2005
Molly King, of Fair Oaks, California will study Biology and Chemistry at Reed College in the fall. Molly has Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome, which causes her ongoing pain and limited function in her right leg, limiting her mobility and causing a need for crutches and a wheelchair. Her passions include fervor for learning and for science. “…I have come to see that disabilities are not limitations, but rather obstacles to be overcome. In this way, I like to think that I have turned my reality of living with a disability into simply another perspective from which to view life….”
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Phillip DiPirro of Melrose, MA will be attending Hamilton College in September and pursuing a degree in English or American Literature. Phil is a severe Hemophiliac. Phil is a talented young writer with aspirations to study Sports Law. “…Maintaining a normal life while attending to severe factor IX deficiency has been a challenge. My greatest challenge has been not to let it adversely affect my daily life.”
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David R. Cooley is from Melbourne, Florida and will be attending Florida State University, studying World History. Timothy has severe Hemophilia A. He aspires to pursue a law degree, and perhaps politics either directly or indirectly in order to help pass legislation that would provide better care for the chronically ill within our nation. “…As odd as it may seem, having hemophilia has always imparted me with a sense of hope. This hope has left me knowing that even when things look bad and a situation is desperate, there is always a chance of success and if you believe in that chance, then it becomes all the more likely to happen. …”
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James R. Simpson of Esperance, NY will be attending S.U.N.Y. @ Oneonta to study History. James has Cystic Fibrosis, for which he must take multiple medications and do several hours of respiratory treatments daily to keep his lungs clear. “…From living with Cystic Fibrosis, I have learned responsibility, organization, and that Cystic Fibrosis has not slowed me down as much as it has made me strive to achieve. It has made me work harder to do better and succeed….”
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Newman Hoffman lives in South Salem, NY and will attend Wesleyan University to study Engineering. He was diagnosed with severe Hemophilia at 18 months of age. “…Perseverance is a trait that defines me. I know struggle. I know pain. Most of all, I know triumph. I am the conqueror, not the conquered. I am proud to be a hemophiliac because I truly believe that impairment can actually help to strengthen a person. All the obstacles that someone has to overcome make a person tougher. Many of the lessons I have earned have been a result of this disease…”