Amber D. Hudson Memorial Scholarship

I'm Brandi Mayes, a 20-year-old sophomore at the University of Memphis studying Health Sciences, focusing on dietetics. As one of eight kids raised by a single mother in a low-income area, I learned resilience, empathy, and hard work early. These experiences fuel my passion for healthcare and my goal to be a registered dietitian in gastrointestinal nutrition. What drives my passion for nutrition is personal experience. When my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer, we had a hard time finding healthy, nutritious food to support her. Living in a food desert meant choosing between ultra-processed options and a scarcity of fresh produce. The way she researched and prepared meals for her dietary needs showed me the transformative power of nutrition. My grandmother's battle with cancer marked me; her recovery was a testament to her strength and a lesson in food as medicine. That helped solidify my commitment to improving lives with nutrition. Nutrition is an integral part of the prevention and management of chronic diseases. Numerous studies have focused on the role of dietary choices in fighting diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and arthritis. As a future registered dietitian, I will be able to educate patients and their families on how tailored nutrition can help bring about improvements in quality of life and longevity. I will do this by incorporating evidence-based practice into individualized nutrition plans. For instance, Dr. T. Colin Campbell's studies demonstrate that plant-based diets lower the risk of cancer and heart disease. Similarly, the work of Dr. Alessio Fasano on celiac disease points to the importance of identifying and managing food intolerances. Inspirations from renowned dietitians Dr. Marion Nestle and Dr. Linda Snetselaar move my approach to patient care. Their work reminds me of the power informed dietary decisions have on health. I will establish a gastroenterology clinic that will serve as a treatment center cum educational hub, with emphasis on inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and celiac disease to guide patients in health management. I will also provide workshops and counseling to patients, based on the work of Dr. Rachel Ballard-Barbash regarding nutrition in cancer prevention, about diet's impact on disease progression. My mission goes beyond personal care; I care about community outreach. Dr. Harriett Cloud's work with nutrition education for underserved communities inspired me to initiate programs against food insecurity and promote healthy eating. Families like mine, facing financial barriers, would have their lives transformed by the resources that have become available to them. My journey, though difficult, has taught me perseverance and compassion. Balancing work, school, and family highlighted time management and adaptability. Experiencing systemic racism and economic hardship increased my empathy and desire to advocate for healthcare equity. My perfectionism and attention to detail drive my commitment to excellence in academics and profession. The Amber D. Hudson Memorial Scholarship would go a long way in alleviating financial stress and allowing me to focus more on my studies and personal growth. It would also help honor Amber Hudson's legacy by supporting her family's mission on nutrition's role in disease prevention. I am committed to using my education to make an impact on others in a positive way. Bridging my grandmother's teachings with the work of leaders, it is my hope that I will be able to empower patients to take control of their health through nutrition. Thank you for considering my application and for helping aspiring dietitians change lives through food.

