'Zumba for Zoe' to Fund Scholarship Program

The family of late teen Zoe Inciong is keeping her memory alive by starting a scholarship fund in her honor.

Zoe, who battled Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, passed away in July. Her story inspired many in the community to hold blood drives and fund cancer research.

On Saturday, family and friends will hold “Zumba for Zoe,” a zumba fitness event at 9 a.m. at Alvarado Elementary School.

Organizers are asking for a $10 to $20 donation to benefit the Zoe Inciong Memorial Scholarship, which will be awarded graduating scholar athletes through the New Haven Pilipino American Society for Education.

“For our family, it’s really heartwarming to have her legacy live on so quickly,” said Maria Inciong, Zoe’s mother.

Maria hopes to award at least one $500 scholarship to a student in the spring.

“I want to be ambitious and award four $500 scholarships but it all depends on how the fundraiser turns out,” she said.

The money raised Saturday will be partly matched with dollars from Zoe’s So Things Don’t Suck fund. Initially established as an emergency fund for Zoe, So Things Don’t Suck is now being used to fund programs such as the scholarship, Maria said.

The family is also working to create a scholarship for students who face a health challenge or are impacted by a relative with a serious health issue.

More events are also being planned, the family said.

“These events and all the people around the community who are doing things to keep her memory alive helps with the grieving process,” Maria said.

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