All of my life, I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. In high school I had great grades, played varsity sports, sang in a competition acapella choir, played the violin, and participated in numerous extracurricular activities. My problem? I could sing or play a sport in front of hundreds, even thousands of people, but I could not walk to throw away my lunch tray alone at lunch without having a complete panic/melt down. This is where my mental health journey began. Since then, I have battled countless "episodes" of mania followed by deep lows. I was later diagnosed with bipolar, anxiety and depression. I seemed to get a hold on things but never stayed taking my prescribed meds as I would begin to feel better and then think, "I don't need these anymore". Not long after, the symptoms would begin to show their ugly faces again and I would dance through the highs and the lows of bipolar unmedicated. I had a daughter years later who suffered a stroke in utero and was born with disabilities. She became my new passion in life. I soared higher than the clouds as a mother bear fighting for her little cub. Life was grand. Despite all she went through, I had a purpose, how could I allow my mental health issues interfere. All that came with my daughter's diagnoses and numerous doctors appointments, she kept me busy. I thought I had been healed of any sadness, of any anxiety, and as much of a miracle as she was I could not possibly have any depression as I had so much to be grateful for. in 2017, however, my life came crashing down around me. On May 24th, 3 days before my birthday, I found my best friend, my protector, my Daddy; Dead. Being in the medical field, I was traumatized that I could not save him, I could not bring him back. Every piece around me fell, every smile shattered in the blink of an eye. After losing my father, I fell deep into darkness in which I struggled desperately to return from. In the midst of it all, my body began shutting down on me and attacking itself. My face displayed a butterfly rash, my skin tomato red. I had legions in my mouth and through my scalp. My heart began fluttering in ways it had never before, my stomach flip flopping 24 hours a day. My legs began to swell into what I called tree trunks and wounds began to form on either side of both legs. I was so sick. Endless doctors appointments, countless tests, so many wound dressings and monitors. Why me? I was told I was among 25% of people who have an autoimmune disease but cannot determine a name for it, although it presents exactly like Lupus. I was miserable. After more than 2 years of struggling with my own mental health and chronic condition, all while trying to be a good mom and pursue my LPN license, I made it to the end. I graduated LPN school, and my wounds began to heal, externally as well as internally. I realized maintenance mental health medications were a must for me to live a normal life. As everything began to balance in my world I started my work as an LPN. I want to help others with mental health issues start to get better too! All my struggles ARE my STRENGTHS because I am stronger today for each and every one of them! Thank you so much for this opportunity to apply!

All of my life, I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. In high school I had great grades, played varsity sports, sang in a competition acapella choir, played the violin, and participated in numerous extracurricular activities. My problem? I could sing or play a sport in front of hundreds, even thousands of people, but I could not walk to throw away my lunch tray alone at lunch without having a complete panic/melt down. This is where my mental health journey began. Since then, I have battled countless "episodes" of mania followed by deep lows. I was later diagnosed with bipolar, anxiety and depression. I seemed to get a hold on things but never stayed taking my prescribed meds as I would begin to feel better and then think, "I don't need these anymore". Not long after, the symptoms would begin to show their ugly faces again and I would dance through the highs and the lows of bipolar unmedicated. I had a daughter years later who suffered a stroke in utero and was born with disabilities. She became my new passion in life. I soared higher than the clouds as a mother bear fighting for her little cub. Life was grand. Despite all she went through, I had a purpose, how could I allow my mental health issues interfere. All that came with my daughter's diagnoses and numerous doctors appointments, she kept me busy. I thought I had been healed of any sadness, of any anxiety, and as much of a miracle as she was I could not possibly have any depression as I had so much to be grateful for. in 2017, however, my life came crashing down around me. On May 24th, 3 days before my birthday, I found my best friend, my protector, my Daddy; Dead. Being in the medical field, I was traumatized that I could not save him, I could not bring him back. Every piece around me fell, every smile shattered in the blink of an eye. After losing my father, I fell deep into darkness in which I struggled desperately to return from. In the midst of it all, my body began shutting down on me and attacking itself. My face displayed a butterfly rash, my skin tomato red. I had legions in my mouth and through my scalp. My heart began fluttering in ways it had never before, my stomach flip flopping 24 hours a day. My legs began to swell into what I called tree trunks and wounds began to form on either side of both legs. I was so sick. Endless doctors appointments, countless tests, so many wound dressings and monitors. Why me? I was told I was among 25% of people who have an autoimmune disease but cannot determine a name for it, although it presents exactly like Lupus. I was miserable. After more than 2 years of struggling with my own mental health and chronic condition, all while trying to be a good mom and pursue my LPN license, I made it to the end. I graduated LPN school, and my wounds began to heal, externally as well as internally. I realized maintenance mental health medications were a must for me to live a normal life. As everything began to balance in my world I started my work as an LPN. I want to help others with mental health issues start to get better too! All my struggles ARE my STRENGTHS because I am stronger today for each and every one of them! Thank you so much for this opportunity to apply!

All of my life, I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. In high school I had great grades, played varsity sports, sang in a competition acapella choir, played the violin, and participated in numerous extracurricular activities. My problem? I could sing or play a sport in front of hundreds, even thousands of people, but I could not walk to throw away my lunch tray alone at lunch without having a complete panic/melt down. This is where my mental health journey began. Since then, I have battled countless "episodes" of mania followed by deep lows. I was later diagnosed with bipolar, anxiety and depression. I seemed to get a hold on things but never stayed taking my prescribed meds as I would begin to feel better and then think, "I don't need these anymore". Not long after, the symptoms would begin to show their ugly faces again and I would dance through the highs and the lows of bipolar unmedicated. I had a daughter years later who suffered a stroke in utero and was born with disabilities. She became my new passion in life. I soared higher than the clouds as a mother bear fighting for her little cub. Life was grand. Despite all she went through, I had a purpose, how could I allow my mental health issues interfere. All that came with my daughter's diagnoses and numerous doctors appointments, she kept me busy. I thought I had been healed of any sadness, of any anxiety, and as much of a miracle as she was I could not possibly have any depression as I had so much to be grateful for. in 2017, however, my life came crashing down around me. On May 24th, 3 days before my birthday, I found my best friend, my protector, my Daddy; Dead. Being in the medical field, I was traumatized that I could not save him, I could not bring him back. Every piece around me fell, every smile shattered in the blink of an eye. After losing my father, I fell deep into darkness in which I struggled desperately to return from. In the midst of it all, my body began shutting down on me and attacking itself. My face displayed a butterfly rash, my skin tomato red. I had legions in my mouth and through my scalp. My heart began fluttering in ways it had never before, my stomach flip flopping 24 hours a day. My legs began to swell into what I called tree trunks and wounds began to form on either side of both legs. I was so sick. Endless doctors appointments, countless tests, so many wound dressings and monitors. Why me? I was told I was among 25% of people who have an autoimmune disease but cannot determine a name for it, although it presents exactly like Lupus. I was miserable. After more than 2 years of struggling with my own mental health and chronic condition, all while trying to be a good mom and pursue my LPN license, I made it to the end. I graduated LPN school, and my wounds began to heal, externally as well as internally. I realized maintenance mental health medications were a must for me to live a normal life. As everything began to balance in my world I started my work as an LPN. I want to help others with mental health issues start to get better too! All my struggles ARE my STRENGTHS because I am stronger today for each and every one of them! Thank you so much for this opportunity to apply!

All of my life, I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. In high school I had great grades, played varsity sports, sang in a competition acapella choir, played the violin, and participated in numerous extracurricular activities. My problem? I could sing or play a sport in front of hundreds, even thousands of people, but I could not walk to throw away my lunch tray alone at lunch without having a complete panic/melt down. This is where my mental health journey began. Since then, I have battled countless "episodes" of mania followed by deep lows. I was later diagnosed with bipolar, anxiety and depression. I seemed to get a hold on things but never stayed taking my prescribed meds as I would begin to feel better and then think, "I don't need these anymore". Not long after, the symptoms would begin to show their ugly faces again and I would dance through the highs and the lows of bipolar unmedicated. I had a daughter years later who suffered a stroke in utero and was born with disabilities. She became my new passion in life. I soared higher than the clouds as a mother bear fighting for her little cub. Life was grand. Despite all she went through, I had a purpose, how could I allow my mental health issues interfere. All that came with my daughter's diagnoses and numerous doctors appointments, she kept me busy. I thought I had been healed of any sadness, of any anxiety, and as much of a miracle as she was I could not possibly have any depression as I had so much to be grateful for. in 2017, however, my life came crashing down around me. On May 24th, 3 days before my birthday, I found my best friend, my protector, my Daddy; Dead. Being in the medical field, I was traumatized that I could not save him, I could not bring him back. Every piece around me fell, every smile shattered in the blink of an eye. After losing my father, I fell deep into darkness in which I struggled desperately to return from. In the midst of it all, my body began shutting down on me and attacking itself. My face displayed a butterfly rash, my skin tomato red. I had legions in my mouth and through my scalp. My heart began fluttering in ways it had never before, my stomach flip flopping 24 hours a day. My legs began to swell into what I called tree trunks and wounds began to form on either side of both legs. I was so sick. Endless doctors appointments, countless tests, so many wound dressings and monitors. Why me? I was told I was among 25% of people who have an autoimmune disease but cannot determine a name for it, although it presents exactly like Lupus. I was miserable. After more than 2 years of struggling with my own mental health and chronic condition, all while trying to be a good mom and pursue my LPN license, I made it to the end. I graduated LPN school, and my wounds began to heal, externally as well as internally. I realized maintenance mental health medications were a must for me to live a normal life. As everything began to balance in my world I started my work as an LPN. I want to help others with mental health issues start to get better too! All my struggles ARE my STRENGTHS because I am stronger today for each and every one of them! Thank you so much for this opportunity to apply!

