2021
Samuel A. Celedon is from Austin, TX and will be pursuing a biomedical engineering degree at the University of Texas. Samuel has Cystic Fibrosis, a congenital mucous disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system. "My journey with CF is long and complicated, often muddled and aggravated by issues that still pervade my life like emotional trauma, abuse, wealth inequality and family dynamics. I can only be grateful that I am where I am today because of Cystic Fibrosis."
Prosser T. Crow is from Pennsacola, FL and will be pursuing a sports management degree at Huntington College. Prosser has Cerebral Palsy and Autism and doctors thought he would never walk or talk. "If I did not have CP, I don't know if I would be as determined as I am. I wish my hands and legs worked better, but then I remember I was not supposed to walk or talk, much less run and I get to do that every day."
Jordyn L. Dellis is from Waukesha, WI and will be pursuing a human resource management degree at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. At the age of 11, Jordyn was finally diagnosed with the blood condition of thrombocytopenia and a mutated gene. "While to most, living with a chronic condition means setbacks, hinderances and obstacles, I embrace my ability to stand firm in my identity beyond thrombocytopenia."
Faith C. Ettlich is from Portsmouth, NH and will be pursuing a bachelor of music in piano performance at Gordon College. Faith was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis while still in utero and there were not many treatments available to her. "In having CF, I have had more to manage, more health-related trials and troubles than the average person. However, I have still been able to pursue a rigorous homeschool education, a consistent recreational lifestyle and involvement in church."
Riki L. Kaiser is from Orwell, OH and will be pursuing a psychology major on a pre-med track at Case Western Reserve University. Riki lives with degenerative neurological disease known as Charcot Maire Tooth. CMT affects both gross and fine motor skills making otherwise simple tasks more difficult. "My disability has led me to adopt a new way of doing the same things everyone else does - type instead of write, bike instead of run, and so on."
Mizell L. Jackson is from Jackson, NJ and will be pursuing a degree in acting/musical theatre at Marymount Manhattan College. Jackson was diagnosed with Crohn's at an unusually young age of 4 and has undergone more than 40 surgical procedures. "Dealing with the adversities of my illness has helped me to develop the ability to be flexible as well as to put things into perspective. It has allowed me to deepen my sense of empathy towards others."
Justin T. Matzner is from Stony Brook, NY and will be pursuing an occupational therapy degree at the University of Scranton. Justin as an exceedingly rare medical growth condition called Pseudoachondroplasia, a condition that affects the growth of his joints and required multiple surgeries over the years. "Growing up was a little different for me than everyone I was around, but now I understand why, and it helped shape who I am and who I want to be."