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WINTER HAVEN, Fla., Dec. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The costly treatment associated with childhood cancer can lead to long-term financial challenges, including questions of how to afford higher education. Northwestern Mutual is committed to helping children and families affected by this disease achieve their college dreams. As part of these efforts, Winter Haven residentShaddi Abdala has been selected as a 2020 recipient through the company's Childhood Cancer Sibling Scholarship program. The scholarship program was developed to alleviate the financial strain on families that often results from expensive cancer treatments by helping fund school tuition and fees. Forty-three students, the largest cohort to date, have each been awarded a $5,000 renewable scholarship (for a total of $10,000) through this year's program. Shaddi was nine years old when her younger brother, Aref, was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma. As an older sister, Shaddi felt the responsibility to be an unwavering figure of support to her brother amidst this difficult journey. During this time, Shaddi found purpose in spreading joy to her brother and taking an active household role to help relieve her parents' stress. After experiencing an Angel Flight ride that transported her brother home after weeks of treatment, Shaddi discovered her love for aviation. She is pursuing a multi-engine add-on commercial pilot certificate from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She also recently earned her commercial pilot license. "The experiences and people who positively impacted my family's journey through years of treatment and recovery are the reason I strive to be involved in my community," said Shaddi Abdala. "I want to be of service to others and promote optimism every day surrounding life's endless opportunities." Since 2012, Northwestern Mutual's Childhood Cancer Program has focused on advancing childhood cancer research, providing family and patient support and serving as a resource to families managing the long-term effects of cancer treatment. With the support of Northwestern Mutual employees and financial advisors nationwide, the company has contributed more than $30 million and funded over 400,000 hours of research through the program. Applications forthe 2021scholarshipprogramareopen nowthroughFeb.1, 2021. SelectionresultsareexpectedbyMay2021. Tolearn more and apply, visit: https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/nmsurvivors/ https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/nmsibling/ About Northwestern Mutual Foundation The mission of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation is to improve the lives of children and families in need. The Foundation has given more than $386 million since its inception in 1992 and is designed to create lasting impact in the communities where the company's employees and financial representatives live and work. We accomplish this by combining financial support, volunteerism, thought leadership and convening community partners to deliver the best outcomes. Our efforts are focused nationally on curing childhood cancer, and locally on education, neighborhoods and making our hometown of Milwaukee a great destination. Visit Northwestern Mutual Foundationto learn more. About Northwestern MutualNorthwestern Mutualhas been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 160 years. Through a holistic planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. With $290.3 billion in total assets, $29.9 billion in revenues, and $1.9 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than 4.6 million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. The company manages more than $161 billion of investments owned by its clients and held or managed through its wealth management and investment services businesses. Northwestern Mutual ranks 102 on the 2020 FORTUNE 500 and is recognized by FORTUNE as one of the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2020. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM)(life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries in Milwaukee, WI. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (investment brokerage services), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company (investment advisory and trust services), a federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company. SOURCE Northwestern Mutual

Answer: Winter Haven Student Awarded Northwestern Mutual's Childhood Cancer Sibling Scholarship Scholarship program created to ease financial stress, help students pursue college education