Resident Spotlight: Demarion Brown Takes Flight

More than 180 incoming college freshmen celebrated their successes with a giant trunk party at CHA’s 13th annual Take Flight College Send-Off at the United Center in August 2023.

The event was created to help public housing students and their families defer the out-of-pocket costs that come with headed off to college but aren’t covered by financial aid, including dorm room necessities like linens, towels, lamps and pillows, as well as a brand-new laptop. Take Flight was hosted by CHA’s nonprofit partner Springboard to Success, with support from Molina Healthcare, AT&T and the Chicago Bulls.

One of the students in attendance was Demarion Brown, who will be a freshman at UIC this Fall. As a senior at Johnson College Prep last year, he noticed a bump on his thigh. Before he knew it, he was undergoing tests. Surgery was needed to remove a cancerous tumor. Brown still has a way to go before he gets the all clear from doctors, but he was happy to be at Take Flight. He is interested in entrepreneurship.

“I’m doing ok,” he said. “I’m just waiting to get these surgeries over with. But my summer job helps me stay motivated and humble. And I’m excited to meet new people and make new friends in college.”

Watch Demarion’s story and learn more about the event from ABC-7 here.