Our 2011 Scholarship Recipients

 

 Teri Bennett
Essex County College

“This is to say I somehow became the sole owner of a chronic disease that would forever plaque me. “Not so!”  I declare the not-so old adage of “I may have Lupus, but Lupus does not have me”. “

  

 

Sauntrie Abellera
California State University, Northridge

“It is true that life altering events change your outlook in life … I have become more optimistic and excited about new chapters in my life. I have even become more of a free spirit and a spontaneous person.”

 

Melissa Platt
University of Utah

“To me, it doesn’t do any good to be sad or depressed about my lot in life. The best thing I can do is wake up in the morning with a smile on my face and a determination to have a good day.”

 

 

Lauren Aukstikalnis
Worcester State University

“The hardships we face do not define us. It is how we respond and cope with our circumstances that determine our strengths as individuals.”

 

 

 

Dannielle Foster
Howard University

“I was finally able to realize that no matter what happens to my physical body, the person who I am will always be there. I have finally come to accept the person that I am and that in part is due to my bout with Lupus.”

 

  

Brittany Tucker
Baylor University  

“Despite the odds against me, I am still alive and realize that things could be worse than they are.”

 

 

Our 2010 Scholarship Recipients

  

Tammy Cochenour

“Lupus does not define who I am.  It is not me.  Lupus is the enemy that has invaded my territory and seeks to devour what is mine…I declare victory over my enemy!” 

Amanda Cypher

“I am beginning to understand the importance of being present in the moment, rather than worrying about the future or past events, as well as the importance of accepting my illness and recognizing that having lupus is another “chapter” in the story of my life.”
 

Lauren Howell
California Polytechnic State University

"I will work hard to achieve each of my dreams, but I have no way of predicting how Lupus will play into reality or when the wolf will reappear. And this is how Lupus has most incredibly affected my life: in preventing me from promising myself that each of these dreams will come true."

Jennifer Konick

“By realizing the value and delicacy of life, I suddenly began to get more out of every single day, finding joy in everything I did.” 

Marta Parys

“Also, being more aware now that anything can happen in life, I treasure every moment and love everything around me.”   

John Truong

“Lupus gave me two choices in life. One was to be pessimistic about life. The other choice was to do something about it. I chose the latter.”

Kristin Walsh

“I know what it is to be endlessly grateful for "good days" and for the friends and family who have journeyed with me through this.  I know I will be a better doctor because I have lupus.”  

Former Scholarship Recipients

  • Jennifer Garrett, Arizona State University
  • Rachel Hirshfield, New York University
  • Endya Frye, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
  • Bianca Augusto, University of Florida
  • Micaella Cabral, UC Santa Barabara
  • Cheryl Nangit, University of California, Irvine
  • Tunisia Bulluck, East Carolina University
  • Katherine Skaggs, Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Lindsay Gordon -- Georgia College & State University
  • Courtney Morgan -- East Carolina University
  • Julianna Corbett -- Depaul University
  • Sara Alspaugh -- Northeastern State University
  • Sandra Crusa -- St. Mary's University San Antonio
  • Ruth Michael -- California State University, East Bay
  • Michelle Spurling -- St. Mary's College
  • Veronica Cruz -- Long Island University
  • Gina Insalaco -- St. Louis University Grad Program
  • Dana Turner -- Cardinal Stritch University
  • Cristen Wetherbee -- Mercer University School of Law
  • Carla Martinez -- Cal State University Long Beach
  • Brittany Black -- University of Florida
  • Emily Gunsberger -- University of Wisconsin
  • Kirstin Badrak -- University of Texas
  • Yesenia Godinez -- UC Irvine
  • Kathryn Draper --University of Oklahoma
  • Breya Chantarabunchorn -- Indiana University of PA
  • Nicholas Cabal -- UC Berkeley
  • Tracee Fultz -- New York University Graduate School-Wagner
  • Sable G. Janney -- Morehead State University-Ohio
  • Clarissa Marie Unger -- University of Kansas
  • Erin Cobb -- University of North Texas
  • Taryn West -- University of Oklahoma Health Science Center
  • Janice Toskich -- Stetson University College of Law-Florida
  • Holly Warman -- University of Montevallo
  • Ogechi Onwubu -- Monmouth University
  • Nathaniel Braithwaite -- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Julia Hilengas -- Temple University
  • Keelia Postlethwaite -- University of Oklahoma
  • Melany Nitzsche -- Webster University
  • Brittany Pritchard -- UNCA Asheville
  • Anna Szafranski --Saginaw Valley State University
  • Natasha Toe -- Rutgers, the State University of NJ
  • Chelsea West -- University of Minnesota