Renee Torgenson Memorial Scholarship: Honoring Strength, Hope, and Resilience

Torgenson Law is proud to announce the recipient of the 2025 Renee Torgenson Memorial Scholarship: Kate Macfarlane, a courageous and inspiring young woman whose journey embodies the spirit of this award. Torgenson Law has granted Kate its $10,000 scholarship to help her pursue higher education and go on to help some of the most vulnerable among us in society.

The Renee Torgenson Memorial Scholarship was established in honor of John Torgenson’s grandmother, whose life exemplified selflessness, integrity, and respect for others. At Torgenson Law, we are deeply committed to promoting equality, fairness, and access to justice for all—regardless of financial circumstances. In that spirit, this scholarship is awarded to a student who reflects these values and is pursuing a career dedicated to helping others, carrying forward the legacy of Grandma Renee Torgenson.

At just fourteen years old, Kate’s life took an unexpected turn. In August of 2021, she was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a rare and life-threatening condition in which the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells. While aplastic anemia can sometimes be genetic, Kate’s test came back normal. She became one of the rare two in one million who developed this disease for no known reason. Over the next two years, Kate endured twenty-six blood transfusions made possible by the generosity of fifty-two anonymous donors, just to stay alive.

When initial treatments failed, Kate faced a daunting reality: her only chance of survival was a bone marrow transplant. Luckily, her younger sister Leah was a perfect match, which was a one in four chance. On October 26, 2023, Kate underwent the transplant following intense chemotherapy and radiation. After a month in the hospital, she returned home to begin a remarkable and ongoing recovery.

Now, eighteen-year-old Kate is in remission and thriving. She is completing her senior year at Murray High School in Murray, Utah, and she plans to attend Utah State University in the fall to pursue a degree in Special Education. Her passion for working with children who have disabilities was inspired by her best friend Bree, who has down syndrome, and the many students that she has taught as a volunteer instructor at a dance studio that gives classes to people with disabilities.

As Kate shared, “Bree is such a light and has really shown me what it means to love and feel joy. She has really inspired me.” Kate explained, “I’ve learned so much from the people in this community.”

Kate is not only strong, but also grounded, thoughtful, and deeply connected to her family and community. Her mom has been her rock, always reminding her, “It’s okay to not be okay, all you need to do is try your best.” Her dad once told her, “Give yourself grace,” which is a quote she lives by to this day. And her sister’s sacrifice continues to be a source of motivation for her: “Knowing the gift she gave me kept me going when times felt really hard.”

When Kate isn’t studying or volunteering, she loves spending time outdoors ATVing and camping, painting, or relaxing with a good movie. Little Women, The Hunger Games, and The Sandlot are her go-to-favorites on rough days. She was part of her school’s drill team for two years, played on the girl’s tennis team for two years, and is an active member of the Best Buddies club, promoting friendship and inclusion for students with disabilities.

Looking ahead to college, Kate says that she is most excited to “experience something new. Living on my own and meeting new people is something I’m really looking forward to.” When asked about being chosen as the scholarship recipient, Kate expressed, “I could not be more honored and grateful. This will forever change my life. I have so much support and love in my life, but being chosen for this scholarship made me feel that even more.”

We are honored to recognize Kate as the 2025 Renee Torgenson Memorial Scholarship recipient. She represents everything this award stands for, and more.

Kate, we are inspired by you. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!

Go Aggies!