I was a young girl who adored my father before his passing. As I remember, it was a school break, and my brothers and I went to New Orleans to visit my dad's side of the family post-divorce. I asked my grandpa if I could go see my father, and after coupled argument he had with my step-grandmother, he said yes. When my brothers and I went into what I thought was a hospital; there I saw was my father, big, bald, and in a wheelchair. He wore a hospital gown, and didn't really walk. His condition was poor to the point he became unable to move as much. However, I was still excited to see my dad. I ran up to him and gave him a hug, and he hugged back with the warmth of life he had left. At the age of 8, on an autumn evening I was getting off the bus, and I remember a big smile on my face before I entered the door of my family home. My mother was sitting with her phone to her ear, and she had a frown on her face. She looked up to me, and walked close by. 8 year old me was bewildered as I couldn't measure what she was about to say to me next. "You father died," she uttered before tears streamed down her eyes, my two younger brothers came close behind me, and they too were at a lost for words. None of us knew the words to say. My mother sobbed, and I remember crying along. It felt like a part of me was taken away. Then, came his funeral. My father's body laid in a casket, I saw my mom hold his hand, and when it was my turn, I tried to hold his hand. It was cold, and heavy. There was no life left inside of him. One minute he was there and the next he was gone. "Congestive heart failure," were the words that I had heard in that time, "congestive heart failure is why your daddy died," my mother and grandmother said. That's when I took my time to do research. I was of age 9 and I wanted to know the why's of heart failure, and could this effect me? What could be done to prevent, and treat such a disease? I've found out nutrition and lifestyle has a major impact on the prevention, therapeutic, and even the cause of some diseases. Genetics can also play a major factor, so when I found out about the genetics portion, my young and inquisitive mind asked questions to my family. I wanted to get an understanding of my genetics, and what I was predisposed of. Eventually, later in my teens there was two of my family friends who passed away due to cancer. This motivated me further to pursue research in the treatment and development of cancer and other chronic diseases such as heart disease. Mainly, in how nutrition plays a role in chronic disease management. I am eager to play a role in prevention of chronic diseases. I would like to aide in preventing chronic diseases by exposing healthier food choices to low-income and minority communities, as these communities are at most risk of developing chronic diseases due to lack of education. I would also like to educate minority and low-income communities about the effects of their diets. For disease management, I would like to be a clinical dietitian, educate patients on nutrition, and hopefully save lives.

Peer-reviewed research consistently affirms what many of us have long suspected—food is medicine. Nutritional choices directly influence the prevention, progression, and in some cases, the regression of chronic conditions like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. As someone passionate about the power of nutrition, I believe that nutrition education, like healthy foods and physical activity, should be accessible, culturally relevant, and rooted in compassion. If awarded this scholarship, I will use my education to empower individuals and families with the tools they need to take charge of their health—one plate at a time. My goal is to become a registered dietitian focused on community-based health education and lifestyle disease prevention. I envision developing community programs that not only teach the science of nutrition but also guide people in making realistic, affordable, and sustainable lifestyle changes. Many families want to make healthier choices but feel overwhelmed with all of the available information or lack access to resources. I want to solve this problem so everyone has access to information that will help improve their health. If granted this opportunity, I plan to create workshops and community events that meet people where they are. These sessions would include hands-on cooking demonstrations, grocery store tours, and individualized meal planning tailored to chronic health conditions. By offering practical skills, I can help patients move from knowledge to action. In underserved communities, I would collaborate with local clinics, churches, and schools to bring free or low-cost education directly to those who need it most. I also believe in supporting caregivers and families, not just patients. When a loved one is diagnosed with a chronic illness, the entire household is impacted. I would host family-centered wellness sessions to teach everyone how to work as a team toward better health outcomes. This includes helping families learn how to cook together, manage stress, and build routines that promote longevity and vitality. I want to help families live happy and healthy lives together so they have the time to make lasting memories together. In the long term, I hope to launch a nutrition-focused community health program that includes screenings, wellness coaching, and peer support groups. My mission is to translate scientific research into real-life strategies that help people feel better, live longer, and regain hope for their futures. This scholarship would not just support my education—it would be an investment in healthier families, stronger communities, and a more hopeful future. With your support, I am ready to make that vision a reality.

