2012
Hannah A. Barnett is from Mechanicville, NY and will be attending the University of Auburn and is pursuing a degree in Exercise Science. Hannah has Type 1 Diabetes and volunteers for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. “…It may sound counterintuitive to embrace diabetes, but until there is a cure, I will continue to live as an example to others living with the disease. I always knew that I would independently manage diabetes, by embracing it, resisting the urge to be bitter, and being a constant teacher and role model.”
Jeanette J. Braun is from Ballston Lake, NY and will be attending SUNY Plattsburgh to pursue a degree in Nursing. Jeanette was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of eleven. “…There are many experiences in life that help mold a person’s character. That powerful experience for me was being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I have grown from being a frightened little girl into a strong, caring and determined young lady. It has helped define who I am and has solidified my future.”
Raphael S. Forbes is from Upland, CA and will be attending Whittier College to pursue a Pre-Med/Biology degree. Raphael is a hemophiliac, specifically a severe hemophiliac with Factor XIII deficiency. “…After years of fighting against my disability I have found that through these experiences, all I want in life is to help others whether they are patients like me or patients of some misfortune or another and the way that I see I can help those patients is in the field of surgery.”
Morgan B. McCarthy is from Saratoga Springs, NY and will be attending Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts to pursue an English Communications degree. Morgan was diagnosed with Spastic Diplegia, Cerebral Palsy at the age of 2. “My mother always told me not to let the diagnosis of CP define me or my life, but unfortunately it does, every aspect, physically, emotionally, and socially. It is a chronic condition permanently controlling my life, and how I get around, which is either by scooter or wheelchair. I receive physical therapy and drug therapy for the rest of my life. I am going to be a great success no matter my pain, God put me here for a reason, just exactly the way I am.”
Katelyn N. Reeves is from Thousand Oaks, CA and will be attending the University of Santa Barbara with a Pre-Medicine/Biology major. Katelyn was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome which is a nervous system disorder. She went to numerous doctors with constant pain from her hip to her toes. “…While I was in the hospital, the nurses would make me laugh even when I was in the worst pain. My doctors encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming a medical doctor. After eighth grade, I knew I had to give back to others in the same way my doctors helped me.”
Keith D. Taylor is from Whitsett, NC and will be attending Webster University to pursue a B.F.A in Lighting Design degree. Keith has Severe Hemophilia A, factor 8 deficiency. “…I remember days I would wake up with a bleed in my leg or ankle, get raced to the hospital for a treatment (only years later would a nurse come to me at home) and spend the next several days being pushed around in a wheelchair or hobbling around on crutches. We are the sum of all our experiences; certainly, my disease has influenced the person I am today. Maybe I’m stronger, more confident, more flexible, more sure of myself and my choices for the future because of the lessons of learned from hemophilia.”