My grandfather, my greatest hero and mentor, tragically died from cancer 4 years ago. The hardest part about cancer is the toll it takes on the affected person. My poppop was the strongest person I knew, and I watched as he slowly transformed from the mentor, taking me out on the tractor to pick blueberries on the farm to having to be on bedrest. He never admitted that he was struggling, and always stayed strong in front of the people he loved, but deep down I knew he was hurting. Realizing that my grandfather would no longer be on this earth was devastating for everyone in our family. My grandmother did not leave her house for many months, and I could not believe that he was truly gone. My grandma told me that he died only a month shy of their 50th wedding anniversary. Reality sunk in. The people I love the most are not invincible. The cancer that runs in my family will be passed down to me, my sister, even my little brother. Cancer made me realize that I must value my health. It was recently discovered on a brain MRI that I have multiple brain lesions that could progress. Through the testing I learned that I tested positive for a rare disease called MOG antibody disease which attacks the nerves leading to your eyes, eventually causing blindness. Even though it is not as devastating as a cancer diagnosis in my opinion, I now have a greater understanding of what my grandfather went through, and oddly I feel more connected to his being. Everyday is a challenge, but with him by my side, I know I can succeed.

Since I was a child I was a picky eater, malnourished, and constantly tired. I never knew why until middle school when I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease and Hypothyroidism. This came as a shock to my family as we were utterly unprepared for a diagnosis this serious. There was a substantial lack of gluten free food in our area, and I could no longer eat my favorite foods, the only foods I ever really ate. This forced me to get creative, and for the first time in my life, branch out. Socially, I was overlooked, ignored, and belittled for my condition, until I found friends with the same struggle as me. Those who know what it’s like to miss school for days because of a reaction. That’s why I’ve taken the initiative to advocate and work with the restaurants in my area, to improve their food safety practices, their cleanliness and their awareness of food allergies. Because of the work I’ve done, I’ve been able to consistently get allergy free food for my friends and I. This is the reason why I have been able to soar academically. Before my diagnosis, I was always tired, constantly sick, and incredibly weak. Now, I’m able to actively participate and find the areas that really interest me. Right now, my passion is in math, it is always reliable and it’s so inspiring to learn about how they combine so beautifully to create a work of art that has functional purposes like radio waves. Currently I am in AP calculus BC and I would be absolutely blessed to pursue a career in STEM. Initially, I saw my Celiac Disease diagnosis as a major setback in my life but over the years I have been able to transform my personal weakness into a way to help others and that is all I could ask for in my life. Today, I am working on a movement to make the concession stands at my school accessible for people with all dietary restrictions. A success I have had recently is an event I helped organize called Cookies With Santa at my school to fundraiser for my Key Club chapter where I am a member. I provided an allergy free station with no cross contaminated ingredients. The excitement of the children to be able to have safe food was amazing and I am so blessed to give that experience to children that I never had growing up. With your generous donation, I would be able to further fund my degree and be able to make even bigger change. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my submission and I hope you are always blessed.