Scholarship Recipients

Aaron S.

Kennewick, WA

Brigham Young University
Majoring in Mathematics
Clot Trot Organizer

As I attend college this fall, I will enter a new phase of life. I will major in mathematics and then pursue a career in that field, possibly combining math with engineering or science. I absolutely love math. My career options are numerous.

Adil H.

Staten Island, NY

State University of New York at Stony Brook
Biochemistry
Camp Counselor

Man is shaped not by himself but the experiences and moments he has shared. Hemophilia has had a significant impact on my life. Although it has been detrimental to my health, it has been beneficial to my life.

Alex M.

Cypress, TX

Texas A&M University
Chemical Engineering
Camp Ailihpomeh Volunteer

I am most proud of volunteering my time at Camp Ailihpomeh in Waco, Texas…When I turned 18, I became a camp counselor…I feel that this volunteer week is the most productive and rewarding experience I have because I am giving back my time to kids in the bleeding disorder community.

Andrew W.

Louisville, KY

Jefferson Community and Technical College
Education
Assistant Softball Coach

I want to be a teacher and a football coach. I feel that I have a lot of information about the game to pass on to young athletes and I get to be a part of a game that I love. So while hemophilia has kept me off the field, it will not keep me out of the game.

Austin H.

Paola, KS

Johnson County Community College
Basic Studies
Twin Valley 4-H Club

When I achieve my goals, I hope to be an inspiration to my young brother and other kids with hemophilia. I want to show them I might have hemophilia, but I won't let it define me!

Ben H.

Arlington, VA

Carleton College
Physics
Romanian Hemophilia Camp Volunteer

Last summer, I spent a week as a counselor at a camp for kids with hemophilia in Romania...and then I realized what hemophilia meant to me. It isn't so much a disease as a connection to thousands of other, similar people – even to people who speak a different language and live thousands of miles away.

Brennan R.

Oscar, LA

Delgado Community College
Business
Hurricane Relief Center Volunteer

One volunteer activity that I am very proud of is working at a Hurricane Relief Center after Hurricane Katrina. Giving all the evacuees clothes, toiletries, and other household items really brought a smile to their face and mine.

Brett P.

Tampa, FL

University of Florida
Biochemistry
Hemophilia Foundation of Greater Florida Volunteer

My academic goals include majoring in Biochemistry followed by attending medical school to pursue my dream of being a hematologist/oncologist. As a hematologist, I want to work with patients and be able to use my life experiences as a hemophiliac to better serve them.

Christian M.

Groveland, MA

Syracuse University
Majoring in Art Video
Camp Bold Eagle Staff Member

Hemophilia has impacted my life in an oddly great way. I have met friends and families who have become lifelong companions. In the future, I will stay involved in the hemophilia community. While at Syracuse, I plan to study film production/cinematography to learn more about the film industry and what it has to offer.

Conor C.

Pittsfield, MA

University of Vermont
Mathematics and Statistics
UVM Food Salvage-Soup Kitchen Volunteer

Growing up with hemophilia, I’ve spent a fair amount of time in hospitals, clinics, and other medical settings. I’ve seen how doctors and nurses can make a positive or negative impact in people’s lives…I want a career where I can help others and make a difference in their lives.

Dane S.

St. Cloud, MN

Concordia College
Pre-Medicine
Local Church Volunteer

Living with hemophilia can sometimes be frustrating; however, through it and my work with my doctors, I am very familiar with the responsibility and understanding it takes to venture into the medical field, and that is exactly what I want to work towards.

Daniel W.

Carrollton, VA

James Madison University
Piano Performance
Virginia Hemophilia Foundation Volunteer

I was very active as a child and loved sports.* Being a hemophiliac, I was restricted from playing many sports I wanted to try… so I filled my schedule with other activities like music. Through the years, music began to take a high priority in my life and I became drawn to how it spoke to my soul with the added bonus that it is not life-threatening.

*Note: Not all activities are appropriate for all people. Be sure to consult your physician or treatment center before beginning any exercise program or participating in sporting activities. If an injury occurs, contact your physician or treatment center immediately for the appropriate treatment.

Domenico F.