All of my life, I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. In high school I had great grades, played varsity sports, sang in a competition acapella choir, played the violin, and participated in numerous extracurricular activities. My problem? I could sing or play a sport in front of hundreds, even thousands of people, but I could not walk to throw away my lunch tray alone at lunch without having a complete panic/melt down. This is where my mental health journey began. Since then, I have battled countless "episodes" of mania followed by deep lows. I was later diagnosed with bipolar, anxiety and depression. I seemed to get a hold on things but never stayed taking my prescribed meds as I would begin to feel better and then think, "I don't need these anymore". Not long after, the symptoms would begin to show their ugly faces again and I would dance through the highs and the lows of bipolar unmedicated. I had a daughter years later who suffered a stroke in utero and was born with disabilities. She became my new passion in life. I soared higher than the clouds as a mother bear fighting for her little cub. Life was grand. Despite all she went through, I had a purpose, how could I allow my mental health issues interfere. All that came with my daughter's diagnoses and numerous doctors appointments, she kept me busy. I thought I had been healed of any sadness, of any anxiety, and as much of a miracle as she was I could not possibly have any depression as I had so much to be grateful for. in 2017, however, my life came crashing down around me. On May 24th, 3 days before my birthday, I found my best friend, my protector, my Daddy; Dead. Being in the medical field, I was traumatized that I could not save him, I could not bring him back. Every piece around me fell, every smile shattered in the blink of an eye. After losing my father, I fell deep into darkness in which I struggled desperately to return from. In the midst of it all, my body began shutting down on me and attacking itself. My face displayed a butterfly rash, my skin tomato red. I had legions in my mouth and through my scalp. My heart began fluttering in ways it had never before, my stomach flip flopping 24 hours a day. My legs began to swell into what I called tree trunks and wounds began to form on either side of both legs. I was so sick. Endless doctors appointments, countless tests, so many wound dressings and monitors. Why me? I was told I was among 25% of people who have an autoimmune disease but cannot determine a name for it, although it presents exactly like Lupus. I was miserable. After more than 2 years of struggling with my own mental health and chronic condition, all while trying to be a good mom and pursue my LPN license, I made it to the end. I graduated LPN school, and my wounds began to heal, externally as well as internally. I realized maintenance mental health medications were a must for me to live a normal life. As everything began to balance in my world I started my work as an LPN. I want to help others with mental health issues start to get better too! All my struggles ARE my STRENGTHS because I am stronger today for each and every one of them! Thank you so much for this opportunity to apply!

All of my life, I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. In high school I had great grades, played varsity sports, sang in a competition acapella choir, played the violin, and participated in numerous extracurricular activities. My problem? I could sing or play a sport in front of hundreds, even thousands of people, but I could not walk to throw away my lunch tray alone at lunch without having a complete panic/melt down. This is where my mental health journey began. Since then, I have battled countless "episodes" of mania followed by deep lows. I was later diagnosed with bipolar, anxiety and depression. I seemed to get a hold on things but never stayed taking my prescribed meds as I would begin to feel better and then think, "I don't need these anymore". Not long after, the symptoms would begin to show their ugly faces again and I would dance through the highs and the lows of bipolar unmedicated. I had a daughter years later who suffered a stroke in utero and was born with disabilities. She became my new passion in life. I soared higher than the clouds as a mother bear fighting for her little cub. Life was grand. Despite all she went through, I had a purpose, how could I allow my mental health issues interfere. All that came with my daughter's diagnoses and numerous doctors appointments, she kept me busy. I thought I had been healed of any sadness, of any anxiety, and as much of a miracle as she was I could not possibly have any depression as I had so much to be grateful for. in 2017, however, my life came crashing down around me. On May 24th, 3 days before my birthday, I found my best friend, my protector, my Daddy; Dead. Being in the medical field, I was traumatized that I could not save him, I could not bring him back. Every piece around me fell, every smile shattered in the blink of an eye. After losing my father, I fell deep into darkness in which I struggled desperately to return from. In the midst of it all, my body began shutting down on me and attacking itself. My face displayed a butterfly rash, my skin tomato red. I had legions in my mouth and through my scalp. My heart began fluttering in ways it had never before, my stomach flip flopping 24 hours a day. My legs began to swell into what I called tree trunks and wounds began to form on either side of both legs. I was so sick. Endless doctors appointments, countless tests, so many wound dressings and monitors. Why me? I was told I was among 25% of people who have an autoimmune disease but cannot determine a name for it, although it presents exactly like Lupus. I was miserable. After more than 2 years of struggling with my own mental health and chronic condition, all while trying to be a good mom and pursue my LPN license, I made it to the end. I graduated LPN school, and my wounds began to heal, externally as well as internally. I realized maintenance mental health medications were a must for me to live a normal life. As everything began to balance in my world I started my work as an LPN. I want to help others with mental health issues start to get better too! All my struggles ARE my STRENGTHS because I am stronger today for each and every one of them! Thank you so much for this opportunity to apply!

I was a CNA for 17 years and have always been a caretaker in every aspect of my life. Helping others has always been a passion of mine. I took time to volunteer at the local hospital as a candy striper for a couple years. During high school I used to help with the special needs classes to assist some of the students with their class work. My mother was a CNA for years and I watched her struggle while going to school and working to support and take care of her family. I believe caretaking is in my blood, but I also believe I had a role model to instill the values in me. I am now an LPN currently enrolled in my RN bridge. I am a single mother to a disabled little girl who had a grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage in utero. I was told she would grow up and remain infant like for her entire life. I was told she would not walk and 90% chance that she would be mentally challenged. My little girl was born blind, was not very strong, and had trouble maintaining her vitals on her own. I did not take any of that laying down! I found a program through Duke Medical University that had an experimental procedure for children with diagnoses like my daughter. Stem cells, that were harvested from my daughter's umbilical cord and placenta were infused back into her body at 3 different times; 5 months, 9 months and 13 months of age. After the very first infusion she began to see, and after the 3rd infusion we noticed her strength getting much more increased and she began meeting milestones that were initially delayed. I fought everyday for my little girl and together, through therapies, procedures, appointments and more today she can run, skip, jump and is smarter than I could have ever imagined. She does have cerebral palsy and is visually impaired, but she has surpassed everything that was predicted of her. She has been my reason for living and has sparked a passion in me to do more, to be more. I went to school for my LPN during COVID al while taking care of her and transitioning her schooling to online as well. We have had our struggles but we fight every single day and will always continue to do so. This money would help me fulfill my nursing bridge program so that someday, hopefully soon, I can begin helping fight for other little babies who are born with the same ailments as my daughter. I want to help as many babies as I can but not only do I want to help them, I want to be there as a support for their families. I will never forget our NICU nurses and I hope that I can become unforgettable for one of those families who are struggling through their new unknown world of disabilities and unknown futures. I pray I can spark hope in them that was ignited in me. I can, and I WILL make a difference. Thank you so much for the opportunity to apply.

I was a CNA for 17 years and have always been a caretaker in every aspect of my life. Helping others has always been a passion of mine. I took time to volunteer at the local hospital as a candy striper for a couple years. During high school I used to help with the special needs classes to assist some of the students with their class work. My mother was a CNA for years and I watched her struggle while going to school and working to support and take care of her family. I believe caretaking is in my blood, but I also believe I had a role model to instill the values in me. I am now an LPN currently enrolled in my RN bridge. I am a single mother to a disabled little girl who had a grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage in utero. I was told she would grow up and remain infant like for her entire life. I was told she would not walk and 90% chance that she would be mentally challenged. My little girl was born blind, was not very strong, and had trouble maintaining her vitals on her own. I did not take any of that laying down! I found a program through Duke Medical University that had an experimental procedure for children with diagnoses like my daughter. Stem cells, that were harvested from my daughter's umbilical cord and placenta were infused back into her body at 3 different times; 5 months, 9 months and 13 months of age. After the very first infusion she began to see, and after the 3rd infusion we noticed her strength getting much more increased and she began meeting milestones that were initially delayed. I fought everyday for my little girl and together, through therapies, procedures, appointments and more today she can run, skip, jump and is smarter than I could have ever imagined. She does have cerebral palsy and is visually impaired, but she has surpassed everything that was predicted of her. She has been my reason for living and has sparked a passion in me to do more, to be more. I went to school for my LPN during COVID al while taking care of her and transitioning her schooling to online as well. We have had our struggles but we fight every single day and will always continue to do so. This money would help me fulfill my nursing bridge program so that someday, hopefully soon, I can begin helping fight for other little babies who are born with the same ailments as my daughter. I want to help as many babies as I can but not only do I want to help them, I want to be there as a support for their families. I will never forget our NICU nurses and I hope that I can become unforgettable for one of those families who are struggling through their new unknown world of disabilities and unknown futures. I pray I can spark hope in them that was ignited in me. I can, and I WILL make a difference. Thank you so much for the opportunity to apply.

All of my life, I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. In high school I had great grades, played varsity sports, sang in a competition acapella choir, played the violin, and participated in numerous extracurricular activities. My problem? I could sing or play a sport in front of hundreds, even thousands of people, but I could not walk to throw away my lunch tray alone at lunch without having a complete panic/melt down. This is where my mental health journey began. Since then, I have battled countless "episodes" of mania followed by deep lows. I was later diagnosed with bipolar, anxiety and depression. I seemed to get a hold on things but never stayed taking my prescribed meds as I would begin to feel better and then think, "I don't need these anymore". Not long after, the symptoms would begin to show their ugly faces again and I would dance through the highs and the lows of bipolar unmedicated. I had a daughter years later who suffered a stroke in utero and was born with disabilities. She became my new passion in life. I soared higher than the clouds as a mother bear fighting for her little cub. Life was grand. Despite all she went through, I had a purpose, how could I allow my mental health issues interfere. All that came with my daughter's diagnoses and numerous doctors appointments, she kept me busy. I thought I had been healed of any sadness, of any anxiety, and as much of a miracle as she was I could not possibly have any depression as I had so much to be grateful for. in 2017, however, my life came crashing down around me. On May 24th, 3 days before my birthday, I found my best friend, my protector, my Daddy; Dead. Being in the medical field, I was traumatized that I could not save him, I could not bring him back. Every piece around me fell, every smile shattered in the blink of an eye. After losing my father, I fell deep into darkness in which I struggled desperately to return from. In the midst of it all, my body began shutting down on me and attacking itself. My face displayed a butterfly rash, my skin tomato red. I had legions in my mouth and through my scalp. My heart began fluttering in ways it had never before, my stomach flip flopping 24 hours a day. My legs began to swell into what I called tree trunks and wounds began to form on either side of both legs. I was so sick. Endless doctors appointments, countless tests, so many wound dressings and monitors. Why me? I was told I was among 25% of people who have an autoimmune disease but cannot determine a name for it, although it presents exactly like Lupus. I was miserable. After more than 2 years of struggling with my own mental health and chronic condition, all while trying to be a good mom and pursue my LPN license, I made it to the end. I graduated LPN school, and my wounds began to heal, externally as well as internally. I realized maintenance mental health medications were a must for me to live a normal life. As everything began to balance in my world I started my work as an LPN. I want to help others get through their struggles, hence my wanting to further my nursing education. All my struggles ARE my STRENGTHS because I am stronger today for each and every one of them! Thank you so much for this opportunity to apply!

