing similar challenges, the retreat gave my family and I a place to share stories, offer support, and find hope. It truly was an ethereal experience. I remember sitting on the beach when I looked over and saw my mom making new friends, someone who understands what she’s been through, smiling in a way she hadn’t in a while. This truly was a euphoric feeling, as I know my mom deserves nothing less than pure happiness after what she’s been through. Seeing families like mine, I finalized my decision to pursue healthcare and help as many people as I can. I want to be a source of support and healing for others. I was inspired by the resilience of the families I met and the dedication of the volunteers and staff who made the retreat possible. Doing so, I plan to attend Missouri Baptist University to earn my nursing degree while playing volleyball, with the long-term goal of becoming a nurse anesthetist.