Boyne Falls, MI

North Central Michigan College
General
“Lansing Day” Participant

One of the volunteer activities that I participate in every year is “Lansing Day.” Last year after meeting with Senator Allen, he personally contacted my hemophilia nurse at Munson Hospital. Together they rewrote a bill to present to the Senate protecting ‘Children’s Special Health Care.’ Success!

Dylan H.

Wichita Falls, TX

Texas A&M University
English/Communication
VBS Leader, Mission Trip Frontera Mexico

Hemophilia has given me the chance to prove to everyone that I can overcome adversity in order to achieve the goals that I set for myself.

Eric B.

Naples, FL

University of Florida
Astrophysics
Camp Boggy Creek, Leader in Training

Nothing rivals the impact that hemophilia has had on my life. Managing my condition has instilled in me a sense of perseverance, a feeling that I am indefatigable – that if I can control my hemophilia, I can manage anything.

Ethan J.

Fort Myers, FL

University of Central Florida
Mechanical Engineering
Boy Scouts, Junior Assistant Scoutmaster

A volunteer activity that I am proud of is the time I spent at Cub Scout Day Camp. I was a den chief there, with my primary job being to assist the den leader with the scouts…when I saw that I was helping out and making the week more fun for the kids, the week became very rewarding.

Ethan S.

St. Mary’s, WV

Washington State Community College
Truck Diesel Systems
4-H Volunteer

This genetic disease has never hindered my goals or ambitions for my future…I volunteer at church as a Sunday school teacher in the toddler class. I feel this helps the younger children relate with other adults in their church family.

Grant H.

Daly City, CA

University of California, Berkeley
Molecular & Cell Biology
Camp Hemotion (HFNC) Volunteer

As an intended Molecular and Cell Biology major, I plan to use UC Berkeley's resources to immerse myself in lab and hospital internships, along with continuing my volunteer efforts with the HFNC, because I strongly believe that combining the invaluable experience as a patient with the knowledge of a medical student will help me handle the pressures of medical school.

Guillermo C.

Denver, CO

Front Range Community College
Majoring in Business
NHF Colorado Advisory Board Member

[M]y goal is to run a non-profit organization providing information and resources to Latinos with hemophilia. Hemophilia has had a profound impact on my life. Growing up in Mexico, I had no access to treatment resources. I hope to impact Latinos and other minority groups by opening up access to resources and support.

Hieu N.

Houston, TX

Houston Community College System
Undeclared
Community Church Volunteer

Even though hemophilia has affected my life, I have learned to cope with it and keep on moving forward. I put hemophilia aside and think about my career, my education and my loving mom.

Jacob J.

Fort Myers, FL

Florida Institute of Technology
Majoring in Civil Engineering
Candlelighters Volunteer

While attending the Florida Institute of Technology, I will study civil engineering. I have always loved finding innovative solutions to complex problems, and I enjoy helping develop something for the greater good. Just like with any serious bleeding disorder, I have been slowed down some, but not to the point where I can’t achieve what I dream.

Jordan R.

Lincoln, NE

University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Secondary Science Ed.
Barr Middle School Volunteer

I am thrilled to say that in 16 months, I will be applying myself in an incredibly rewarding career: teaching. I have every intention of making a difference in a high school science classroom somewhere in Nebraska. I believe that being an educator will provide me a great opportunity to positively affect the youth.

Jose E.

Houston, TX

Houston Community College
Majoring in Business
Hemophilia Camp Counselor

My goals are to start working in a dealership as a car painter and to get my Associate’s degree. Being a counselor in camp has made me proud. Spending time with kids that also have hemophilia has made a difference in my life.

Joseph C.

Gibbstown, NJ

Gloucester County College
Majoring in Business
Virtua Hospital Volunteer

Every year, I feel people’s goals can change. At a young age, you have goals like learning to swim or ride a bike, to get straight A’s, or even go on that one ride you hate down the shore. As you grow, you start to think about career goals and much more important things. Becoming a stage technician is really a new and exciting job that is keeping my options open.

Joseph M.

Lake Worth, FL

Florida State University
Pre-medicine
NHF 2005 Speaker

A career in medicine or psychology will give me the opportunity to make a life out of helping others. Without the guidance and help I received throughout my life, there is no way I would be the person that I am today, so it is only right that I return the favor that was granted to me.

Justin M.