All of my life, I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. In high school I had great grades, played varsity sports, sang in a competition acapella choir, played the violin, and participated in numerous extracurricular activities. My problem? I could sing or play a sport in front of hundreds, even thousands of people, but I could not walk to throw away my lunch tray alone at lunch without having a complete panic/melt down. This is where my mental health journey began. Since then, I have battled countless "episodes" of mania followed by deep lows. I was later diagnosed with bipolar, anxiety and depression. I seemed to get a hold on things but never stayed taking my prescribed meds as I would begin to feel better and then think, "I don't need these anymore". Not long after, the symptoms would begin to show their ugly faces again and I would dance through the highs and the lows of bipolar unmedicated. I had a daughter years later who suffered a stroke in utero and was born with disabilities. She became my new passion in life. I soared higher than the clouds as a mother bear fighting for her little cub. Life was grand. Despite all she went through, I had a purpose, how could I allow my mental health issues interfere. All that came with my daughter's diagnoses and numerous doctors appointments, she kept me busy. I thought I had been healed of any sadness, of any anxiety, and as much of a miracle as she was I could not possibly have any depression as I had so much to be grateful for. in 2017, however, my life came crashing down around me. On May 24th, 3 days before my birthday, I found my best friend, my protector, my Daddy; Dead. Being in the medical field, I was traumatized that I could not save him, I could not bring him back. Every piece around me fell, every smile shattered in the blink of an eye. After losing my father, I fell deep into darkness in which I struggled desperately to return from. In the midst of it all, my body began shutting down on me and attacking itself. My face displayed a butterfly rash, my skin tomato red. I had legions in my mouth and through my scalp. My heart began fluttering in ways it had never before, my stomach flip flopping 24 hours a day. My legs began to swell into what I called tree trunks and wounds began to form on either side of both legs. I was so sick. Endless doctors appointments, countless tests, so many wound dressings and monitors. Why me? I was told I was among 25% of people who have an autoimmune disease but cannot determine a name for it, although it presents exactly like Lupus. I was miserable. After more than 2 years of struggling with my own mental health and chronic condition, all while trying to be a good mom and pursue my LPN license, I made it to the end. I graduated LPN school, and my wounds began to heal, externally as well as internally. I realized maintenance mental health medications were a must for me to live a normal life. As everything began to balance in my world I started my work as an LPN. I want to help others with mental health issues start to get better too! All my struggles ARE my STRENGTHS because I am stronger today for each and every one of them! Thank you so much for this opportunity to apply!

All of my life, I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. In high school I had great grades, played varsity sports, sang in a competition acapella choir, played the violin, and participated in numerous extracurricular activities. My problem? I could sing or play a sport in front of hundreds, even thousands of people, but I could not walk to throw away my lunch tray alone at lunch without having a complete panic/melt down. This is where my mental health journey began. Since then, I have battled countless "episodes" of mania followed by deep lows. I was later diagnosed with bipolar, anxiety and depression. I seemed to get a hold on things but never stayed taking my prescribed meds as I would begin to feel better and then think, "I don't need these anymore". Not long after, the symptoms would begin to show their ugly faces again and I would dance through the highs and the lows of bipolar unmedicated. I had a daughter years later who suffered a stroke in utero and was born with disabilities. She became my new passion in life. I soared higher than the clouds as a mother bear fighting for her little cub. Life was grand. Despite all she went through, I had a purpose, how could I allow my mental health issues interfere. All that came with my daughter's diagnoses and numerous doctors appointments, she kept me busy. I thought I had been healed of any sadness, of any anxiety, and as much of a miracle as she was I could not possibly have any depression as I had so much to be grateful for. in 2017, however, my life came crashing down around me. On May 24th, 3 days before my birthday, I found my best friend, my protector, my Daddy; Dead. Being in the medical field, I was traumatized that I could not save him, I could not bring him back. Every piece around me fell, every smile shattered in the blink of an eye. After losing my father, I fell deep into darkness in which I struggled desperately to return from. In the midst of it all, my body began shutting down on me and attacking itself. My face displayed a butterfly rash, my skin tomato red. I had legions in my mouth and through my scalp. My heart began fluttering in ways it had never before, my stomach flip flopping 24 hours a day. My legs began to swell into what I called tree trunks and wounds began to form on either side of both legs. I was so sick. Endless doctors appointments, countless tests, so many wound dressings and monitors. Why me? I was told I was among 25% of people who have an autoimmune disease but cannot determine a name for it, although it presents exactly like Lupus. I was miserable. After more than 2 years of struggling with my own mental health and chronic condition, all while trying to be a good mom and pursue my LPN license, I made it to the end. I graduated LPN school, and my wounds began to heal, externally as well as internally. I realized maintenance mental health medications were a must for me to live a normal life. As everything began to balance in my world I started my work as an LPN. I always want to strive for more, though, hence my wanting to further my nursing education. All my struggles ARE my STRENGTHS because I am stronger today for each and every one of them! Thank you so much for this opportunity to apply!

I was a CNA for 17 years and have always been a caretaker in every aspect of my life. Helping others has always been a passion of mine. I took time to volunteer at the local hospital as a candy striper for a couple years. During high school I used to help with the special needs classes to assist some of the students with their class work. My mother was a CNA for years and I watched her struggle while going to school and working to support and take care of her family. I believe caretaking is in my blood, but I also believe I had a role model to instill the values in me. I am now an LPN currently enrolled in my RN bridge. I am a single mother to a disabled little girl who had a grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage in utero. I was told she would grow up and remain infant like for her entire life. I was told she would not walk and 90% chance that she would be mentally challenged. My little girl was born blind, was not very strong, and had trouble maintaining her vitals on her own. I did not take any of that laying down! I found a program through Duke Medical University that had an experimental procedure for children with diagnoses like my daughter. Stem cells, that were harvested from my daughter's umbilical cord and placenta were infused back into her body at 3 different times; 5 months, 9 months and 13 months of age. After the very first infusion she began to see, and after the 3rd infusion we noticed her strength getting much more increased and she began meeting milestones that were initially delayed. I fought everyday for my little girl and together, through therapies, procedures, appointments and more today she can run, skip, jump and is smarter than I could have ever imagined. She does have cerebral palsy and is visually impaired, but she has surpassed everything that was predicted of her. She has been my reason for living and has sparked a passion in me to do more, to be more. I went to school for my LPN during COVID al while taking care of her and transitioning her schooling to online as well. We have had our struggles but we fight every single day and will always continue to do so. This money would help me fulfill my nursing bridge program so that someday, hopefully soon, I can begin helping fight for other little babies who are born with the same ailments as my daughter. I want to help as many babies as I can but not only do I want to help them, I want to be there as a support for their families. I will never forget our NICU nurses and I hope that I can become unforgettable for one of those families who are struggling through their new unknown world of disabilities and unknown futures. I pray I can spark hope in them that was ignited in me. I can, and I WILL make a difference. Thank you so much for the opportunity to apply.

All of my life, I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. In high school I had great grades, played varsity sports, sang in a competition acapella choir, played the violin, and participated in numerous extracurricular activities. My problem? I could sing or play a sport in front of hundreds, even thousands of people, but I could not walk to throw away my lunch tray alone at lunch without having a complete panic/melt down. This is where my mental health journey began. Since then, I have battled countless "episodes" of mania followed by deep lows. I was later diagnosed with bipolar, anxiety and depression. I seemed to get a hold on things but never stayed taking my prescribed meds as I would begin to feel better and then think, "I don't need these anymore". Not long after, the symptoms would begin to show their ugly faces again and I would dance through the highs and the lows of bipolar unmedicated. I had a daughter years later who suffered a stroke in utero and was born with disabilities. She became my new passion in life. I soared higher than the clouds as a mother bear fighting for her little cub. Life was grand. Despite all she went through, I had a purpose, how could I allow my mental health issues interfere. All that came with my daughter's diagnoses and numerous doctors appointments, she kept me busy. I thought I had been healed of any sadness, of any anxiety, and as much of a miracle as she was I could not possibly have any depression as I had so much to be grateful for. in 2017, however, my life came crashing down around me. On May 24th, 3 days before my birthday, I found my best friend, my protector, my Daddy; Dead. Being in the medical field, I was traumatized that I could not save him, I could not bring him back. Every piece around me fell, every smile shattered in the blink of an eye. After losing my father, I fell deep into darkness in which I struggled desperately to return from. In the midst of it all, my body began shutting down on me and attacking itself. My face displayed a butterfly rash, my skin tomato red. I had legions in my mouth and through my scalp. My heart began fluttering in ways it had never before, my stomach flip flopping 24 hours a day. My legs began to swell into what I called tree trunks and wounds began to form on either side of both legs. I was so sick. Endless doctors appointments, countless tests, so many wound dressings and monitors. Why me? I was told I was among 25% of people who have an autoimmune disease but cannot determine a name for it, although it presents exactly like Lupus. I was miserable. After more than 2 years of struggling with my own mental health and chronic condition, all while trying to be a good mom and pursue my LPN license, I made it to the end. I graduated LPN school, and my wounds began to heal, externally as well as internally. I realized maintenance mental health medications were a must for me to live a normal life. As everything began to balance in my world I started my work as an LPN. I always want to strive for more, though, hence my wanting to further my nursing education. All my struggles ARE my STRENGTHS because I am stronger today for each and every one of them! Thank you so much for this opportunity to apply!

