My name is Christian Ryszka. I am 18 years old. I love spending time with my family. My brother and sister are both disabled. They are both non-verbal, in a wheelchair and have a violent form of epilepsy. I have watched their struggle for years. They have been admitted to Children’s hospital numerous times. My little brother, Caden, was so sick, he spent months in the hospital and eventually admitted to hospice care. This was very scary for me. I had to watch my parents living separately between our home and the hospital. As a result, many of our scheduled plans had to be cancelled due to an emergent hospitalization. This occurred for 9 years. Luckily, Caden was able to recover and removed from hospice care. He still has his complications but is alive. He is 16 years old now. My sister, Taylor, is 22 years old. She is the queen of the house. She loves the movie Cinderella and watches it numerous times throughout the day. I love watching her smile as the songs come on. I know she is happy. When they are stable, life is good. However, when the seizures start up it is extremely scary. My parents rush to try all medical therapies to try to regain control from the seizure. You never know when a seizure will occur, so you have to be ready at all times. For 22 years Taylor has had seizures and 16 years for Caden. I was spared from their violent medical condition. My siblings medical conditions helped me focus on what I want to do with my life. I was given a gift that my siblings didn’t get. By watching their struggles, it prompted me to pursue an area of studies related to genetics and biochemistry. I would like to continue with advanced study beyond undergraduate education. My longterm goal is to use my knowledge to find cures for diseases that have little hope. I see how happy my brother and sister are. They have their struggles, but I can see their strength. I think that they were brought into my life to guide my path. I want to help others so that they may not have to suffer. I understand that a patient’s medical condition doesn’t solely affect them, but everyone in their family. My father is a pharmacist and has volunteered his time working with a multitude of organizations all over the country to help disabled children. I have helped him as well. I have volunteered working with disabled children at the Center for Handicapped Children. This is the most gratifying thing to do. Whether it is pushing a wheelchair or helping with activities I know I am making a difference in a child’s life. My favorite hobbies are playing golf with my dad, building Lego sets, performing on stage in musicals and singing. I was recently a lead performer in the musical, Anastasia. I was Commissioner Gleb Vaganov. It was such a great experience being on stage performing with my classmates. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Christian Ryszka