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A Graduation Story: JSU graduating senior is fighting for her life

By webmaster on December 4, 2014

Taylor Bembery
Associate Editor

While many Jackson State University seniors are preparing for life after JSU, one young lady that is a part of the graduating class of 2014 is fighting for her life. Shawniece Nichole Wilmore, a senior social work major from, Raytown, Mo., is battling a stage IV cancer during a time that she should be celebrating a milestone in most young people’s lives: graduating from college.

During her matriculation at JSU, Shawniece has been an all around student. She is involved in organizations such as the Social Work Student Association, Essence of a Lady Tiger, SGA Street Team, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. On her spare time, she enjoys shopping, listening to music, writing, and arts and crafts. 


The 23 year-old was very excited about completing her last semester at JSU this fall. In the midst of enjoying the times with her classmates and sorority sisters, her health took an unbelievable turn. She had no idea that a rare deadly cancer was growing inside of her body. After several ER visits, biopsies, and PET Scans, on Oct. 1 in Jackson, Miss., Wilmore was diagnosed with Stage IV Renal Carcinoma (Kidney Cancer) which is linked to the sickle cell trait. Due to her condition, Shawniece had to return home to Raytown, Mo. during the middle of the semester for treatments. 

Wilmore is miles away from Tiger World but she still is encouraged and supported by her JSU family. She receives texts, video calls, and words of encouragement from her fellow Jacksonians. 

“I would like to thank my JSU family and friends that have supported me emotionally and financially. Thank you for guidance through my time at JSU. I have grown into a better woman and I will continue to grow. I’ve learned so much about myself and others. I wouldn’t trade my experience at JSU for anything in the world,” she said.

Even though Wilmore will be receiving her degree, she will not be able to participate in the Dec. 12 graduation due to a series of chemotherapy treatments. To have somewhat of a commencement experience, Shawniece was mailed her cap, gown, and JSU stole that was signed with motivational messages from her social work classmates. After receiving her degree in social work, she aspires to open up her own non-profit practice for children with mental and behavioral challenges.

Shawniece shared advice to students about the importance of knowing their body.

“Stay self aware of your body and  the changes it may be going through. Early detection is key,” said Wilmore.

In such a short period, Shawniece has become a beacon of hope and strength for not just Jacksonians. Her story has even caught the attention of radio personality and host, Michael Baisden. Rather than letting her illness get the best of her she is fighting back by raising awareness. She launched the Shawniece Wilmore Foundation to help cover some of her medical expenses and to raise funds for research development so that other families won’t have to experience what she is going through. To donate to the Shawniece Wilmore Foundation please visit: https://www.medgift.com/ShawnieceWilmoreFoundation.

If you would like to send Shawniece any letters of encouragement, cards, etc.:

9004 E 57th Street
Raytown, MO 64133

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