2018
Rachel L. Carden is from Mt. Washington, KY and will be pursuing a degree in Health Sciences at Eastern Kentucky University. Rachel has Lyme Disease, Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia, Primary Immunoglobulin Deficiency to name a few. "I am able to do everything anyone else would do, even though all of these illnesses should be debilitating. I learned how strong I am, and how much perseverance I can show."
Adrian C. Chan is from Centennial, CO and will be pursuing a degree in biochemistry at UCLA. He has severe Hemophilia B. "For Fourteen years, I saw Hemophilia as my own personal problem that no one at school could relate to. But after getting into an accident with a fellow classmate during my junior year, I realized my purpose in life and I started the Regis Jesuit Hemophilia Society. We spread awareness and fundraise to support a child with Hemophilia from another part of the world through Save one Life."
Kelsey R. Dobson is from San Francisco, CA and will be pursuing a business marketing degree at St. John's University. Kelsey has had to battle Cystic Fibrosis for most of her life. "CF has always been my life, it is what's normal to me. The overwhelming number of medications create an impact on my life, because I have to alter the way I live every dat. I live to strengthen my lungs, not let the sustain my weakness."
Ayiani B. Gallaspy-Seaman is from Kountze, TX and will be pursuing a Pre-Med degree at the University of Texas. She has Ehlers Danlos, POTS, and Gillian Barre Syndrome. "I have learned how to focus on the positive aspects of what my health has taught me. Some people let the flames of life burn them, I chose to let the flames refine me, teach me, direct me, and become motivation to pursue a career in nursing."
Anna E. King is from Mayfield, NY and will be pursuing a graphic design degree at Lasell College. She suffers from Immuno-suppression due to a heart transplant. "At the age of 12, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and needed a heart transplant to live. Since receiving my heart at age 14, I've dedicated service as a public speaker to promote organ donation across the country."
Emma R. Lockwood is from Cincinnati, OH and will be pursuing a graphic design degree at Miami University. Emma has Spinal Muscular Atrophy(SMA) and Crohn's. "Even though SMA causes my muscles to not work properly, my parents taught me that life is not about my (dis)abilities; never give up and reach out to others in need. My struggles with SMA have strengthened my character, service, leadership, and scholarship; these pillars have always structured my life."
Jessica M. Nolan is from Lebanon, NJ and will be pursuing a degree towards Psychology Research at Monmouth University. She has suffered from Kleine Levin Syndrome. "After the long journey I endured, I wanted to share my story. I created a blog to raise awareness and motivate people to keep going no matter what may come their way. I wanted to inspire people to persevere like I so proudly did."
McKenzie J. Poetzel is from Menomonee Falls, WI and will be pursuing a degree in Molecular Biology at the University of Madison Wisconsin. When she was nine years old she developed Ulcerative Colitis. "It has taught me that I am resilient. I have experienced immense pain and suffered physically, mentally and emotionally. Every day I tackle new battles head on. Despite my setbacks, I pride myself in my resiliency to succeed in academics, athletics, jobs and service."