Fightstrong Honors

The Donna Pabon Scholarship

In memory of Donna Michelle Pabon — a fighter, a mother, a light. This scholarship honors her courage and faith by investing in the next generation of cancer survivors who are building their future.

1
1

What the Scholarship Means

Donna Michelle Pabon fought cancer with faith, joy, and grace — and she won, in the way she loved her family, uplifted everyone around her, and trusted God through life's hardest moments. This scholarship exists in her memory to remind every recipient that their fight is not their ceiling. It is proof of their strength.

2

Who We Honor

The Donna Pabon Scholarship is awarded to cancer survivors who have been supported by Fightstrong, are currently battling or have battled cancer, and are pursuing or planning to pursue a college or trade/vocational degree. We look for individuals who carry the same courage, perseverance, and spirit that defined Donna's life.

3

Our Thoughtful Process

Recipients are selected by Fightstrong in partnership with the Nigro and Pabon families. Every candidate is considered with care and intention — not just based on circumstance, but on character. When two recipients are selected in a given year, one award is designated for a male recipient and one for a female recipient.

4

When It Is Awarded

The scholarship is awarded at the annual Fightstrong fundraiser. Once a recipient declares their enrollment at a college or trade/vocational institution, the funds are paid directly to that school — ensuring every dollar goes straight toward their education.

Building Something That Lasts

Every number below represents a life changed — a student who fought through something most people will never face, and still chose to keep building their future. The Donna Pabon Scholarship starts small and grows with intention. We are committed to expanding this fund year over year, because the more resources we raise, the more students we can reach. This is where we stand today, and this is the standard we are holding ourselves to.

Minimum award per recipient each year, with grants ranging up to $3,000 based on available funds.
The maximum number of scholarships awarded in a single year, honoring both a male and a female recipient.
Our goal for the number of students supported through this fund by 2035 — one life at a time, one future at a time.

Donate today to the

Donna Pabon Scholarship Fund

All contributions made in Donna's name are tax-deductible and go directly toward funding this scholarship — every dollar stays in the fund and goes straight to a deserving student. The more this fund grows, the more recipients we can support each year and the closer we get to our goal of 10 students by 2035. Whether you knew Donna or simply believe in what she stood for, your gift keeps her spirit alive in the lives of the fighters who come after her. Help us build something that lasts.

donate now