All of my life, I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. In high school I had great grades, played varsity sports, sang in a competition acapella choir, played the violin, and participated in numerous extracurricular activities. My problem? I could sing or play a sport in front of hundreds, even thousands of people, but I could not walk to throw away my lunch tray alone at lunch without having a complete panic/melt down. This is where my mental health journey began. Since then, I have battled countless "episodes" of mania followed by deep lows. I was later diagnosed with bipolar, anxiety and depression. I seemed to get a hold on things but never stayed taking my prescribed meds as I would begin to feel better and then think, "I don't need these anymore". Not long after, the symptoms would begin to show their ugly faces again and I would dance through the highs and the lows of bipolar unmedicated. I had a daughter years later who suffered a stroke in utero and was born with disabilities. She became my new passion in life. I soared higher than the clouds as a mother bear fighting for her little cub. Life was grand. Despite all she went through, I had a purpose, how could I allow my mental health issues interfere. All that came with my daughter's diagnoses and numerous doctors appointments, she kept me busy. I thought I had been healed of any sadness, of any anxiety, and as much of a miracle as she was I could not possibly have any depression as I had so much to be grateful for. in 2017, however, my life came crashing down around me. On May 24th, 3 days before my birthday, I found my best friend, my protector, my Daddy; Dead. Being in the medical field, I was traumatized that I could not save him, I could not bring him back. Every piece around me fell, every smile shattered in the blink of an eye. After losing my father, I fell deep into darkness in which I struggled desperately to return from. In the midst of it all, my body began shutting down on me and attacking itself. My face displayed a butterfly rash, my skin tomato red. I had legions in my mouth and through my scalp. My heart began fluttering in ways it had never before, my stomach flip flopping 24 hours a day. My legs began to swell into what I called tree trunks and wounds began to form on either side of both legs. I was so sick. Endless doctors appointments, countless tests, so many wound dressings and monitors. Why me? I was told I was among 25% of people who have an autoimmune disease but cannot determine a name for it, although it presents exactly like Lupus. I was miserable. After more than 2 years of struggling with my own mental health and chronic condition, all while trying to be a good mom and pursue my LPN license, I made it to the end. I graduated LPN school, and my wounds began to heal, externally as well as internally. I realized maintenance mental health medications were a must for me to live a normal life. As everything began to balance in my world I started my work as an LPN. I always want to strive for more, though, hence my wanting to further my nursing education. All my struggles ARE my STRENGTHS because I am stronger today for each and every one of them! Thank you so much for this opportunity to apply!

All of my life, I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. In high school I had great grades, played varsity sports, sang in a competition acapella choir, played the violin, and participated in numerous extracurricular activities. My problem? I could sing or play a sport in front of hundreds, even thousands of people, but I could not walk to throw away my lunch tray alone at lunch without having a complete panic/melt down. This is where my mental health journey began. Since then, I have battled countless "episodes" of mania followed by deep lows. I was later diagnosed with bipolar, anxiety and depression. I seemed to get a hold on things but never stayed taking my prescribed meds as I would begin to feel better and then think, "I don't need these anymore". Not long after, the symptoms would begin to show their ugly faces again and I would dance through the highs and the lows of bipolar unmedicated. I had a daughter years later who suffered a stroke in utero and was born with disabilities. She became my new passion in life. I soared higher than the clouds as a mother bear fighting for her little cub. Life was grand. Despite all she went through, I had a purpose, how could I allow my mental health issues interfere. All that came with my daughter's diagnoses and numerous doctors appointments, she kept me busy. I thought I had been healed of any sadness, of any anxiety, and as much of a miracle as she was I could not possibly have any depression as I had so much to be grateful for. in 2017, however, my life came crashing down around me. On May 24th, 3 days before my birthday, I found my best friend, my protector, my Daddy; Dead. Being in the medical field, I was traumatized that I could not save him, I could not bring him back. Every piece around me fell, every smile shattered in the blink of an eye. After losing my father, I fell deep into darkness in which I struggled desperately to return from. In the midst of it all, my body began shutting down on me and attacking itself. My face displayed a butterfly rash, my skin tomato red. I had legions in my mouth and through my scalp. My heart began fluttering in ways it had never before, my stomach flip flopping 24 hours a day. My legs began to swell into what I called tree trunks and wounds began to form on either side of both legs. I was so sick. Endless doctors appointments, countless tests, so many wound dressings and monitors. Why me? I was told I was among 25% of people who have an autoimmune disease but cannot determine a name for it, although it presents exactly like Lupus. I was miserable. After more than 2 years of struggling with my own mental health and chronic condition, all while trying to be a good mom and pursue my LPN license, I made it to the end. I graduated LPN school, and my wounds began to heal, externally as well as internally. I realized maintenance mental health medications were a must for me to live a normal life. As everything began to balance in my world I started my work as an LPN. I always want to strive for more, though, hence my wanting to further my nursing education. All my struggles ARE my STRENGTHS because I am stronger today for each and every one of them! Thank you so much for this opportunity to apply!

All of my life, I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. In high school I had great grades, played varsity sports, sang in a competition acapella choir, played the violin, and participated in numerous extracurricular activities. My problem? I could sing or play a sport in front of hundreds, even thousands of people, but I could not walk to throw away my lunch tray alone at lunch without having a complete panic/melt down. This is where my mental health journey began. Since then, I have battled countless "episodes" of mania followed by deep lows. I was later diagnosed with bipolar, anxiety and depression. I seemed to get a hold on things but never stayed taking my prescribed meds as I would begin to feel better and then think, "I don't need these anymore". Not long after, the symptoms would begin to show their ugly faces again and I would dance through the highs and the lows of bipolar unmedicated. I had a daughter years later who suffered a stroke in utero and was born with disabilities. She became my new passion in life. I soared higher than the clouds as a mother bear fighting for her little cub. Life was grand. Despite all she went through, I had a purpose, how could I allow my mental health issues interfere. All that came with my daughter's diagnoses and numerous doctors appointments, she kept me busy. I thought I had been healed of any sadness, of any anxiety, and as much of a miracle as she was I could not possibly have any depression as I had so much to be grateful for. in 2017, however, my life came crashing down around me. On May 24th, 3 days before my birthday, I found my best friend, my protector, my Daddy; Dead. Being in the medical field, I was traumatized that I could not save him, I could not bring him back. Every piece around me fell, every smile shattered in the blink of an eye. After losing my father, I fell deep into darkness in which I struggled desperately to return from. In the midst of it all, my body began shutting down on me and attacking itself. My face displayed a butterfly rash, my skin tomato red. I had legions in my mouth and through my scalp. My heart began fluttering in ways it had never before, my stomach flip flopping 24 hours a day. My legs began to swell into what I called tree trunks and wounds began to form on either side of both legs. I was so sick. Endless doctors appointments, countless tests, so many wound dressings and monitors. Why me? I was told I was among 25% of people who have an autoimmune disease but cannot determine a name for it, although it presents exactly like Lupus. I was miserable. After more than 2 years of struggling with my own mental health and chronic condition, all while trying to be a good mom and pursue my LPN license, I made it to the end. I graduated LPN school, and my wounds began to heal, externally as well as internally. I realized maintenance mental health medications were a must for me to live a normal life. As everything began to balance in my world I started my work as an LPN. I always want to strive for more, though, hence my wanting to further my nursing education. All my struggles ARE my STRENGTHS because I am stronger today for each and every one of them! Thank you so much for this opportunity to apply!

I was a CNA for 17 years and have always been a caretaker in every aspect of my life. Helping others has always been a passion of mine. I took time to volunteer at the local hospital as a candy striper for a couple years. During high school I used to help with the special needs classes to assist some of the students with their class work. My mother was a CNA for years and I watched her struggle while going to school and working to support and take care of her family. I believe caretaking is in my blood, but I also believe I had a role model to instill the values in me. I am now an LPN currently enrolled in my RN bridge. I am a single mother to a disabled little girl who had a grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage in utero. I was told she would grow up and remain infant like for her entire life. I was told she would not walk and 90% chance that she would be mentally challenged. My little girl was born blind, was not very strong, and had trouble maintaining her vitals on her own. I did not take any of that laying down! I found a program through Duke Medical University that had an experimental procedure for children with diagnoses like my daughter. Stem cells, that were harvested from my daughter's umbilical cord and placenta were infused back into her body at 3 different times; 5 months, 9 months and 13 months of age. After the very first infusion she began to see, and after the 3rd infusion we noticed her strength getting much more increased and she began meeting milestones that were initially delayed. I fought everyday for my little girl and together, through therapies, procedures, appointments and more today she can run, skip, jump and is smarter than I could have ever imagined. She does have cerebral palsy and is visually impaired, but she has surpassed everything that was predicted of her. She has been my reason for living and has sparked a passion in me to do more, to be more. I went to school for my LPN during COVID al while taking care of her and transitioning her schooling to online as well. We have had our struggles but we fight every single day and will always continue to do so. This money would help me fulfill my nursing bridge program so that someday, hopefully soon, I can begin helping fight for other little babies who are born with the same ailments as my daughter. I want to help as many babies as I can but not only do I want to help them, I want to be there as a support for their families. I will never forget our NICU nurses and I hope that I can become unforgettable for one of those families who are struggling through their new unknown world of disabilities and unknown futures. I pray I can spark hope in them that was ignited in me. I can, and I WILL make a difference. Thank you so much for the opportunity to apply.

All of my life, I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. In high school I had great grades, played varsity sports, sang in a competition acapella choir, played the violin, and participated in numerous extracurricular activities. My problem? I could sing or play a sport in front of hundreds, even thousands of people, but I could not walk to throw away my lunch tray alone at lunch without having a complete panic/melt down. This is where my mental health journey began. Since then, I have battled countless "episodes" of mania followed by deep lows. I was later diagnosed with bipolar, anxiety and depression. I seemed to get a hold on things but never stayed taking my prescribed meds as I would begin to feel better and then think, "I don't need these anymore". Not long after, the symptoms would begin to show their ugly faces again and I would dance through the highs and the lows of bipolar unmedicated. I had a daughter years later who suffered a stroke in utero and was born with disabilities. She became my new passion in life. I soared higher than the clouds as a mother bear fighting for her little cub. Life was grand. Despite all she went through, I had a purpose, how could I allow my mental health issues interfere. All that came with my daughter's diagnoses and numerous doctors appointments, she kept me busy. I thought I had been healed of any sadness, of any anxiety, and as much of a miracle as she was I could not possibly have any depression as I had so much to be grateful for. in 2017, however, my life came crashing down around me. On May 24th, 3 days before my birthday, I found my best friend, my protector, my Daddy; Dead. Being in the medical field, I was traumatized that I could not save him, I could not bring him back. Every piece around me fell, every smile shattered in the blink of an eye. After losing my father, I fell deep into darkness in which I struggled desperately to return from. In the midst of it all, my body began shutting down on me and attacking itself. My face displayed a butterfly rash, my skin tomato red. I had legions in my mouth and through my scalp. My heart began fluttering in ways it had never before, my stomach flip flopping 24 hours a day. My legs began to swell into what I called tree trunks and wounds began to form on either side of both legs. I was so sick. Endless doctors appointments, countless tests, so many wound dressings and monitors. Why me? I was told I was among 25% of people who have an autoimmune disease but cannot determine a name for it, although it presents exactly like Lupus. I was miserable. After more than 2 years of struggling with my own mental health and chronic condition, all while trying to be a good mom and pursue my LPN license, I made it to the end. I graduated LPN school, and my wounds began to heal, externally as well as internally. I realized maintenance mental health medications were a must for me to live a normal life. As everything began to balance in my world I started my work as an LPN. I always want to strive for more, though, hence my wanting to further my nursing education. All my struggles ARE my STRENGTHS because I am stronger today for each and every one of them! Thank you so much for this opportunity to apply!

