Lynn cancer group forms scholarships

LYNN – The Lynn Cancer Association has established three new scholarships for medical school bound and cancer-surviving North Shore students, to be presented at the organization’s first ever scholarship night Sept. 17.The LCA announced three new scholarships this week that will honor not only students, but long time supporters David Solimine Sr. and the late F. John Bargoot, a former doctor from Swampscott.The David J. Solimine Sr. Honorary Scholarship will be awarded to one high-achieving college-bound high school senior who has battled or is battling cancer, while the John F. Bargoot MD Memorial Scholarship will go to one high-achieving medical school-bound college senior who completed high school on the North Shore and has demonstrated interest in cancer treatment and prevention.In addition, the organization will offer a third scholarship, called Hope Begins Here, awarded to a high-achieving college bound North Shore high school senior who has lost a parent to cancer.The LCA did not say how much each scholarship winner would receive, but did announce that it would donate $12,000 to Greater Lynn Senior Services to help fund cancer education and support groups.”With the effects of the recession spreading across all of our communities, it is imperative that we increase our support now to make sure North Shore residents have access to cancer education and awareness,” said LCA Acting Board President Edward Rhodes III. “Rather than pull back our funding, we are coming forward with two funding initiatives to help address the cancer-related needs of our residents.”Bargoot is a former member of the Lynn Cancer Association’s Board of Directors and served as the director of the Division of Radiation Therapy for Atlanticare Medical Center in Lynn from 1973-1993.Solimine, known best as the owner of Solimine, Landergen and Richardson Funeral Homes in Lynn, is a member of the LCA Board of Directors and has provided funding for cancer education and awareness across the North Shore.The LCA has been involved with cancer research and support on the North Shore for more than 65 years, but Sept. 17 will be the first such year for the organization’s scholarship awards.The non-profit’s typical mission is to provide local medical centers with new machinery, awarding grants to educational organizations, sending oncologists to medical training conferences and providing workshops for medical professionals.The LCA awards dinner will take place Sept. 17 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Danversport Yacht Club. For more information call 877-270-0370.