2011
Erin E. Carey is from Clifton Park, NY and will be attending St. John Fisher to pursue a degree in English/French. Erin has Type I Diabetes and is very involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. "Wheather I am helping a child to count carbs and calculate insulin doses for their meal, helping a newly diagnosed child meet new friends and feel comfortable testing their blood glucose, or speaking publicly about leading a "normal" life within the limits of a chronic illness, I feel fortunate to be able to give back."
Jessica M. Herrin is from Elgin, Texas and will be attending Texas A & M University to pursue a Biomedical degree. JEssica has Immune Thrombocytopenic Papura a conditon in which the body does not have enough platelets. She has undergone massive migranes, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, and brusing from the constant pricking of needles and IV. "The experience has greatly impacted my future educational goals. I hope to major in Biomedical Science, proceed to Med-School and then earn a Ph-D in Pediatric Dermatology."
Lawrence M Murphy is from Schenectady, NY and will be attending SUNY Plattsburgh to pursue a BA or Pre-Pre-Med degree. Lawrence was diagnosed with Crohns disease in 8th grade after losing weight, and barely being able to walk. "This disease does not define me, however it is a very importantpart of who I have become. If I know one thing I am capeable of surviving well and I intend to do great things. If I had to sum it up, my passion is to serve in any capacity that I can to better the lives of others in my community and the world."
Kayla E. Pfab is from Glen Allen,VA and will be attending Duquesne to pursue a degree as a Physician Assistant. Kayla was diagnosed with dysautonomia; a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system in which the body cannot regulateeveryday functions. "This diagnosis was a relief, but at the same time I began to learn about this chronic illness that I was going to have to manage and deal with for the rest of my life. By embracing these experiences, I developed into a stronger more focused individual with a bright futuree in helping others."
Eric M. Sisser is from Sachse, Texas and will be attending the University of Texas to purse a degree in Hospitality Management. Eric was diagnosed at the young age of 6 months with severe Hemophilia B. Eric has recently changed his plans of being a professional musician due to needing health insurance for his Hemophilia to aspirations of managing a hospitality department of a medical facility. "I hope to continue to pay back to the community that has given so much to me."
Brian C. Truong is from Atlantic City, NJ and will be attending West Virginia University and pursuing a defree in Pre-Medicine. Brian has severe Hemophilia B which requires him to be infused often. "My experiences have allowed me to take the road less traveled in life. Being a hemophiliac and having to face the adversities that accompany it has made me a better person. It has humbled me and has allowed me to see that although times are rough, there is always hope as long as I keep my aspirations high. I contorl my hemophilia, not the other way around."
Pyra A. Winston is from Johnstown, NY and will be attending SUNY Albany to pursue a BA degree in Psycology. Pyra was diagnosed with Turner Syndrome where an X chromosome is comkpletely missing. She also has Non-verbal learning disabilities(NLD) which is associated with her Turner Syndorme. "Even though I will struggle with the challenges associated with TS throughout my life, it has molded my character and transformed me into the person I am today. I will journey on to the next stage in my life with pride and self-confidence and a strong desire to help others who are struggling with similar issues."