If awarded, my approach would be comprehensive and multifaceted, designed to empower patients and their families with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed nutritional choices that can significantly impact their health outcomes and overall quality of life. First and foremost, I would prioritize the development of comprehensive educational materials tailored to each specific medical condition. These materials would be meticulously curated based on the latest peer-reviewed research, ensuring they provide clear and accessible information on the role of nutrition in both the prevention and management of the condition. For example, in the case of cancer, the emphasis would be placed on incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, antioxidants, and maintaining a healthy weight. Conversely, for heart disease, the focus would shift towards reducing saturated fats, sodium intake, and incorporating heart-healthy nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. In addition to written materials, I would organize and facilitate workshops and seminars where patients and their families could directly engage with healthcare professionals, nutritionists, and experts in the field. These interactive sessions would cover a wide array of topics including meal planning, grocery shopping tips, cooking techniques, label reading, and strategies for overcoming common obstacles encountered when implementing dietary changes. Recognizing the importance of individualized guidance, I would offer personalized consultations for patients and their families. These consultations would provide a platform to delve into their current dietary habits, medical history, preferences, and any challenges they may be facing. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of their unique circumstances, I would work collaboratively with them to develop customized nutrition plans that are tailored to their specific needs, preferences, and goals. Moreover, to ensure sustained success and adherence to the recommended dietary changes, ongoing support mechanisms would be established. This might include regular check-ins, virtual support groups, online resources, and access to a network of healthcare professionals and peer support. By fostering a sense of community and accountability, patients and their families would be more likely to stay motivated and committed to their dietary journey. Evaluation and feedback would serve as integral components of this process. Periodic assessments would allow us to objectively track progress, identify areas for improvement, and make necessary adjustments to the nutrition plans as needed. This iterative approach would ensure that patients and their families receive the continuous support and guidance necessary to optimize their nutritional choices and improve both their quantity and quality of life over time. In summary, my approach would encompass evidence-based education, personalized guidance, ongoing support, and regular evaluation to empower patients and their families to make sustainable dietary changes that can profoundly impact their health and well-being in the long term.

If I were fortunate enough to be awarded, my approach to educating and assisting patients and their families on ways to improve their quantity and quality of life through nutritional choices would be holistic, evidence-based, and patient-centered. The growing body of peer-reviewed research unequivocally supports the connection between diet and the prevention, progression, and sometimes regression of various major medical conditions, including cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders. This knowledge provides a powerful tool for healthcare professionals to guide patients towards healthier lifestyles, ultimately improving their health outcomes. First, my educational strategy would begin with raising awareness about the significant impact of dietary choices on health. This would involve organizing workshops, seminars, and individual counseling sessions where patients and their families can learn about the strong link between nutrition and health. I would use easy-to-understand language and visuals to explain complex scientific findings, ensuring that the information is accessible to everyone, regardless of their educational background or prior knowledge on the subject. I would emphasize the importance of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, highlighting specific foods known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. For instance, explaining how omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can reduce the risk of heart disease, or how a diet high in fiber can lower the risk of developing certain types of cancer. By providing practical examples and showing the direct benefits of certain dietary choices, I aim to motivate patients and their families to make informed decisions about their eating habits. Furthermore, recognizing that each patient’s situation is unique, I would adopt a personalized approach to dietary counseling. This means taking into account individual dietary preferences, cultural backgrounds, economic status, and specific health conditions. Personalized meal planning and goal setting would be a critical component of this strategy, helping patients gradually incorporate healthier choices into their daily lives in a way that is sustainable and enjoyable for them. Another key aspect of my approach would be to address potential barriers to healthy eating, such as limited access to fresh produce, lack of time for meal preparation, or limited cooking skills. I would provide practical solutions such as introducing patients to local resources where they can find affordable healthy foods, sharing quick and easy recipes, and conducting cooking demonstrations to build confidence in preparing nutritious meals at home. Collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as dietitians, physicians, and physical therapists, would also be vital to ensure a comprehensive care plan for each patient. This interdisciplinary approach would allow for the integration of nutritional counseling with medical treatment and physical activity recommendations, offering a well-rounded strategy to improve patients’ overall health. Finally, to foster a supportive community environment, I would encourage the establishment of support groups where patients and their families can share experiences, challenges, and successes related to making dietary changes. Peer support can be incredibly motivating and can help individuals feel less isolated in their journey towards better health. In conclusion, through education and personalized assistance, I aim to empower patients and their families to make informed nutritional choices that can significantly improve their health outcomes. By leveraging the strong link between diet and disease prevention, progression, and regression, my goal would be to enhance both the quantity and quality of life for those under my care, fostering a culture of health and wellness that extends beyond the clinical setting.