MARGARET GALLAGHER at 17 years of age, has already turned a tremendous obstacle into a tremendous achievement. In 1990, she was diagnosed with cancer, and during her freshman year in high school, when most teens are experiencing new friends, parties, school activities and academics, she faced the vital but debilitating chemotherapy treatments resulting in hair loss, depression, and nausea. However, with history in volunteering in summer camp for young children and caring for a child with cerebral palsy, Margaret returned to school life with great energy and concern for others. As a teen Advisory Board member of the Better Health Foundation’s Louie Group, she helps with many discussion programs, hospital visits, and fund-raisers. She has trained as an Environemntal Traveling Companion and has already led three kayaking trips for the disabled, and she will be a counselor-in-training at the Oncology Camp for Children with Cancer. At school, she is on the academic honor roll, a member of the Drama Club, La Raza, and the Panda Bowl, a school-wide Jeopardy game. In 1993, she received the real Alternatives Program peer education award for excellence.
