2017
Allison N. Blackman is from West Jordan, Utah and will be pursuing an Art degree as Snow College. Allison has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome(EDS) which is a hypermobility and joint condition, so her joints never stay in place like they should and often move too far the wrong way so she needs to wear braces. "I plan to be as independent as I can. My family and I have invested in Assistive Technologies, and I hope I'm able to receive additional devices in the upcoming future to help me be more independent. Being independent is extremely important to me and I hope that one day I will be able to fully support myself, including medical expenses caused by my chronic illness."
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Nicholas T. Evola is from Miller Place, NY and will be pursuing a degree in nursing at Sacred Heart University. Nicholas has Super Ventricular Tachycardia (SVT) which causes his heart to beat extremely fast and he has undergone numerous surgeries for. I will be under a Cardiologists care for the rest of my life, but I realize it's better than the alternative. I would like to help others who are struggling with an illness that they can't control. I realize I have to deal with the things I am in control of and give over the power to others who can help me get better."
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Kelsey J. Redd is from Millersville, Maryland and will be pursuing a degree in sign language interpretation at the University of North Carolina. Kelsey has Long QT Syndrome which is attacks on her body causing her to pass out. "My heart has changed me, no arguing with that fact; but what have I become? I have become a leader; I am someone who makes no excuses. I am someone who earns what they have. I am someone who takes the short end of the stick and makes a roaring flame bigger than anyone could imagine. I made something out of nothing. I realized I am here for a reason. I am here to show the world anything is possible."
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Calynn R. Vitus is from Hagaman, NY and will be pursuing a degree in Engineering at RPI. When Calynn was 12 she was diagnosed with Leukemia and fighting for her life. "Waking up every day healthy and alive is not something to take for granted. I realized I must cherish the moments I have, right in front of me, at this very second because soon enough before I or anyone else will notice, they will be gone. I started to be more positive, more happy and full of life. I started to view everyday situations and the obstacles that faced me differently. I became more grateful for my life, the people in it and everything else I had been blessed with:"