2020
Arianna C. Gehan is from Randolph, NJ and will be pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology. Arianna has Diabetes and volunteers at both the local and national level. " Volunteering and diabetes have helped me to become a more confident person. I have learned how to use my voice to make change, and I have been able to relate and connect to so many wonderful people. While I would not wish disease on anyone, living with diabetes has made me a stronger person ready to change the world for the better."
Elisha M Mann-Robinson is from Newton, MA and will be pursuing a degree in computer science at Northeastern University. Elisha has severe Hemophilia and advocates at the local and national level for equal access to care. "I can't control my genes, so I am the supreme high commander of solutions. I'm still a problem solver, and explorer of what's possible. But I know that my true study needs to be people, in all of their complexity, learning to understand, collaborate, and solve our most critical problems."
Divya S. Mehrich is from New York, NY and will be pursuing a degree in medical humanities at Stanford University. Divya was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis at the age of 13 and knows what it feels like to be almost dead. "My experiences have helped me appreciate that each person faces unique circumstances, struggling in his or her own way. Although we can never fully understand the experiences swirling behind the facade of another individual's silence or smile, we can always try to empathize with them."
Nathan G. Mermilliod is from Riverside, CA and will be pursuing a degree in biology at Chapman University. Nathan has severe Hemophilia and was chosen to perform the National Musical in NYC, "Hemophilia the Musical". "My passion for biology and pursuing hemophilia research and advocacy developed into an aspiration for medicine, where I may specialize in hematology. There is no cause more prominent in my life than the protect people from the life of limitations and medical hardships and to continue to advocate for the hemophilia community on a variety of fronts."
Morgan L Nowak is from Woodruff, WI and will be pursuing a degree in business and medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Morgan was diagnosed with Diabetes at the age of four. "I strongly believe that kindness and compassion will get someone very far in life and can make this world a more positive place to live in. My passion is to be able to make a difference in someone's life by being kind and compassionate. I believe that will help me develop a future in voluntary work because I want to be the change we see in the world."
Madison M. Pryce is from Holliston, MA and will be pursuing a degree in education at NYU. Madison has had numerous disorders ranging from PFAPA, with high fevers, seizures and sores, to severe and life-threatening allergies. "I hope I can give my future students the courage to find their voice and be confident enough to stand up for themselves and what they believe in. I myself was racially harassed in school because of my skin color. I want to inspire my future students as my teachers have inspired me."
Grace M. Thompson is from Oviedo, FL and will be pursuing a degree in medicine to become a pediatric geneticist at the University of South Florida. Grace has been diagnosed with two debilitating illnesses, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. "I understand how hard it is to hit rock bottom, but I also understand how beautiful it is to overcome obstacles and how unique of a world view my set of circumstances have given me."