MILWAUKEE — A University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee student has overcome all odds and is studying to pursue a career he’s passionate about.
Nick Welnetz has beat cancer three times in his life. He was first diagnosed with lymphoma as a little boy. He was in remission for eight years until the cancer came back when he was a freshman in high school.
He overcame it again.
Then, just last year when the cancer had returned for a third time, he underwent a successful bone marrow transplant.
What You Need To Know
- A UWM student was awarded a scholarship from Northwestern Mutual
- Nick Welnetz has beat cancer three times in his life and was recently given the scholarship
- He hopes to one day help others and provide the same kind of care and support he received in the hospital
- The scholarship fund helps alleviate the cost of college for childhood cancer survivors and their siblings
“Experiencing these life hardships at an early age has really taught me the value of life and to cherish every moment,” said Welnetz.
In part because of his latest health battle, he transferred from UW-Lacrosse to UWM. He’s been working hard with the hope of getting into the nursing program next fall.
“I want to be able to use my compassion and empathy as good things in my profession as a nurse in the future,” he said.
And he’s getting some help on his journey. Welnetz just won a $10,000 scholarship from Northwestern Mutual. The scholarship fund helps alleviate the cost of college for childhood cancer survivors and their siblings.
“With the financial burden of medical expenses prior to pursuing high education, I didn’t know how I was going to have money to go to school,” he said.
Welnetz is now cancer free and finally in a place he has always dreamed of being in. He’s also one step closer to helping cancer patients just like him.
“I hope that patients recognize that I am a safe face to talk about their issues with, and that they can really trust me, being in my care,” he said.
He said he hopes to provide the same kind of care and support he received in the hospital that ultimately helped get him get to where he is today.