Whitney Saller Prieto Endowment Scholarship Fund

I got married in 2010 to Whitney, a beautiful young woman fresh out of college ready to take on the world, to be a mom, an entreprenuer... and my wife. However, Whitney's life was taken way too soon at age 38 from triple negative metastatic Breast Cancer in 2020. She fought a fierce, long and hard fought battle all while pregnant carrying our now healthy twin boys - Noah and Elijah. A truly incredible story...my Hero

In honor and memory of Whitney I’m excited to announce I'll be participating in Everest 29029 in Whistler, BC, Canada (https://29029everesting.com/products/2022-whistler). 3 days to accomplish 8 climbs up Whistler mountain, 3900 FT vertical gain per climb, 3.9 miles per hike, total of 29,029 FT, which hence the name, is the equivalent elevation of Mount EVEREST! (September 22-25, 2022).

Why am I doing this? It's been a long road. As I'm now a blessed Father of 3 energetic little boys, I am so honored to announce the establishment of the Whitney Saller Prieto Endowment Scholarship Fund to help support Breast Cancer Research at the University of Florida. This will all be made possible through UF and the College of Health and Human Performance (HPP), which is where Whitney got her degree from. With our full support, each year one student will receive a scholarship to help with financial needs.

We all know cancer stinks. It’s tough. I can also firmly attest financially supporting a family with 3 little boys while having to endure and watch someone you love battle and beat Breast Cancer is hard. I remember so many nights waking and asking myself, “how the heck does a single Mom out there battling cancer on her own with multiple kids able to possibly financially support herself, her treatments, her family, all while in this battle!?”

We also know College has its own financial obligations. I’m proud to say this scholarship will be specifically awarded to those HHP students who show a financial need, and who have also had to walk through the grueling process of watching Mom battle Breast Cancer as a child.

This has been on my heart and mind for quite some time now. Many times I felt so hopeless and out of control during Whitney’s journey. This is an opportunity for me to do something and take control. Whitney had such an impact on so many during her journey. Through this scholarship, her name will continue to leave an everlasting legacy and will continue impacting the lives of so many students.

Soon, a link will be created directly to Whitney’s pre-endowment fund at UF. Once we reach the required amount necessary, the fund lives on in perpetuity and an annual award will be given. Each year, UF holds an Event to award and recognize Scholarship Recipients. All donors are encouraged and welcomed to attend!

In the meantime, I have set up this GoFundMe. From the bottom of my heart, I can't express how much I appreciate any and all support. Let’s create something special.

And for those interested, I will personally be updating my journey while I take on Everest 29029. Wish me luck...I'm gonna need it!

(https://29029everesting.com/products/2022-whistler)

As always, please feel free to reach out to me.

..and ladies please, please, please.. Get checked. Do it please.

Go GATORS!

Sergio.