I was a CNA for 17 years and have always been a caretaker in every aspect of my life. Helping others has always been a passion of mine. I took time to volunteer at the local hospital as a candy striper for a couple years. During high school I used to help with the special needs classes to assist some of the students with their class work. My mother was a CNA for years and I watched her struggle while going to school and working to support and take care of her family. I believe caretaking is in my blood, but I also believe I had a role model to instill the values in me. I am now an LPN currently enrolled in my RN bridge. I am a single mother to a disabled little girl who had a grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage in utero. I was told she would grow up and remain infant like for her entire life. I was told she would not walk and 90% chance that she would be mentally challenged. My little girl was born blind, was not very strong, and had trouble maintaining her vitals on her own. I did not take any of that laying down! I found a program through Duke Medical University that had an experimental procedure for children with diagnoses like my daughter. Stem cells, that were harvested from my daughter's umbilical cord and placenta were infused back into her body at 3 different times; 5 months, 9 months and 13 months of age. After the very first infusion she began to see, and after the 3rd infusion we noticed her strength getting much more increased and she began meeting milestones that were initially delayed. I fought everyday for my little girl and together, through therapies, procedures, appointments and more today she can run, skip, jump and is smarter than I could have ever imagined. She does have cerebral palsy and is visually impaired, but she has surpassed everything that was predicted of her. She has been my reason for living and has sparked a passion in me to do more, to be more. I went to school for my LPN during COVID al while taking care of her and transitioning her schooling to online as well. We have had our struggles but we fight every single day and will always continue to do so. This money would help me fulfill my nursing bridge program so that someday, hopefully soon, I can begin helping fight for other little babies who are born with the same ailments as my daughter. I want to help as many babies as I can but not only do I want to help them, I want to be there as a support for their families. I will never forget our NICU nurses and I hope that I can become unforgettable for one of those families who are struggling through their new unknown world of disabilities and unknown futures. I pray I can spark hope in them that was ignited in me. I can, and I WILL make a difference. Thank you so much for the opportunity to apply.

I was a CNA for 17 years and have always been a caretaker in every aspect of my life. Helping others has always been a passion of mine. I took time to volunteer at the local hospital as a candy striper for a couple years. During high school I used to help with the special needs classes to assist some of the students with their class work. My mother was a CNA for years and I watched her struggle while going to school and working to support and take care of her family. I believe caretaking is in my blood, but I also believe I had a role model to instill the values in me. I am now an LPN currently enrolled in my RN bridge. I am a single mother to a disabled little girl who had a grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage in utero. I was told she would grow up and remain infant like for her entire life. I was told she would not walk and 90% chance that she would be mentally challenged. My little girl was born blind, was not very strong, and had trouble maintaining her vitals on her own. I did not take any of that laying down! I found a program through Duke Medical University that had an experimental procedure for children with diagnoses like my daughter. Stem cells, that were harvested from my daughter's umbilical cord and placenta were infused back into her body at 3 different times; 5 months, 9 months and 13 months of age. After the very first infusion she began to see, and after the 3rd infusion we noticed her strength getting much more increased and she began meeting milestones that were initially delayed. I fought everyday for my little girl and together, through therapies, procedures, appointments and more today she can run, skip, jump and is smarter than I could have ever imagined. She does have cerebral palsy and is visually impaired, but she has surpassed everything that was predicted of her. She has been my reason for living and has sparked a passion in me to do more, to be more. I went to school for my LPN during COVID al while taking care of her and transitioning her schooling to online as well. We have had our struggles but we fight every single day and will always continue to do so. This money would help me fulfill my nursing bridge program so that someday, hopefully soon, I can begin helping fight for other little babies who are born with the same ailments as my daughter. I want to help as many babies as I can but not only do I want to help them, I want to be there as a support for their families. I will never forget our NICU nurses and I hope that I can become unforgettable for one of those families who are struggling through their new unknown world of disabilities and unknown futures. I pray I can spark hope in them that was ignited in me. I can, and I WILL make a difference. Thank you so much for the opportunity to apply.

I was a CNA for 17 years and have always been a caretaker in every aspect of my life. Helping others has always been a passion of mine. I took time to volunteer at the local hospital as a candy striper for a couple years. During high school I used to help with the special needs classes to assist some of the students with their class work. My mother was a CNA for years and I watched her struggle while going to school and working to support and take care of her family. I believe caretaking is in my blood, but I also believe I had a role model to instill the values in me. I am now an LPN currently enrolled in my RN bridge. I am a single mother to a disabled little girl who had a grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage in utero. I was told she would grow up and remain infant like for her entire life. I was told she would not walk and 90% chance that she would be mentally challenged. My little girl was born blind, was not very strong, and had trouble maintaining her vitals on her own. I did not take any of that laying down! I found a program through Duke Medical University that had an experimental procedure for children with diagnoses like my daughter. Stem cells, that were harvested from my daughter's umbilical cord and placenta were infused back into her body at 3 different times; 5 months, 9 months and 13 months of age. After the very first infusion she began to see, and after the 3rd infusion we noticed her strength getting much more increased and she began meeting milestones that were initially delayed. I fought everyday for my little girl and together, through therapies, procedures, appointments and more today she can run, skip, jump and is smarter than I could have ever imagined. She does have cerebral palsy and is visually impaired, but she has surpassed everything that was predicted of her. She has been my reason for living and has sparked a passion in me to do more, to be more. I went to school for my LPN during COVID al while taking care of her and transitioning her schooling to online as well. We have had our struggles but we fight every single day and will always continue to do so. This money would help me fulfill my nursing bridge program so that someday, hopefully soon, I can begin helping fight for other little babies who are born with the same ailments as my daughter. I want to help as many babies as I can but not only do I want to help them, I want to be there as a support for their families. I will never forget our NICU nurses and I hope that I can become unforgettable for one of those families who are struggling through their new unknown world of disabilities and unknown futures. I pray I can spark hope in them that was ignited in me. I can, and I WILL make a difference. Thank you so much for the opportunity to apply.

I was a CNA for 17 years and have always been a caretaker in every aspect of my life. Helping others has always been a passion of mine. I took time to volunteer at the local hospital as a candy striper for a couple years. During high school I used to help with the special needs classes to assist some of the students with their class work. My mother was a CNA for years and I watched her struggle while going to school and working to support and take care of her family. I believe caretaking is in my blood, but I also believe I had a role model to instill the values in me. I am now an LPN currently enrolled in my RN bridge. I am a single mother to a disabled little girl who had a grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage in utero. I was told she would grow up and remain infant like for her entire life. I was told she would not walk and 90% chance that she would be mentally challenged. My little girl was born blind, was not very strong, and had trouble maintaining her vitals on her own. I did not take any of that laying down! I found a program through Duke Medical University that had an experimental procedure for children with diagnoses like my daughter. Stem cells, that were harvested from my daughter's umbilical cord and placenta were infused back into her body at 3 different times; 5 months, 9 months and 13 months of age. After the very first infusion she began to see, and after the 3rd infusion we noticed her strength getting much more increased and she began meeting milestones that were initially delayed. I fought everyday for my little girl and together, through therapies, procedures, appointments and more today she can run, skip, jump and is smarter than I could have ever imagined. She does have cerebral palsy and is visually impaired, but she has surpassed everything that was predicted of her. She has been my reason for living and has sparked a passion in me to do more, to be more. I went to school for my LPN during COVID al while taking care of her and transitioning her schooling to online as well. We have had our struggles but we fight every single day and will always continue to do so. This money would help me fulfill my nursing bridge program so that someday, hopefully soon, I can begin helping fight for other little babies who are born with the same ailments as my daughter. I want to help as many babies as I can but not only do I want to help them, I want to be there as a support for their families. I will never forget our NICU nurses and I hope that I can become unforgettable for one of those families who are struggling through their new unknown world of disabilities and unknown futures. I pray I can spark hope in them that was ignited in me. I can, and I WILL make a difference. Thank you so much for the opportunity to apply.

I was a CNA for 17 years and have always been a caretaker in every aspect of my life. Helping others has always been a passion of mine. I took time to volunteer at the local hospital as a candy striper for a couple years. During high school I used to help with the special needs classes to assist some of the students with their class work. My mother was a CNA for years and I watched her struggle while going to school and working to support and take care of her family. I believe caretaking is in my blood, but I also believe I had a role model to instill the values in me. I am now an LPN currently enrolled in my RN bridge. I am a single mother to a disabled little girl who had a grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage in utero. I was told she would grow up and remain infant like for her entire life. I was told she would not walk and 90% chance that she would be mentally challenged. My little girl was born blind, was not very strong, and had trouble maintaining her vitals on her own. I did not take any of that laying down! I found a program through Duke Medical University that had an experimental procedure for children with diagnoses like my daughter. Stem cells, that were harvested from my daughter's umbilical cord and placenta were infused back into her body at 3 different times; 5 months, 9 months and 13 months of age. After the very first infusion she began to see, and after the 3rd infusion we noticed her strength getting much more increased and she began meeting milestones that were initially delayed. I fought everyday for my little girl and together, through therapies, procedures, appointments and more today she can run, skip, jump and is smarter than I could have ever imagined. She does have cerebral palsy and is visually impaired, but she has surpassed everything that was predicted of her. She has been my reason for living and has sparked a passion in me to do more, to be more. I went to school for my LPN during COVID al while taking care of her and transitioning her schooling to online as well. We have had our struggles but we fight every single day and will always continue to do so. This money would help me fulfill my nursing bridge program so that someday, hopefully soon, I can begin helping fight for other little babies who are born with the same ailments as my daughter. I want to help as many babies as I can but not only do I want to help them, I want to be there as a support for their families. I will never forget our NICU nurses and I hope that I can become unforgettable for one of those families who are struggling through their new unknown world of disabilities and unknown futures. I pray I can spark hope in them that was ignited in me. I can, and I WILL make a difference. Thank you so much for the opportunity to apply.

