2007

Thomas J. Kim is from Milpitas, CA and will attend UC Berkeley in the fall, majoring in Pre-Med. Thomas has severe Hemophilia, which he considers his motivation, and the source of his efforts and strength. “……..my gift (hemophilia) has revealed to me that mental strength will benefit me more than physical strength. Each injection I take pushes me to work harder and perform better so that my future will not be limited. …..my handicap has inspired me to become a doctor so that I can help others like myself.”

 

Michael T. Mayers is from Crystal Lake, IL, and will attend the University of Iowa, and will pursue a degree in Business Administration. Michael has severe Hemophilia B, and has successfully overcome and beaten Hepatitis C! “…my success is not measured in grades or viral counts, but rather through the many lessons such a feat has taught me. ….What should be considered a bad experience in my life has retrospectively turned out to become the foundation of who I am. Perseverance is no longer a quality I covet, but one that embodies me, and one that will follow me throughout my life.”

 

Lindsay N. Norville is from Albany, NY, and will attend Emerson College in Boston, Mass., majoring in Writing and Publishing. She wishes to become a professional writer. Lindsay has Sickle Cell Hemoglobin C, and received a liver transplant in April 2006. “I know what it’s like to wonder why you are considered different from other children. I know what it’s like to be so sick that you wonder if you will wake up the next morning……Whatever happens in my future I will meet it with the same will and steadfast hope that I have always utilized. I have come this far, and I still have a long way to go.”

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Derick J. Stace-Naughton is from Madison, WI and will attend Georgetown University and study for degrees in Psychology and Physics. Derick suffers from Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome as well as an undefined platelet ( bleeding) disorder. “I have learned to cope with my challenging circumstances, and use my abilities to serve those around me. Wherever I go and whatever I do, my conditions will follow me, but I am no longer a passive observer to the events that shape my life. Becoming an advocate within the bleeding disorder community ...taught me not to defer responsibility for the world around me, but to acknowledge and exploit the power that my actions can have to enhance the lives of those around me.”

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Hannah L. Taylor is from Charlotte, NC, and plans to attend University of North Carolina; Chapel Hill pursuing a course of study in Journalism and International Relations. Hannah lives with a bleeding disorder known as Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangietasia (HHT or Osler-Weber-Rendu Syndrome). Hannah parallels her life course to a “road trip” hike in which she finds long roads stretching out in every direction from the point where she stands. “I am excited to beat my own path and explore my interests. I could trade my hiking boots for a car, but I don’t want to coast through life. In my road trip of life I do not have to make it to Mount Everest, and I do not have to be the best of the best. I look forward to the journey…….I hope the view is magnificent from the top!”

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Sarah A. Woodcock is from Johnstown, NY, and will attend Fulton Montgomery Community College, working toward a degree in Nursing. Sarah has a condition known as Moderate Multi Systems Disorder, earmarked by chronic severe pain and debilitation, and limitations. “I encourage others not to give up no matter what they are facing. This illness will not destroy my passion for living, my passion for doing for others. My illness will not control my life. I will continue to be my best. I want to be the best I can be for myself, my family, and for my community.”