WKU News

Kentuckiana Cancer Research Foundation announced that WKU student Nicole Ossege of Fort Thomas is among the first recipients of its annual scholarship program. This scholarship program exemplifies KCRF’s commitment to fostering education and supporting outstanding individuals pursuing a career in cancer care.

Ossege received a $7,500 scholarship to apply toward her studies at Western Kentucky University where she pursuing a BSN in Nursing. She is interested in a career in Pediatric Oncology once she completes her studies in December 2025. Her long-term goal is to obtain her master’s and complete a Nurse Practitioner program.

In her application, Ossege wrote that cancer touched her life in 2019 with the death of her grandfather to liver cancer. This led to her decision that cancer care is her passion and her way to make a difference in someone’s life.

The KCRF scholarships, awarded annually in July, are available to residents both of Kentucky and Indiana who attend an educational institution and are pursuing a career in a cancer related field. 

Ossege was one of four scholarship recipients chosen from a large pool of applicants. Recipients were selected based on their academic performance, extracurricular activities, leadership ability and financial need.

“We are honored and delighted to make a small positive impact in this community and in cancer care by supporting the development of future professionals that will make meaningful contributions to cancer medicine and research,” stated Dr. Renato La Rocca, founder and chairman of KCRF.

The application process for scholarships in 2025 will begin in March 2025. For information about KCRF, visit www.KCRF.org

About Kentuckiana Cancer Research Foundation (KCRF): Since 2000, KCRF has been dedicated to advancing cancer-related research, prevention and treatment as well as providing informative support to cancer patients and their families throughout the Kentuckiana area.  The 501(c)(3) nonprofit serves the Louisville Metropolitan area.

Contact: Renato La Rocca, (502) 558-6221 or rvl@kentuckycancergroup.us; or Lisa Cofer La Rocca, (502) 648-2975. 

Photo credit: Bill Wine Photography