I was a CNA for 17 years and have always been a caretaker in every aspect of my life. Helping others has always been a passion of mine. I took time to volunteer at the local hospital as a candy striper for a couple years. During high school I used to help with the special needs classes to assist some of the students with their class work. My mother was a CNA for years and I watched her struggle while going to school and working to support and take care of her family. I believe caretaking is in my blood, but I also believe I had a role model to instill the values in me. I am now an LPN currently enrolled in my RN bridge. I am a single mother to a disabled little girl who had a grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage in utero. I was told she would grow up and remain infant like for her entire life. I was told she would not walk and 90% chance that she would be mentally challenged. My little girl was born blind, was not very strong, and had trouble maintaining her vitals on her own. I did not take any of that laying down! I found a program through Duke Medical University that had an experimental procedure for children with diagnoses like my daughter. Stem cells, that were harvested from my daughter's umbilical cord and placenta were infused back into her body at 3 different times; 5 months, 9 months and 13 months of age. After the very first infusion she began to see, and after the 3rd infusion we noticed her strength getting much more increased and she began meeting milestones that were initially delayed. I fought everyday for my little girl and together, through therapies, procedures, appointments and more today she can run, skip, jump and is smarter than I could have ever imagined. She does have cerebral palsy and is visually impaired, but she has surpassed everything that was predicted of her. She has been my reason for living and has sparked a passion in me to do more, to be more. I went to school for my LPN during COVID al while taking care of her and transitioning her schooling to online as well. We have had our struggles but we fight every single day and will always continue to do so. This money would help me fulfill my nursing bridge program so that someday, hopefully soon, I can begin helping fight for other little babies who are born with the same ailments as my daughter. I want to help as many babies as I can but not only do I want to help them, I want to be there as a support for their families. I will never forget our NICU nurses and I hope that I can become unforgettable for one of those families who are struggling through their new unknown world of disabilities and unknown futures. I pray I can spark hope in them that was ignited in me. I can, and I WILL make a difference. Thank you so much for the opportunity to apply.

I was a CNA for 17 years and have always been a caretaker in every aspect of my life. Helping others has always been a passion of mine. I took time to volunteer at the local hospital as a candy striper for a couple years. During high school I used to help with the special needs classes to assist some of the students with their class work. My mother was a CNA for years and I watched her struggle while going to school and working to support and take care of her family. I believe caretaking is in my blood, but I also believe I had a role model to instill the values in me. I am now an LPN currently enrolled in my RN bridge. I am a single mother to a disabled little girl who had a grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage in utero. I was told she would grow up and remain infant like for her entire life. I was told she would not walk and 90% chance that she would be mentally challenged. My little girl was born blind, was not very strong, and had trouble maintaining her vitals on her own. I did not take any of that laying down! I found a program through Duke Medical University that had an experimental procedure for children with diagnoses like my daughter. Stem cells, that were harvested from my daughter's umbilical cord and placenta were infused back into her body at 3 different times; 5 months, 9 months and 13 months of age. After the very first infusion she began to see, and after the 3rd infusion we noticed her strength getting much more increased and she began meeting milestones that were initially delayed. I fought everyday for my little girl and together, through therapies, procedures, appointments and more today she can run, skip, jump and is smarter than I could have ever imagined. She does have cerebral palsy and is visually impaired, but she has surpassed everything that was predicted of her. She has been my reason for living and has sparked a passion in me to do more, to be more. I went to school for my LPN during COVID al while taking care of her and transitioning her schooling to online as well. We have had our struggles but we fight every single day and will always continue to do so. This money would help me fulfill my nursing bridge program so that someday, hopefully soon, I can begin helping fight for other little babies who are born with the same ailments as my daughter. I want to help as many babies as I can but not only do I want to help them, I want to be there as a support for their families. I will never forget our NICU nurses and I hope that I can become unforgettable for one of those families who are struggling through their new unknown world of disabilities and unknown futures. I pray I can spark hope in them that was ignited in me. I can, and I WILL make a difference. Thank you so much for the opportunity to apply.

I was a CNA for 17 years and have always been a caretaker in every aspect of my life. Helping others has always been a passion of mine. I took time to volunteer at the local hospital as a candy striper for a couple years. During high school I used to help with the special needs classes to assist some of the students with their class work. My mother was a CNA for years and I watched her struggle while going to school and working to support and take care of her family. I believe caretaking is in my blood, but I also believe I had a role model to instill the values in me. I am now an LPN currently enrolled in my RN bridge. I am a single mother to a disabled little girl who had a grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage in utero. I was told she would grow up and remain infant like for her entire life. I was told she would not walk and 90% chance that she would be mentally challenged. My little girl was born blind, was not very strong, and had trouble maintaining her vitals on her own. I did not take any of that laying down! I found a program through Duke Medical University that had an experimental procedure for children with diagnoses like my daughter. Stem cells, that were harvested from my daughter's umbilical cord and placenta were infused back into her body at 3 different times; 5 months, 9 months and 13 months of age. After the very first infusion she began to see, and after the 3rd infusion we noticed her strength getting much more increased and she began meeting milestones that were initially delayed. I fought everyday for my little girl and together, through therapies, procedures, appointments and more today she can run, skip, jump and is smarter than I could have ever imagined. She does have cerebral palsy and is visually impaired, but she has surpassed everything that was predicted of her. She has been my reason for living and has sparked a passion in me to do more, to be more. I went to school for my LPN during COVID al while taking care of her and transitioning her schooling to online as well. We have had our struggles but we fight every single day and will always continue to do so. This money would help me fulfill my nursing bridge program so that someday, hopefully soon, I can begin helping fight for other little babies who are born with the same ailments as my daughter. I want to help as many babies as I can but not only do I want to help them, I want to be there as a support for their families. I will never forget our NICU nurses and I hope that I can become unforgettable for one of those families who are struggling through their new unknown world of disabilities and unknown futures. I pray I can spark hope in them that was ignited in me. I can, and I WILL make a difference. Thank you so much for the opportunity to apply.

My mother has always been a hard worker for as long as I can remember! Growing up she was a CNA and going to school to further her education to become a Registered nurse. She struggled at times but she never stopped. There was one class, at the end of her schooling, where she was shy of one point to pass. She was beside herself upset but did not quit, she stood back up, dusted off and took the class again. She passed well above requirements. My mom, after years and years of going part time while working full time, graduated her RN program. She has now been an RN for 15 years and has received the Nightingale Award twice. I admire my mom so much for never giving up. 11 years ago I became pregnant and at 31 weeks my baby girl had a grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage in utero. I was told she would be an infant the rest of her life. There was little hope for my unborn baby, but never was hope lost at home. I am a single mother who had the help from my amazing mother. She stood by me throughout the remainder of my pregnancy as I worried and cried and imagined the life my child was going to face. Prior to birth I was told her hydrocephalus was so severe the doctors could not tell if there was all parts of her brain intact. My baby girl was born crying with high apgar scores. I, with the help of my mother, fought everyday for my baby. My daughter is now about to be 12 years old and is not in an infant state as I was told. My mother and I fought every single day through doctors appointments, therapies, treatments, procedures and so much more to help her be better. My daughter runs, skips, jumps and is smarter than a whip. My mother is my strength and helps me with my courage when mine is low. Now I am furthering my education to become an RN so that I may help babies fight the way we helped my daughter. My mom was and is my everything and I can only hope I can be my daughter's everything in the same way. May I be just as strong as her, just as courageous, and just as loving as she has been with me, my child and her patients. Thank you for the opportunities.

I was a CNA since graduating high school in 2005. My mother was a nurse and I always aspired to be one as well. In 2012 I became pregnant as a single mother and my world began to shatter shortly there after. At 31 weeks I was told my baby girl suffered a grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage and would probably not make it to birth, if she did she would remain an infant for the entirety of her life. I began researching medical journals and cases of children born with Hydrocephalus and was determined to learn all that I could! February 29, 2012 (leap year) my beautiful baby girl was born screaming and utterly perfect in my eyes. Her brain scans showed significant damage from the stroke, and it was obvious she could not see. I was told she may not meet milestones like “normal” babies and it would be a long journey ahead. During my research I had found a clinical trial at Duke Medical center where stem cells were harvested from the babys’ umbilical cords to reinfuse back into the child. I contacted the program and was sent a harvesting kit. At birth stem cells were carefully extracted from my daughter’s umbilical cord, freeze packed, and sent to Duke Medical. They were then stored until it was time for her first infusion. I refused to allow my child be another statistic for Hydrocephalus, I was going to make sure she and I fought through this.. TOGETHER! At 6 months old I packed up the car and took the drive from Connecticut to North Carolina to allow for their specialists at Duke Medical to infuse my daughter’s umbilical stem cells into her. She was prepped and an IV was placed into her tiny foot. The team brought in a bag filled with red liquid that I thought ,”Those are her perfect cells, this has to work.” The cells began to trickle down the IV line and then slowly into my baby’s body. The entire time I prayed. Today, 11 years later, my daughter is thriving. After a total of 3 infusions of her own stem cells she began to see where she could not, and was getting stronger as each day passed. She now runs, skips, jumps and is smarter than I care to admit. 😊 She has some limitations but she doesn’t let anything stop her. She wears glasses but can see. She wears a leg brace but can walk. I became an LPN during the pandemic which was just another fight to get through. I want to further my education to become a Registered Nurse so that I may work to help babies who are born with disabilities fight. It has been so rewarding watching my daughter grow and smash through every milestone she was never expected to meet. I can’t think of anything else more rewarding than to watch babies with disabilities do the same. Her and I fought together all these years and continue to do so on a daily basis it seems only fitting I lend my heart and hands to another.

I was a CNA since graduating high school in 2005. My mother was a nurse and I always aspired to be one as well. In 2012 I became pregnant as a single mother and my world began to shatter shortly there after. At 31 weeks I was told my baby girl suffered a grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage and would probably not make it to birth, if she did she would remain an infant for the entirety of her life. I began researching medical journals and cases of children born with Hydrocephalus and was determined to learn all that I could! February 29, 2012 (leap year) my beautiful baby girl was born screaming and utterly perfect in my eyes. Her brain scans showed significant damage from the stroke, and it was obvious she could not see. I was told she may not meet milestones like “normal” babies and it would be a long journey ahead. During my research I had found a clinical trial at Duke Medical center where stem cells were harvested from the babys’ umbilical cords to reinfuse back into the child. I contacted the program and was sent a harvesting kit. At birth stem cells were carefully extracted from my daughter’s umbilical cord, freeze packed, and sent to Duke Medical. They were then stored until it was time for her first infusion. I refused to allow my child be another statistic for Hydrocephalus, I was going to make sure she and I fought through this.. TOGETHER! At 6 months old I packed up the car and took the drive from Connecticut to North Carolina to allow for their specialists at Duke Medical to infuse my daughter’s umbilical stem cells into her. She was prepped and an IV was placed into her tiny foot. The team brought in a bag filled with red liquid that I thought ,”Those are her perfect cells, this has to work.” The cells began to trickle down the IV line and then slowly into my baby’s body. The entire time I prayed. Today, 11 years later, my daughter is thriving. After a total of 3 infusions of her own stem cells she began to see where she could not, and was getting stronger as each day passed. She now runs, skips, jumps and is smarter than I care to admit. 😊 She has some limitations but she doesn’t let anything stop her. She wears glasses but can see. She wears a leg brace but can walk. I became an LPN during the pandemic which was just another fight to get through. I want to further my education to become a Registered Nurse so that I may work to help babies who are born with disabilities fight. It has been so rewarding watching my daughter grow and smash through every milestone she was never expected to meet. I can’t think of anything else more rewarding than to watch babies with disabilities do the same. Her and I fought together all these years and continue to do so on a daily basis it seems only fitting I lend my heart and hands to another.

