2008 Scholarship Winners

Congratulations to our 2008 scholarship winners! These six students are sharing a total of $30,000 in scholarships to use toward their college education.

Claire Donnelly
Megan Donnelly
Lauren Edwards
Jessica Lieffring
Mary Merony
Mary Leigh Phillips

As part of the application process, each applicant was required to submit an essay. In some cases, the essays addressed what advice the applicant would give to parents of newly diagnosed children; in others, the applicant wrote about their own personal goals and challenges with CF. The following paragraphs are excerpts from their essays, used with their permission.

"Letter to Government Officials:
Having a pre-existing illness makes it difficult to obtain insurance, proper health coverage and unfortunately handicaps one's ability. It is horrible that so many people with CF live in fear that they may not be able to afford their medications. Countries should make it a universal goal to combine their funds and research development against the fight for CF.

"Letter to Medical Personnel:
There should be a combination and team approach of medical personnel who regularly see patients with CF; nutritionist, physical therapist and social workers should be an integral part of the medical process. Social Workers can help CF patients balance work, life, and health and most importantly help with the overwhelming expense of medicines and medical care needed daily.

"During my freshman year of college I met my first love, running. I entered the Richmond Marathon on 2007. As I approached the finish line, tears filled my eyes when I saw my family and CF doctor cheering me on. A shirt I like to wear proudly reads, Live to Run, Run to Live and I will do just that."

"Marching band is significant to me because of the close friends I have made. The entire band came to the hospital after my transplant and serenated me at the hospital. Without the loving band family I have, I am not sure I would have been so positive during the transplant. "

"I haven't let CF stop me from doing the things I have wanted to do. I feel it is important to repay my community for what it has given to me. During high school, I tutored children, mentored 7th and 8th graders; I played in the band, on the volleyball team, pep club and powder puff. If I were to win this scholarship I would put every penny into my tuition. I already have other medical cost/deductible/co-pays that are adding up now and will add up over my four to five years of college. "

"During my high school years I have worked with inner city kids. We hold activities for these children doing crafts and story time. Working with these children is helping me for the future teaching me leadership opportunities. This scholarship helps me to continue school without a financial burden on top of the burdens I already experience have CF."

Previous Winners