Waterford, CA

Modesto Junior College
Agricultural Business
Vice President, 4-H Waterford chapter

I have never let hemophilia keep me from experiencing something I loved…I would go to football games and rodeos just so I could be a part of the sports that I could not participate in. Running a farm doesn’t have large dangers, but it is more than exciting enough for my adventurous lifestyle.

Lance R.

Indianapolis, IN

Ivy Tech Community College System
Majoring in Phlebotomy
Chapter Volunteer

My goal is to become a phlebotomist and to work at a hospital. This is a career that I feel uniquely qualified for…as someone with hemophilia. Hemophilia has had a large impact on my life. I believe it has made me stronger. I have learned to set boundaries and make good decisions.

Matthew J.

Coon Rapids, MN

St. Catherine University
Phlebotomy
Hemophilia Outings Basketball Coach

I loved Hemophilia Camp and volunteered to be a camp buddy and work into being a CIT…I just remember when I was younger and got to hang with the ‘older’ guys; it made me feel special and cool, so if I can help another kid feel like that, then that is a great thing!

Nicholas A.

Tyrone, PA

Georgetown University
International Studies
Jewish World Watch Volunteer

I am a firm believer that it takes only one person to make a difference, and it is my personal goal to be a part of such a difference not only today, but well into the future.

Nicholas P.

Smithton, IL

University of Chicago
Biology, Pre-medicine
Counselor, Camp Barnabas

I feel that to work as a hematologist would be a tribute to everyone who has helped me deal with my hemophilia for the last 18 years of my life. I could pass on the generosity I have been given to the next generation in the hopes that they would live a better life with hemophilia.

Norman D.

Warren, MI

Saginaw Valley State University
Business Marketing/Mgmt

Working towards a bachelor’s degree in Business Management has been an unbelievable dream that began in 2008. This degree will allow me to manage and develop as a small business owner with the highest degree of integrity and professionalism.

Ryan D.

West Valley City, UT

University of Utah
Secondary Ed.
Volunteer, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

I have always had positive role models and influences in my life and now I want to be one for them. I want to teach junior high because I feel like I would have a greater influence on that age group…I would have a greater opportunity to teach them about integrity, honor, and the value of hard work.

Sasha M.

Atlanta, IL

Parkland College
Dental Hygiene
Humane Society Volunteer

I had a stroke in January 2008 which made me realize how serious Hemophilia is, and to appreciate everything life gives you… I would love to be able to set up a [dental] clinic that goes from city to city providing free dental cleanings for people who cannot afford them.

Seth K.

Arab, AL

University of Alabama in Huntsville
Secondary Ed.
Hemophilia Camp Counselor

I have a burning desire to change the future of hemophiliacs throughout the world. The ever-present feeling of “lacking ability” among today's hemophiliac community is something that I will do all I can to see change in my lifetime.

Seth R.

Parkland, FL

University of Central Florida
Mechanical Engineering
Camp Wapiyapi Volunteer

The hemophilia community has played a huge part in my life. Hemophilia and the hemophilia community will continue to be a big part in my life as I continue to grow, as they have been my entire life.

Seth S.

Mount Carmel, PA

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Mass Communications
Youth Sports Camps Volunteer

When asked what advice I would give to students who may have some type of difficulty, my answer was not to let anything get in the way of doing what you want to do…Hemophilia is not something I can change. I have learned to make the best of it and not let it interfere with living.

Sunny S.

Bensalem, PA

University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
Majoring in Physical Therapy
Aria Health Volunteer

[M]y dream is to…graduate college with an advanced education, a doctorate, and the ability to assist patients so they can return to full strength. My goal is to open my own clinic and manage a health center where any patient, no matter the severity of their injury, can come and know without a doubt that they will be returned to full strength.

Travis A.

Commerce Township, MI

University of Michigan
Majoring in Public Policy
Camp Bold Eagle Staff Member

The hemophilia community has been a leading factor in both my current career choice and in my life. [E]vents like the Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan’s Lansing Days and the National Hemophilia Foundation’s Washington Days made me aware of the extreme importance even a little advocacy, and an open ear to government have on our community.

Tyler S.

Chaska, MN

University of Michigan
Industrial & Operations Engineering
ELCA Youth Gathering Participant

I have done my best to not let my condition control how I live my life. I am responsible, and my condition is a factor in my decision making process, but I never let it keep me from taking advantage of opportunities and experiences presented to me.

Tywaun B.