2016
Sadie E. Dunne is from Clifton Park, NY and will be pursuing a nursing degree at Mount Saint Mary College. When she turned 11, Sadie was losing energy, drinking water excessively and going to the bathroom until she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. "I believe that being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes has made the greatest difference in my life. It made me grow up quickly and made me realize that life is precious. Perhaps diabetes has helped me the most by teaching me right from wrong, how to be kind, and considerate and non-judgmental of others."
Kerry A. Golden is from Delmar, NY and will be pursuing a degree in communications at Quinnipiac University. Kerry was born with exotropia, convergence insufficiency with refractive error. Exotropia is a muscle condition where one eye turns outward when both eyes are open. Her other condition, results in blurred vision or double vision, making school work very difficult. "At the start of the school year I was very discouraged and felt different than everyone else when I was taken out of the room for an alternate site when testing. However, as a result of my hard work and perseverance, I realized that I am capable of achieving success."
Justin M. Horbacz is from Ocean, NJ and will be pursuing a biology degree at the University of Florida. Justin was born with severe Hemophilia A but has had much optimistic and encouraging guidance in his life from his family. "My family and I sponsor 30 children with hemophilia from 6 developing countries through Save One Life. Experiences related to living with hemophilia have helped shape the person I have become today. How I take advantage of these experiences from my background in pursuit of my goals is what I am most proud of. It has been my own personal initiative that has solidified my goal to study medicine and become a pediatric Hematologist."
Ryan J. Majinski is from New Berlin, WI and will be pursuing a degree in biomedical science at the University of Wisconsin. Ryan has moderate Hemophilia A and was unaware of his Hemophilia until the age of 5 when he bit his tongue and it bled for a week until being diagnosed. "I was initially embarrassed about my disorder. It made me different from the other children my age and I resented the disparity. Throughout all the challenges in life, having hemophilia has certainly turned out to be a positive one. It has made me the cautious and caring person that I am today, and it eventually led me to meet my friends and discover my passion for theater."
Jacob M. Mazuryk is from Schenectady, NY and is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at Union College. Jacob has had Type 1 Diabetes for over ten years and sees many positives from having this chronic disorder. "From an early age I was taught how to manage my diabetes. I administered my own insulin through a syringe when I was 7 years old. My long-term well-being and quality of life depend on how carefully I manage my diabetes. Diabetes has taught many math skills, juggling he art of balance, communicating with many amazing insightful people and to learn to be a happy and healthy human being."
Aniela C. Wilcenski is from Ballston Lake, NY and is pursuing a degree in English and Writing at Columbia University. Aniela has severe bi-lateral multi-directional shoulder instability. By the time she was diagnosed, her shoulders were is so much pain and limited that she couldn't open doors, put on a seatbelt, or lift her arms. My struggles with my shoulders taught me that I have the power to achieve whatever I put my mind to, both in terms of recovery and rehabilitation and in terms of overcoming any mental and physical obstacles I encounter. They remind me that there is always a way to make the best out of even the most negative situation."