The American Cancer Society is helping young cancer survivors afford a college education, by honoring the accomplishments they've made in spite of their illness.

The 2007 Youth Survivor College Scholarship is giving young Midwest cancer survivors hope for the future by providing several $1,000 scholarships for the 2007-2008 academic year.

Last year's local winner, Jessica Derby of Eau Claire says the costs of cancer treatment, can make it difficult for survivors and their families to afford a college education.

"I actually have been going in for routine checkups that involve like a CT, blood tests and things like that, so those are very large expenses but then also going to college as a lot of people know is very expensive so having the scholarship really really helps offset a lot of those expenses," Derby said.

The application deadline is March 15. For more information, you can click on featured links on this Web site.