Fighting Cancer and Poverty: Cheril’s Inspiring Journey
Cheril Dorcus nearly missed her chance at secondary school due to poverty, but a determined mother, a compassionate principal, and Light Up Hope stepped in. Today, she’s a top student chasing her dream to fight cancer.
Cheril Dorcus sits in her class at Asumbi Girls. (Credit: Gracious Aganda/Light Up Hope)
In the heart of Siaya County, a region in western Kenya bordering Lake Victoria, lives a bright, determined girl named Cheril Dorcus. Cheril’s outstanding performance in a Kenyan high school placement exam earned her a spot at Asumbi Girls, a top-tier national secondary school.
But her success was met with a painful reality: she couldn’t afford to attend.
When Poverty Keeps Dreams Out of Reach
Despite her talent, Cheril was on the verge of missing out on the opportunity of a lifetime. Her mother, with no ability to pay the required school fees, pleaded with the school’s principal. Moved by her determination and the family’s dire situation, the principal introduced them to Victoria Sheri, Light Up Hope’s education advisor.
“The principal called me and told me that there is a girl at her school who is so brilliant but she can not be admitted because she does not even have basic items. The principal asked me on behalf of the girl, and I said let me consult the team. We evaluated her case, and I talked to the mother and we bought her some basic items as we processed her onboardment to the school,” said Sheri.
After visiting the family and confirming their need, Light Up Hope awarded Cheril a full high school scholarship.
“We received financial support for school supplies, transport, and all the basics I needed to start,” Cheril recalls, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. “I was so happy because I knew this was my chance to fight for my future.”
“I was so happy because I knew this was my chance to fight for my future.”
From Struggling Newcomer to Top Performer
Cheril joined the school later in the year than most of her classmates, but she was determined not to fall behind. Through relentless effort and focused study, she quickly caught up with her peers. In 2024, she participated in an academic competition involving six other schools and emerged as the top student. Cheril received all A’s on her recent exams, and she looks forward to maintaining her high scores in the upcoming national exam.
“Cheril is a good student, she is disciplined, and she never has to miss school since her school fees are always on time,” says Ouma Joseph, her teacher.
But behind Cheril’s academic success lies a deeper motivation. After losing several close family members to cancer, she’s fueled by a powerful dream: to help fight the disease in Kenya.
“Cancer has been a burden to my family. My grandma, grandpa, and aunt all died from it. I want to fight this disease to bring solutions to my people,” says Cheril.
“I want to fight this disease [cancer] to bring solutions to my people.”—Cheril Dorcus
“I want to fight this disease [cancer] to bring solutions to my people.”
Cheril in her school’s laboratory at Asumbi Girls. (Credit: Gracious Aganda/Light Up Hope)
A Mother's Hustle and a Daughter's Hope
Cheril’s home is a small, one-room stone house deep in the countryside. About 200 meters away, beyond the compound, stands the family toilet in a bushy area. Inside the house, wooden chairs neatly covered with tablecloths offer the main seating, reflecting the family’s effort to create a warm and welcoming space despite their humble means.
Cheril’s mother, Rhoda, proudly shows off the chicken coop she now runs. The chicken coop houses 100 chicks, which she buys at one day old and later sells at one month old.
Rhoda smiles warmly as she credits Light Up Hope’s entrepreneurship training and economic household strengthening funds with providing her the means and knowledge to start this successful business. These funds are typically given to Light Up Hope’s high school beneficiaries' parents to help them start businesses or expand their businesses.
“Light Up Hope has changed our lives,” Rhoda says. “Now I sell the chicks and use the money to pay school fees for Cheril’s younger siblings.”
By recognizing the need for holistic support for families, not just for the scholarship recipient, Light Up Hope is creating deep, sustainable, and transformative impact. The program also helps offset income families may lose when a student attends school instead of working, allowing students to focus on their education without added financial pressure.
“Light Up Hope has changed our lives.”
Cheril and her family at home. (Credit: Gracious Aganda/Light Up Hope)
Join Us in Changing Lives Today
Students like Cheril have big dreams to change the world. But first they must equip themselves with the knowledge and skills that will enable them to rise out of poverty and share their talents with the world. Donate to Light Up Hope’s high school scholarship program to support these talented students.
