Marna’s Pals helps students in need

David Pal launched the non-profit to support fellow students after he was rocked by tragedy twice in a short span.

David lost his father suddenly during his junior year of high school in 2006. Then, just two years later, David's mother, Marna, passed away after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was a freshmen in college at the time, but fought through the difficult times to graduate Rutgers University with honors in 2011.

David decided he wanted to give back to students that were dealing with the same situation he encountered. So, in 2012, with the help of a friend, Marna's Pals was born.

"The goal is to just make sure that students, whose families have been affected by cancer, aren't prevented from going to college because of the cost of cancer on their family," David said.

Marna's Pals distributes scholarships to students that face the same circumstances David did.

"This would have made such a huge impact to me as a student," he said.

Over the last few years, Marna's Pals has given out $13,500 in scholarships, and they plan to award another $15,000 this year.

"If someone can go to college, we want them to, and we don't want cancer to be a reason that they are not able to pursue an education," David explained.

They have moved the entire application process online and set March 31 as this year's deadline.

Students must be from New Jersey or attend college in the Garden State to be eligible.

Marna's Pals has offered David the opportunity to assist students while honoring his late parents.

"It's nice to give back, regardless of how personal it is," he said.

Find out how more about the selection process by visiting the Marna's Pals website and Facebook page.