I was a CNA since graduating high school in 2005. My mother was a nurse and I always aspired to be one as well. In 2012 I became pregnant as a single mother and my world began to shatter shortly there after. At 31 weeks I was told my baby girl suffered a grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage and would probably not make it to birth, if she did she would remain an infant for the entirety of her life. I began researching medical journals and cases of children born with Hydrocephalus and was determined to learn all that I could! February 29, 2012 (leap year) my beautiful baby girl was born screaming and utterly perfect in my eyes. Her brain scans showed significant damage from the stroke, and it was obvious she could not see. I was told she may not meet milestones like “normal” babies and it would be a long journey ahead. During my research I had found a clinical trial at Duke Medical center where stem cells were harvested from the babys’ umbilical cords to reinfuse back into the child. I contacted the program and was sent a harvesting kit. At birth stem cells were carefully extracted from my daughter’s umbilical cord, freeze packed, and sent to Duke Medical. They were then stored until it was time for her first infusion. I refused to allow my child be another statistic for Hydrocephalus, I was going to make sure she and I fought through this.. TOGETHER! At 6 months old I packed up the car and took the drive from Connecticut to North Carolina to allow for their specialists at Duke Medical to infuse my daughter’s umbilical stem cells into her. She was prepped and an IV was placed into her tiny foot. The team brought in a bag filled with red liquid that I thought ,”Those are her perfect cells, this has to work.” The cells began to trickle down the IV line and then slowly into my baby’s body. The entire time I prayed. Today, 11 years later, my daughter is thriving. After a total of 3 infusions of her own stem cells she began to see where she could not, and was getting stronger as each day passed. She now runs, skips, jumps and is smarter than I care to admit. 😊 She has some limitations but she doesn’t let anything stop her. She wears glasses but can see. She wears a leg brace but can walk. I became an LPN during the pandemic which was just another fight to get through. I want to further my education to become a Registered Nurse so that I may work to help babies who are born with disabilities fight. It has been so rewarding watching my daughter grow and smash through every milestone she was never expected to meet. I can’t think of anything else more rewarding than to watch babies with disabilities do the same. Her and I fought together all these years and continue to do so on a daily basis it seems only fitting I lend my heart and hands to another.

I was a CNA since graduating high school in 2005. My mother was a nurse and I always aspired to be one as well. In 2012 I became pregnant as a single mother and my world began to shatter shortly there after. At 31 weeks I was told my baby girl suffered a grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage and would probably not make it to birth, if she did she would remain an infant for the entirety of her life. I began researching medical journals and cases of children born with Hydrocephalus and was determined to learn all that I could! February 29, 2012 (leap year) my beautiful baby girl was born screaming and utterly perfect in my eyes. Her brain scans showed significant damage from the stroke, and it was obvious she could not see. I was told she may not meet milestones like “normal” babies and it would be a long journey ahead. During my research I had found a clinical trial at Duke Medical center where stem cells were harvested from the babys’ umbilical cords to reinfuse back into the child. I contacted the program and was sent a harvesting kit. At birth stem cells were carefully extracted from my daughter’s umbilical cord, freeze packed, and sent to Duke Medical. They were then stored until it was time for her first infusion. I refused to allow my child be another statistic for Hydrocephalus, I was going to make sure she and I fought through this.. TOGETHER! At 6 months old I packed up the car and took the drive from Connecticut to North Carolina to allow for their specialists at Duke Medical to infuse my daughter’s umbilical stem cells into her. She was prepped and an IV was placed into her tiny foot. The team brought in a bag filled with red liquid that I thought ,”Those are her perfect cells, this has to work.” The cells began to trickle down the IV line and then slowly into my baby’s body. The entire time I prayed. Today, 11 years later, my daughter is thriving. After a total of 3 infusions of her own stem cells she began to see where she could not, and was getting stronger as each day passed. She now runs, skips, jumps and is smarter than I care to admit. 😊 She has some limitations but she doesn’t let anything stop her. She wears glasses but can see. She wears a leg brace but can walk. I became an LPN during the pandemic which was just another fight to get through. I want to further my education to become a Registered Nurse so that I may work to help babies who are born with disabilities fight. It has been so rewarding watching my daughter grow and smash through every milestone she was never expected to meet. I can’t think of anything else more rewarding than to watch babies with disabilities do the same. Her and I fought together all these years and continue to do so on a daily basis it seems only fitting I lend my heart and hands to another.

I was a CNA since graduating high school in 2005. My mother was a nurse and I always aspired to be one as well. In 2012 I became pregnant as a single mother and my world began to shatter shortly there after. At 31 weeks I was told my baby girl suffered a grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage and would probably not make it to birth, if she did she would remain an infant for the entirety of her life. I began researching medical journals and cases of children born with Hydrocephalus and was determined to learn all that I could! February 29, 2012 (leap year) my beautiful baby girl was born screaming and utterly perfect in my eyes. Her brain scans showed significant damage from the stroke, and it was obvious she could not see. I was told she may not meet milestones like “normal” babies and it would be a long journey ahead. During my research I had found a clinical trial at Duke Medical center where stem cells were harvested from the babys’ umbilical cords to reinfuse back into the child. I contacted the program and was sent a harvesting kit. At birth stem cells were carefully extracted from my daughter’s umbilical cord, freeze packed, and sent to Duke Medical. They were then stored until it was time for her first infusion. I refused to allow my child be another statistic for Hydrocephalus, I was going to make sure she and I fought through this.. TOGETHER! At 6 months old I packed up the car and took the drive from Connecticut to North Carolina to allow for their specialists at Duke Medical to infuse my daughter’s umbilical stem cells into her. She was prepped and an IV was placed into her tiny foot. The team brought in a bag filled with red liquid that I thought ,”Those are her perfect cells, this has to work.” The cells began to trickle down the IV line and then slowly into my baby’s body. The entire time I prayed. Today, 11 years later, my daughter is thriving. After a total of 3 infusions of her own stem cells she began to see where she could not, and was getting stronger as each day passed. She now runs, skips, jumps and is smarter than I care to admit. 😊 She has some limitations but she doesn’t let anything stop her. She wears glasses but can see. She wears a leg brace but can walk. I became an LPN during the pandemic which was just another fight to get through. I want to further my education to become a Registered Nurse so that I may work to help babies who are born with disabilities fight. It has been so rewarding watching my daughter grow and smash through every milestone she was never expected to meet. I can’t think of anything else more rewarding than to watch babies with disabilities do the same. Her and I fought together all these years and continue to do so on a daily basis it seems only fitting I lend my heart and hands to another.

I was a CNA since graduating high school in 2005. My mother was a nurse and I always aspired to be one as well. In 2012 I became pregnant as a single mother and my world began to shatter shortly there after. At 31 weeks I was told my baby girl suffered a grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage and would probably not make it to birth, if she did she would remain an infant for the entirety of her life. I began researching medical journals and cases of children born with Hydrocephalus and was determined to learn all that I could! February 29, 2012 (leap year) my beautiful baby girl was born screaming and utterly perfect in my eyes. Her brain scans showed significant damage from the stroke, and it was obvious she could not see. I was told she may not meet milestones like “normal” babies and it would be a long journey ahead. During my research I had found a clinical trial at Duke Medical center where stem cells were harvested from the babys’ umbilical cords to reinfuse back into the child. I contacted the program and was sent a harvesting kit. At birth stem cells were carefully extracted from my daughter’s umbilical cord, freeze packed, and sent to Duke Medical. They were then stored until it was time for her first infusion. I refused to allow my child be another statistic for Hydrocephalus, I was going to make sure she and I fought through this.. TOGETHER! At 6 months old I packed up the car and took the drive from Connecticut to North Carolina to allow for their specialists at Duke Medical to infuse my daughter’s umbilical stem cells into her. She was prepped and an IV was placed into her tiny foot. The team brought in a bag filled with red liquid that I thought ,”Those are her perfect cells, this has to work.” The cells began to trickle down the IV line and then slowly into my baby’s body. The entire time I prayed. Today, 11 years later, my daughter is thriving. After a total of 3 infusions of her own stem cells she began to see where she could not, and was getting stronger as each day passed. She now runs, skips, jumps and is smarter than I care to admit. 😊 She has some limitations but she doesn’t let anything stop her. She wears glasses but can see. She wears a leg brace but can walk. I became an LPN during the pandemic which was just another fight to get through. I want to further my education to become a Registered Nurse so that I may work to help babies who are born with disabilities fight. It has been so rewarding watching my daughter grow and smash through every milestone she was never expected to meet. I can’t think of anything else more rewarding than to watch babies with disabilities do the same. Her and I fought together all these years and continue to do so on a daily basis it seems only fitting I lend my heart and hands to another.

I was a CNA since graduating high school in 2005. My mother was a nurse and I always aspired to be one as well. In 2012 I became pregnant as a single mother and my world began to shatter shortly there after. At 31 weeks I was told my baby girl suffered a grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage and would probably not make it to birth, if she did she would remain an infant for the entirety of her life. I began researching medical journals and cases of children born with Hydrocephalus and was determined to learn all that I could! February 29, 2012 (leap year) my beautiful baby girl was born screaming and utterly perfect in my eyes. Her brain scans showed significant damage from the stroke, and it was obvious she could not see. I was told she may not meet milestones like “normal” babies and it would be a long journey ahead. During my research I had found a clinical trial at Duke Medical center where stem cells were harvested from the babys’ umbilical cords to reinfuse back into the child. I contacted the program and was sent a harvesting kit. At birth stem cells were carefully extracted from my daughter’s umbilical cord, freeze packed, and sent to Duke Medical. They were then stored until it was time for her first infusion. I refused to allow my child be another statistic for Hydrocephalus, I was going to make sure she and I fought through this.. TOGETHER! At 6 months old I packed up the car and took the drive from Connecticut to North Carolina to allow for their specialists at Duke Medical to infuse my daughter’s umbilical stem cells into her. She was prepped and an IV was placed into her tiny foot. The team brought in a bag filled with red liquid that I thought ,”Those are her perfect cells, this has to work.” The cells began to trickle down the IV line and then slowly into my baby’s body. The entire time I prayed. Today, 11 years later, my daughter is thriving. After a total of 3 infusions of her own stem cells she began to see where she could not, and was getting stronger as each day passed. She now runs, skips, jumps and is smarter than I care to admit. 😊 She has some limitations but she doesn’t let anything stop her. She wears glasses but can see. She wears a leg brace but can walk. I became an LPN during the pandemic which was just another fight to get through. I want to further my education to become a Registered Nurse so that I may work to help babies who are born with disabilities fight. It has been so rewarding watching my daughter grow and smash through every milestone she was never expected to meet. I can’t think of anything else more rewarding than to watch babies with disabilities do the same. Her and I fought together all these years and continue to do so on a daily basis it seems only fitting I lend my heart and hands to another.

