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Alumni

Jonathan Trapani


Class of: 2020
Hometown: Deerfield, IL
School: College of Arts and Science
Major(s): Molecular and Cellular Biology
Minors(s): Chemistry

 

Jonathan’s diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at age ten instantaneously brought him face to face with death. While battling this disease, he became exposed to the healthcare systems and treatment protocols at the University of Chicago. As his treatment progressed, Jonathan became inspired and developed a passion for the biological sciences and the medical field. In addition, his six year struggle with cancer provided him with the empathy and motivation to give back and help other children with serious health issues and physical disabilities.

 

Jonathan's involvement with service began when he was twelve with the Make-A-Wish foundation where he assisted with fundraising as a frequent public speaker at their various charity events, including the annual Illinois Make-A-Wish ball in Chicago. Additionally, he spoke to the Make-A-Wish Illinois chapter board of directors to express and explain how much their work helped him from a patient's perspective, helping them to understand the impact their organization had on his recovery. Jonathan continued his work with the cancer based organizations in middle and high school while also becoming highly involved with the student council club and church youth group. 

 

At Vanderbilt, Jonathan volunteers at the Monroe Carell Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and the Alive Hospice Center, where he helps provide emotional support to patients and families in need. Jonathan has researched in oncology labs at both Vanderbilt and the University of Chicago throughout his college experience. He will continue his undergraduate studies within the pre-med program at Vanderbilt as a senior, majoring in molecular and cellular biology and aspires to eventually contribute to the medical field in hopes to give back to children with life-threatening medical issues.