2010
Shameem S. Fakory is from Saco, Maine and will be attending the University of New Hampshire and is pursuing a Biology degree. Shameem has a genetic blood disorder called Beta Thalassemia which has affected her life with frequent iron-chelating medication that is slowly injected over a 12 hour period. She recently was able to become liberated with an oral medication. “…Thalassemia no longer controls how I live my life from day to day. It has given me strength when I thought I had none and has made me very appreciative and more determined than ever to reach my goals.”
Chelsea L. Hadden is from Poughkeepsie, NY and will be attending Fredonia to pursue a degree in Music. Chelsea was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a genetic disorder that results in a collagen deficiency between the joints. This causes the joints in her hands to dislocate causing unbearable pain. “…I believe you should grab every opportunity that comes your way. If someone opens a door, you need to walk through and embrace what’s on the other side. Missed opportunities cause regret, a word I don’t like.”
Samantha L. Illenberg is from Castleton, NY and will be attending Clarkson University to pursue an Engineering degree. Samantha has a degenerative nerve disease called Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) which causes muscles and her reflexes to be slow and weak. This disease has prevented her from doing many activities however she has persevered in swimming as a positive role model. “Although I will never be a Michael Phelps, everyone seems to associate my name with persistence and a positive attitude that influences the rest of the team.
Maureen B. Riegert is from Greendale, WI and will be attending The University of Notre Dame to pursue a Biology degree. Maureen was diagnosed with severe Idiopathic, Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), a disorder with a risk of bleeding when platelet counts are low and requiring frequent IV therapy. “…I feel I can be a good role model for young children with bleeding disorders to let them know they can dream and set high goals for themselves. I plan to encourage others to challenge themselves and pursue their goals to do what they want to achieve in life.”
Mallory A. Rowley is from Liverpool, NY and will be attending Colgate University with a Pre-Medicine/Biology major. Mallory was diagnosed at the age of 12 with Crohn’s disease after losing 30 pounds, and having symptoms not unlike those of the stomach flu. “…I want to give back to those who need a hand, a friend. I would like to become a passionate person who can perhaps discover the cure for Crohn’s that have robbed the childhoods and dreams of others. I know that nothing is impossible.”
Alissa A. Urich is from Maple Grove, MN and will be attending the University of Kansas to pursue a Pre-Medicine/ Biology degree. Alissa has a thrombotic disorder and had a life-threatening thrombosis which required surgery and removal of her left lower lobe of her lung. “…My goal is to be a bilingual pediatric hematologist in a children’s hospital. I am very passionate about wanting to help children and their families with blood disorders. I want to be a reason a child will be able to fight through their battle and continue on living a normal life.”