Nationwide awards $10,000 scholarship to Nationwide Children’s Hospital Patient Champion
Reese Shirey of Baltimore, Ohio honored at First Shot to Fight Cancer at 2026 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship
- Nationwide awarded a $10,000 scholarship to Reese Shirey during the ceremonial First Shot to Fight Cancer at the 2026 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship.
- Reese Shirey overcame acute lymphoblastic leukemia and serious treatment complications before achieving remission in 2021; she now hopes to become an oncology nurse or oncologist.
- Proceeds from the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship support pediatric cancer research and treatment, with nearly $33 million raised for Nationwide Children’s Hospital since the tournament began in 2007.
When 18-year-old Reese Shirey took the ceremonial First Shot to Fight Cancer to open the 2026 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship at The Ohio State University Golf Club’s Scarlet Course, it marked another milestone in her recovery journey after being diagnosed with leukemia in February 2019.
Nationwide, a founding partner of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship golf tournament, honored Reese’s courage and perseverance by surprising her with a $10,000 college scholarship before the opening round of competition at the 20th playing of the Korn Ferry Tour Finals event.
Reese’s story
At age 10, Reese’s life changed when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Her two-and-a-half-year treatment journey included severe complications, including bleeding in her brain, a massive seizure and a rare, aggressive fungal infection called mucormycosis.
When the infection threatened her life, the team at Nationwide Children’s Hospital performed emergency surgery, removing a third of her lung. Reese spent 53 days in the hospital during the early phase of treatment, endured multiple blood clots, received 30 transfusions and underwent numerous spinal taps.
Despite these challenges, Reese continued treatment and achieved remission. After an additional year and a half of less-intensive therapy, she rang the hospital’s bell in June 2021, marking the end of active treatment and the beginning of a new chapter.
Today, the Liberty Union High School senior is a fourth-year varsity cheerleader and serves as a lifeguard at her community pool. As she considers her college and career path, Reese aspires to help others through their cancer journey by becoming an oncology nurse or an oncologist.
Nationwide’s support for Nationwide Children’s Hospital
“Inspiring stories like Reese’s are what really personalize this tournament’s charitable mission,” said Jim McCoy, vice president of sports marketing at Nationwide and president of Champions of the Community, the tournament’s host organization. “It’s great to see Reese thriving, and Nationwide is honored to present this scholarship to support her future goals.”
Tournament proceeds benefit pediatric cancer research and treatment at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Since the tournament’s inception in 2007, nearly $33 million has been raised for the hospital.
Since 2011, Nationwide’s sports marketing partnerships have contributed more than $77 million to Nationwide Children’s. Beyond the golf-related fundraising from Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship and the Memorial Tournament’s Legends Luncheon, additional support comes from partnerships with the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon, the Columbus Crew and The Dale Jr. Foundation.
More about the hospital
For more information about Nationwide Children’s Hospital or to make a donation, visit NationwideChildrens.org.