2023
Luc C. Chapall is from Sewell, NJ and will be pursuing a Business degree at the University of Tennessee. Luc and several of his family have May-Hegglin anomoly which is a rare platelet disorder that causes pain, sluggishness and he bleeds easily. Luc also is inspired and helps his younger sister with cerebral palsey along with everything in his own life. "I believe in earning things and I believe in the power of a positive mind. My sister will continue to be a reminder to me about the power of perseverance, love and perspective."
Lindsey E. Darnell is from Clarkston, MI and will be pursuing a degree at the University of Michigan for Pre-Med. Lindsey has Lyme Disease and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome which caused multiple surgeries for Slipped Ribs Syndrome, temporary paralysis, extreme burning, pain, and memory issues to name a few. "My story is uncommon, it tore me to skin and bones, but it taught me how to stand up, persevere and fight. I learned that even though life is not fair, we must keep pushing, face it and run toward the battle."
James M. DeLano is from Hoover, AL and will be pursuing a degree at the University of Alabama and studying Library Science. James has Mitochondrial disorder, HLH disease, GI dysmotility to name a few. He requires a G tube for feeding and will use a wheelchair when needed to conserve energy from fatigue. "Due to my health, I have never been able to attend school in person full time, but I have always believed education was my ticket to normalcy. I want to give to others through my future work as a librarian with expertise in diversity, equity and inclusion."
Nora E. Getchell is from Mastic Beach, NY and will be pursuing a degree at the Ringling College of Art for visual studies of Art and Design. Nora has Idiopathic severe Aplastic Anemia which required chemotherapy, radiation, transfusions and two bone marrow transplants. "While going through my transplant, I learned the importance of self-care. After my treatment, I joined the Youth Advisory program for the Stony Brook Children's Hospital to help show kids there is light at the end of the tunnel, by helping them fight the battle I have already won."
Emery G. Johnson is from Granville, OH and will be pursuing a degree at Ohio State University in Psychology. She has Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Lyme disease which affected her hands until her whole body was overcome by swollen joints. "I had gone from being a child, to barely being able to walk a few months later. I can never truly return to the child I once was, however my disease gifted me something equally as precious; empathy and compassion for humanity."
Elizabeth J. Mickens is from Springfield, MA and will be pursuing a degree at Bard for studio Art and Dance. She has Sickle Cell Anemia since birth along with her two brothers, causing debilitating pain. "Having sickle cell has made me appreciate life and realize what is important to me, my family, friends, and artistic pursuits. I try to find joy in small victories and try to be kind to everyone. I have shown grit and determination, and I have persevered through all obstacles."
Elijah S. Walters is from Loveland, OH and will be pursuing a degree at Muskingum University to become a teacher. Elijah has Legg-Calve Perthes requiring over 20 surgeries, hospital stay, physical therapy along with constant pain and medical PTSD. "Despite all these challenges, there has been some beauty from these ashes. I created a non-profit called MightE1 where we make space for students with disabilities to get the opportunity to simply...play ball. My disease has taught me to be resilient and fight through pain and keep moving forward."