The awards were established in memory of Daniel Brooks of Port Jefferson, who was treated for leukemia at the Cancer Center as a teenager in the 1990s. Following his treatment, Brooks obtained a degree in special education. Since he could empathize with children undergoing treatment and perhaps inspire them, Brooks returned to the Cancer Center to develop a program of hope for them.
Working with the healthcare professionals at Stony Brook, he offered his unique perspective as a survivor who had faced the challenges of returning to school. He also provided his perspective as a teacher to help develop Stony Brook’s School Intervention and Re-Entry Program, which helps children undergoing treatment for cancer to return to school when medically cleared. Brooks lost his life in 2002 in a motor vehicle accident.