Honoring a Legacy: The John Pender Scholarship Fund

The John Pender Scholarship Fund

The John Pender Scholarship Fund, established in 2025, honors the life and legacy of John Lynn Pender Jr., a beloved member of the ALK-positive community whose strength, generosity, and unwavering optimism touched many lives.

Created by John’s wife, Denise Pender, the scholarship supports students connected to the ALK-positive community who are pursuing higher education and working toward futures rooted in service, creativity, innovation, and care for others.

Each year, one student is selected to receive a scholarship award, with funds paid directly to the recipient’s educational institution in John’s memory.

Scholarship Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A child of a parent who currently has or previously had ALK-positive cancer, or
• An individual living with ALK-positive cancer who is currently pursuing higher education

Applicants must be enrolled in or planning to enroll in 2026 at a college, university, or accredited educational program.

Eligible Fields of Study
Applicants must be pursuing a degree or certification in one of the following fields:

• Medicine or healthcare
• Education
• Technology
• Architecture
• Culinary arts

Scholarship Details & How to Apply

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The Story Behind the Scholarship

Denise shared the inspiration for creating the scholarship in John’s memory:

The John Pender Scholarship Fund was started in memory of my late husband, John Lynn Pender Jr., who was an ALK-positive lung cancer patient that was only given 60 days to live, but survived for 9 years, 9 months and 10 days. Through his entire journey, he was always happy with a smile on his face and had a positive attitude no matter the circumstances.

Before his diagnosis, he was fortunate enough to not only get one degree in Drafting Technology, but another in Culinary Arts. Due to his desire to learn, I believe that he would want to help someone further their education as well. We both considered the ALK Positive Community as our family and they supported us through the years. I am honored to be able to give back to one of our own.

When John was first diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer at the age of 37, Denise recalls that they were understandably scared. Yet John quickly made the decision that he wanted to share his story to help others.

At the time, the ALK Positive Facebook community had only about 350 members. John and Denise joined and immediately felt a sense of belonging.

Despite the challenges of living with advanced cancer, John remained committed to supporting the broader lung cancer community.

He participated in several research programs at Emory Winship Cancer Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital, contributing to research that could help future patients. At every opportunity, he donated additional blood samples and tissue for research, including during the course of three craniotomies.

John also dedicated his time to advocacy and fundraising, participating in lung cancer walks with LUNGevity, Free to Breathe, and ALK Positive, and sharing his story whenever he could to raise awareness about lung cancer.

Carrying Forward John’s Legacy

The John Pender Scholarship Fund reflects John’s belief in perseverance, generosity, and the power of community.

Through this scholarship, Denise hopes to help another member of the ALK-positive community pursue their education and build a meaningful future.

As Denise shares with others navigating the ALK-positive journey:

Get all of your affairs in order. Talk with your loved one and have the hard conversations. Find a team of doctors that truly care about you. Get second and third opinions if needed. Take the pictures, take the videos, take the trips, take the chances, make every memory possible.

Live. Laugh. Love. And never give up.