2003
Elise L. Anderesen of Schnectady, NY will study psycology, at Utica College, in the fall of 2003. She aspires to become a child life specialist, teaching sick children through medical play to help understand their illness and procedures they are about to undergo. She feels she can provide a unique perspective to kids since she knows first hand how it feels to be a patient. Elise has undergone two brain surgeries necessitated from a genetic disorder, Arnold Chiari Malformation 1 of the brain. She also has Neurally Meditated Hypotension, Postural Orthosatic Tachycardia Syndrome and two other chronic disorders. "Good timber does not grow with ease. The stronger the wind, the stronger the trees" is one of the philosophies she believes. "My illness have stretched me physically, mentally and emotionally to the limits, but have made me stronger because of it."
Samuel W. Doughty of Salisbury, MD is planning a course of study in the recording industry at Middle Tennessee State University in the fall of 2003. "Living with a bleeding disorder has provided me with many opportunities and affected my life in positive ways...I have met many inspiring people ....who have inpired me to do my best in whatever I did so that I could be an example to other youth growing up with a bleeding disorder...I believe that living with a bleeding disorder has shown me that even though there are struggles, I can work my way up the ladder and be a success at whatever I do." Samuel's passion is music. "I Love the art of making music because it shows the whole spirit of a person when they express themselves through verse or song.
Joseph R. Pileri of Newbury Park, CA has been accepted to UCLA in September 2003, with an undeclared major at this time. "For me, the greatest challenge I have had with my hemophilia is maintaining a normal life....and taking 20 minutes away from homework to prepare my IV or ice my ankle has become about as routine as brushing my teeth. In fact, it has become so costom that sometimes coodling from my family wold be nice, but such is the price of normality." Though I do not know wjere I see myself in 10 years, hopefully I will be able to do something that will allow me to touch others' lives, and don't see hemophilia as hindering my future."
Neil G. Swanson of Virginia Beach, VA has been accepted in the Intelligence Analyst Research Program at Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA, and plans to major in history and minor in foreign language. "My career goals have changed because of my bleeding disroder. My long-term goals are to have a secure job with a federal government agency and contribute to society by helping others. My father has been a powerful role model teaching me how to cope with a disability. He has severe primary progressive multiple sclerosis and lost function of his arms and legs. For the last 8 years, I have provided care for him. I help him with activities of daily living....If he can cope with the degenerative changes of multiple sclerosis, then I can surely cope effectively with my bleeding disorder."
Joseph R. Pileri of Newbury Park, CA has been accepted at UCLA in September of 2003, with an undeclared major at this time. "For me, the greatest challenge that I have had with hemophilia is maintaining a normal life.......and taking 20 minutes away from homework to prepare my IV or ice my ankle has become as routine as brushing my teeth. In fact, it has become so custom that sometimes coddling from my family would be nice, but such is the price of normality. Though I do not know where I see myself in 10 years, hopefully I will be able to do something that will allow me to touch other's lives, and I don't see hemophilia as hindering my future."