b'S U M M E R 2 0 2 1 15Amazing GraceGRACE ORZECHOWSKI SCHOLARSHIP FUNDGrace Orzechowski of Concord wasan annual UConn fundraiser forShe just kept being dealt blow so moved by the radiation therapistschildrens medical care. She was theafter blow and she would say Im who treated her at Concord Hospitaltop fundraiser, at more than $36,000.done being sad for myself. I am Payson Center for Cancer CareHer family realized that a scholarshipgoing to pivot. Where do I go next?, that she switched career pathsin Graces name also would providesaid Graces older sister, Hannah. and studied to become a radiationa way for people to channel theirGraces pivot to radiation therapy therapist herself. desire to help in a meaningful andwas how she continued turning Tragically, she died from a verylasting way. As they anticipated, thethe most negative of news into aggressive brain cancer at age 24 inresponse has been tremendous.something positive.December 2020 before completingThe scholarship fund had grown toShe said something like, I feel like her studies at New Hampshiremore than $80,000 by springtime.this happened for a reason and Technical Institute. But, her passionOne of Graces classmates, Zoranthat radiation therapy is where I for the profession and for helpingBoskovic, was the \x1c rst recipient.was meant to be the whole time, others continues in a scholarship her|See story on page 16 Hannah said.family established at the school.As a result of her radiationBefore her cancer diagnosis, GraceGraces family was moved by the treatment, sh e connected withwas studying to become a physicalexcellent care and compassion they the radiation therapists at Paysontherapist. During treatment thatsaw from her Payson Center care Center and quickly became friendsincluded surgery, chemotherapyteam and knows Grace would have with them and they inspired herand radiation therapy at the Paysonfollowed their example. to consider enrolling to become aCenter, she found a new path. Her compassion would have radiation therapist, said GracesGrace always wanted to helpallowed her to be a phenomenal father, Ray Orzechowski.people, said her mother, Anneradiation therapist, said Ray Grace su\x1e ered from glioblastoma,LaForce. We knew that was herOrzechowski. We are hoping that a fast-growing cancer with a verycalling. So, radiation therapy was justrecipients of this scholarship will low survival rate, even for patientsa great match for her and she was soread her story, will know what she who receive intensive care likeexcited to be in the program. stood for and how hard she fought Grace did at Payson Center.Graces determinationto continue to pursue her goals andand grit were anthat hopefully theyll be inspired In 2019, after her diagnosis,inspiration, evento provide that same empathy and Grace harnessed theas her illness a\x1e ected hercompassion to all of the cancer power of social mediavision and mobility. She foughtpatients they help treat. to share the news ofthrough the challengesand her illness withattended class, aided bya rolling friends and fellowwalker, until severalmonths alumni at thebefore she died. University of Connecticut and askTo support the that they contribute toGrace K. Orzechowski Memorial Scholarship, visit givenhcc.org/where-to-give/nhti To support the Payson Center for Cancer Care, visit giveto.concordhospital.org/give-now'