Barrington senior receives Bears' Collin Wehr Scholarship

The Chicago Bears have announced Dylan Provenzano, a senior at Barrington High School, as the 2023 Collin Wehr Scholarship recipient. The Chicago Bears Collin Wehr Scholarship program provides financial assistance to young cancer survivors or the siblings of children who lost their battle with pediatric cancer.

"Collin Wehr's legacy is one of courage, determination and resilience, and we are proud to honor him through this scholarship program," said Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey.

"Dylan Provenzano exemplifies these qualities, and we are thrilled to award him the Collin Wehr Scholarship while continuing to honor Collin's legacy. "

Dylan was selected by an internal committee at the Chicago Bears that included McCaskey and Collin's parents, Ray and Joan Wehr.

Dylan was surprised at Halas Hall for what he believed was his final interview. Instead, offensive lineman Lucas Patrick presented Dylan with an oversized $20,000 check, a custom jersey and shared his admiration for Dylan's remarkable journey as a cancer survivor.

Patrick also gave Dylan and his family a private tour of Halas Hall, followed by lunch at the cafe. Dylan's high school baseball coach and his oncology nurse were also in attendance.

Dylan plans to utilize the scholarship to pursue a degree in Exercise Science at Carthage College, eventually hoping to help oncology patients and athletes who face similar challenges.

Dylan is a two-time cancer survivor and the first in his family to attend college. Despite undergoing two rounds of treatment for Ewing's Sarcoma, a type of tumor that forms from a certain kind of cell in bone or soft tissue, during his teenage years, Dylan has remained dedicated to excelling academically, athletically, and giving back to his own community.

For the past five years, he has organized donation drives during the holiday season to bring joy and happiness to children on the oncology floors at a local children's hospital. With a heart filled with compassion and empathy, Dylan knows firsthand the hardships of being in the hospital, especially during the holidays.

His selfless dedication to creating a "home away from home" for these brave patients is nothing short of awe-inspiring. He wants to ensure that every child feels special and loved during what can be a difficult and lonely time.

For information, visit ChicagoBears.com/Community/Collin-Wehr-Scholarship.