I was a CNA since graduating high school in 2005. My mother was a nurse and I always aspired to be one as well. In 2012 I became pregnant as a single mother and my world began to shatter shortly there after. At 31 weeks I was told my baby girl suffered a grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage and would probably not make it to birth, if she did she would remain an infant for the entirety of her life. I began researching medical journals and cases of children born with Hydrocephalus and was determined to learn all that I could! February 29, 2012 (leap year) my beautiful baby girl was born screaming and utterly perfect in my eyes. Her brain scans showed significant damage from the stroke, and it was obvious she could not see. I was told she may not meet milestones like “normal” babies and it would be a long journey ahead. During my research I had found a clinical trial at Duke Medical center where stem cells were harvested from the babys’ umbilical cords to reinfuse back into the child. I contacted the program and was sent a harvesting kit. At birth stem cells were carefully extracted from my daughter’s umbilical cord, freeze packed, and sent to Duke Medical. They were then stored until it was time for her first infusion. I refused to allow my child be another statistic for Hydrocephalus, I was going to make sure she and I fought through this.. TOGETHER! At 6 months old I packed up the car and took the drive from Connecticut to North Carolina to allow for their specialists at Duke Medical to infuse my daughter’s umbilical stem cells into her. She was prepped and an IV was placed into her tiny foot. The team brought in a bag filled with red liquid that I thought ,”Those are her perfect cells, this has to work.” The cells began to trickle down the IV line and then slowly into my baby’s body. The entire time I prayed. Today, 11 years later, my daughter is thriving. After a total of 3 infusions of her own stem cells she began to see where she could not, and was getting stronger as each day passed. She now runs, skips, jumps and is smarter than I care to admit. 😊 She has some limitations but she doesn’t let anything stop her. She wears glasses but can see. She wears a leg brace but can walk. I became an LPN during the pandemic which was just another fight to get through. I want to further my education to become a Registered Nurse so that I may work to help babies who are born with disabilities fight. It has been so rewarding watching my daughter grow and smash through every milestone she was never expected to meet. I can’t think of anything else more rewarding than to watch babies with disabilities do the same. Her and I fought together all these years and continue to do so on a daily basis it seems only fitting I lend my heart and hands to another.

I was a CNA since graduating high school in 2005. My mother was a nurse and I always aspired to be one as well. In 2012 I became pregnant as a single mother and my world began to shatter shortly there after. At 31 weeks I was told my baby girl suffered a grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage and would probably not make it to birth, if she did she would remain an infant for the entirety of her life. I began researching medical journals and cases of children born with Hydrocephalus and was determined to learn all that I could! February 29, 2012 (leap year) my beautiful baby girl was born screaming and utterly perfect in my eyes. Her brain scans showed significant damage from the stroke, and it was obvious she could not see. I was told she may not meet milestones like “normal” babies and it would be a long journey ahead. During my research I had found a clinical trial at Duke Medical center where stem cells were harvested from the babys’ umbilical cords to reinfuse back into the child. I contacted the program and was sent a harvesting kit. At birth stem cells were carefully extracted from my daughter’s umbilical cord, freeze packed, and sent to Duke Medical. They were then stored until it was time for her first infusion. I refused to allow my child be another statistic for Hydrocephalus, I was going to make sure she and I fought through this.. TOGETHER! At 6 months old I packed up the car and took the drive from Connecticut to North Carolina to allow for their specialists at Duke Medical to infuse my daughter’s umbilical stem cells into her. She was prepped and an IV was placed into her tiny foot. The team brought in a bag filled with red liquid that I thought ,”Those are her perfect cells, this has to work.” The cells began to trickle down the IV line and then slowly into my baby’s body. The entire time I prayed. Today, 11 years later, my daughter is thriving. After a total of 3 infusions of her own stem cells she began to see where she could not, and was getting stronger as each day passed. She now runs, skips, jumps and is smarter than I care to admit. 😊 She has some limitations but she doesn’t let anything stop her. She wears glasses but can see. She wears a leg brace but can walk. I became an LPN during the pandemic which was just another fight to get through. I want to further my education to become a Registered Nurse so that I may work to help babies who are born with disabilities fight. It has been so rewarding watching my daughter grow and smash through every milestone she was never expected to meet. I can’t think of anything else more rewarding than to watch babies with disabilities do the same. Her and I fought together all these years and continue to do so on a daily basis it seems only fitting I lend my heart and hands to another.

I was a CNA since graduating high school in 2005. My mother was a nurse and I always aspired to be one as well. In 2012 I became pregnant as a single mother and my world began to shatter shortly there after. At 31 weeks I was told my baby girl suffered a grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage and would probably not make it to birth, if she did she would remain an infant for the entirety of her life. I began researching medical journals and cases of children born with Hydrocephalus and was determined to learn all that I could! February 29, 2012 (leap year) my beautiful baby girl was born screaming and utterly perfect in my eyes. Her brain scans showed significant damage from the stroke, and it was obvious she could not see. I was told she may not meet milestones like “normal” babies and it would be a long journey ahead. During my research I had found a clinical trial at Duke Medical center where stem cells were harvested from the babys’ umbilical cords to reinfuse back into the child. I contacted the program and was sent a harvesting kit. At birth stem cells were carefully extracted from my daughter’s umbilical cord, freeze packed, and sent to Duke Medical. They were then stored until it was time for her first infusion. I refused to allow my child be another statistic for Hydrocephalus, I was going to make sure she and I fought through this.. TOGETHER! At 6 months old I packed up the car and took the drive from Connecticut to North Carolina to allow for their specialists at Duke Medical to infuse my daughter’s umbilical stem cells into her. She was prepped and an IV was placed into her tiny foot. The team brought in a bag filled with red liquid that I thought ,”Those are her perfect cells, this has to work.” The cells began to trickle down the IV line and then slowly into my baby’s body. The entire time I prayed. Today, 11 years later, my daughter is thriving. After a total of 3 infusions of her own stem cells she began to see where she could not, and was getting stronger as each day passed. She now runs, skips, jumps and is smarter than I care to admit. 😊 She has some limitations but she doesn’t let anything stop her. She wears glasses but can see. She wears a leg brace but can walk. I became an LPN during the pandemic which was just another fight to get through. I want to further my education to become a Registered Nurse so that I may work to help babies who are born with disabilities fight. It has been so rewarding watching my daughter grow and smash through every milestone she was never expected to meet. I can’t think of anything else more rewarding than to watch babies with disabilities do the same. Her and I fought together all these years and continue to do so on a daily basis it seems only fitting I lend my heart and hands to another.

Being a single mother is more rewarding than anything this world could offer. Especially one to a child with special needs. My daughter, now 10, had a stroke while in utero and was born with hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, optic nerve atrophy among other diagnoses and was born blind. Doctors said she would remain an infant the rest of her life if she survived at all. Fighting for my child is hard enough but to do it as a single mother has been even MORE difficult! There were times I didn’t think I could do it but 10 years later my child is no longer blind, is smart as can be and can walk, skip, run, jump and do all the things they said she never would. She still has to deal with many challenges but we do it together and will face each new one as they arise. I have been a CNA for 17 years and have always been a caretaker in every aspect of my life. I always new that I wanted to be more and to do more for my patients. Not only did I want to do more for my patients, I wanted to do more and be more for my daughter. I wanted to have a career where I have better financial comfortability, higher expectations and responsibilities and a career in which I could advocate on an entirely different level than that of a CNA. Nursing was a no brainer but how can I do this during COVID as a single mother with a child who also had been converted to online learning when the world came to a screeching halt. While the road has been difficult it has been rewarding as well. I had to juggle my courses, which were now virtual, as well as my daughter’s and help her succeed as well. Many times I would have to turn down the screen on my computer to focus on the needs of hers. My daughter, having special needs, made this that much more difficult as learning doesn’t come as easily to her as it may for other children without obstacles. After bouncing back between my school and my daughter’s school we made it happen. At night, after tucking her into bed, I would jump on my computer to reread the lectures I may have missed. This, needless to say, was very time consuming but it’s just what I needed to do to ensure I made the grade. Being a single mom has been tough at times but I wouldn’t change anything for the world. My daughter has given me strength in the storm, light in darkness and hope through despair. She has made me the woman I am today and we battle obstacles together no matter what they are. In a couple months when I graduate nursing school finally I can add this to the list of long accomplishments we faced together and it will be so much more sweet.

My daughter was born with many diagnoses such as hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, optic nerve atrophy and was blind. I was told she would amount to nothing but an infant for her entire life. I refused to believe that and I tirelessly researched and did everything I could to help her. I was able to enter her into an experimental procedure through Duke Medical and after being blind she began to see and began to have increased strength to her affected side. She is now 10 years old and INCREDIBLE! I am a single mother so the road has been rough but I wouldn’t have changed a thing! My daughter has taught me strength during the toughest of times and to never give up because in her short life with all she has endured she lets nothing stop her! Demonstrating leadership in my life is an easy one. I’m pursuing a nursing license in an accelerated program during COVID which has been a challenge. I have stood up many times for my fellow classmates to ensure they don’t give up and have done whatever I can to help each of them. If I’m succeeding in something I don’t truly feel as though I am unless those around me are succeeding too. I want everyone to win and I believe very strongly about women empowering other women especially. I share my study techniques and all the tools I have used to get good grades and to pass these exhausting difficult exams that nursing school brings. I am pursuing my education all while dealing with my own medical issues, raising my daughter and also taking care of my friends 5 year old who’s parents are absent. No matter where I am in life though I will always be there to help lift the next person up if it means they can also succeed. Thank you.