The Schiller Kessler Group has named Parker Shubin as the winner of its Healing Journey Scholarship, a program designed to assist individuals who have demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity. Shubin, who was diagnosed with a pilocytic astrocytoma brain tumor at age five and has undergone 14 brain surgeries, is now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to become a pediatric nurse.
Shubin's medical journey included years of chemotherapy and other procedures, but he maintained his focus on education and community service. He is currently completing prerequisites at Moorpark College in California and has applied to several BSN programs, with the goal of working at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, where he has been treated for 15 years.
In addition to his academic work, Shubin volunteers as a Care Extender at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, assisting nurses and comforting patients, including those with conditions similar to his own. He has also been active with the American Cancer Society on Campus and Synapse at UCLA, supporting other survivors of brain injuries and cancer.
“This scholarship will allow me to pursue my education to become a registered nurse without the added stress of funding my studies,” Shubin said. “I've been on the receiving end of world-class care, and now I want to give that same level of care to others. I don't want to be defined by my past, but I do want to be driven by it.”
The Healing Journey Scholarship was created by The Schiller Kessler Group to support individuals like Shubin who have overcome significant challenges and are committed to making a positive impact. The firm, based in Davie, Florida, has recovered over $250 million for more than 30,000 clients since its founding in 2004.
Shubin’s experiences have shaped his understanding of patient care. He recalled a mentor at UCLA Medical Center who taught him that “sometimes, just being there is enough.” He hopes to bring that same comfort and hope to his future patients by sharing his own recovery story.
