Ambient Edge’s Students Affected by Cancer Scholarship 2025 Recipient Announced

Ambient Edge is pleased to announce that Alanna Thornton is our 2025 “Students Affected by Cancer Scholarship” recipient.

Alanna Thornton was only nine years old when her younger brother was diagnosed with a rare leukemia that would ultimately result in years of chemotherapy, extended hospital stays, and isolation due to an increased risk of infection. During this time, Alanna and her family spent most of her formative years staying and volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House while shuttling between hospitals. The future often felt uncertain and overwhelming.

Everything changed when her brother received a Make-A-Wish trip that would change the trajectory of Alanna’s life. His wish was to have a food tour of Los Angeles because when he survived, he was going to be a chef. Alanna describes this as one of the rare moments where they were able to be siblings – laughing, eating, and enjoying life together. This experience helped her understand that there is a vast difference between surviving and truly healing. Through this journey, Alanna discovered a passion for mental health advocacy and a strong desire to destigmatize mental health care across various cultural communities.

These experiences shaped Alanna’s life into who she is today. She plans to pursue a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) and open a community-based mental health practice that offers affordable care, while recognizing advancements in artificial intelligence that are changing the field of psychology. Alanna hopes to build a practice where this technology can be leveraged without losing the essential human connection. With this scholarship, Alanna hopes to “build a life in service of others.”

Healing is a long and non-linear journey, and with this $1,000 scholarship, we hope to support Alanna Thornton as she works toward her goals and brings healing to those who need it most.

Read Alanna’s winning essay here.

About the Ambient Edge Students Affected by Cancer Scholarship

In the HVAC and plumbing industries, technicians work daily to protect public health by ensuring access to clean air and safe water. However, the nature of this essential work can sometimes involve exposure to hazardous materials and known carcinogens, a reality that makes the fight against cancer a deeply relevant issue within our trade. At Ambient Edge, this cause is personal; many of our team members have navigated the emotional and financial toll of a diagnosis, whether through their own battles or by supporting loved ones. We understand that these challenges can feel insurmountable, and we are committed to ensuring that no one in our community has to face them without support.

To turn this understanding into action, we established the Students Affected by Cancer Scholarship. This initiative is designed to provide financial assistance to resilient students whose lives have been impacted by the disease, empowering them to pursue their academic dreams despite the obstacles they’ve encountered. By investing in these students, we aim to give back to the communities we serve and honor the strength of those who continue to persevere in the face of adversity.