Upland High School Student honored for generous work

Upland High School student Karissa Burgos is one of 15 graduating high school seniors in the country to win a $1,000 college scholarship from SuperSibs!

SuperSibs! Is a national non-profit that supports, honors and recognizes brothers and sisters of children with cancer.

Burgos's sister, Allison, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2002.

She founed Gifts for Hope, an organization that provides gifts for teen patients and their siblings at the City of Hope Hospital.

"I know the feeling of waiting long hours in waiting rooms with nothing to do, and hopefully my efforts can make a difference in the life of another cancer patient or sibling," Burgos said.

She has been a member of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life team for six years.

"We felt that Karissa was deserving of the $1,000 scholarship, serving as a tremendous role model for other siblings who follow in her footsteps. Her positive attitude and eagerness to help others as a result of her experience is truly remarkable," said Stacy Dempsey, SuperSibs! Scholarship Committee Chair.

With this $1,000 national scholarship, Karissa will be attending college to pursue a degree in dentistry.