Spirit Leader. There’s never been a title I am more proud to hold – and not just from the perspective of a cheerleader. Spirit holds extraordinary power in my life. It’s my optimism, positivity, and strength that have allowed me to hold on to any semblance of teenage life. My spirit helped me conquer the cruelties of mean girls in middle school. It led me through pneumonia, the sudden urge to cut bangs (falling short compared to Taylor Swift), and transition from public to private school for a healthier environment. Spirit took on a different role when I got to Montclair Kimberley Academy. It was not only a way to propel through adversity, but a way for me to pour energy into new friends, find my place, and express my determination and goofiness. Being drenched in school spirit gave me a sense of belonging. In ninth grade, I was dubbed Silly Gilly and earned the squad's Most Spirited Award. These challenges prepared me for those I now face. I had a mild wrist sprain from cheerleading in 11th grade, which developed into Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in my left arm. This rare neurological syndrome causes excruciating nerve pain, temperature and touch sensitivity, brain fog, and auto-immune and nervous system dysfunction. Little is known about its causes. To put this into perspective, CRPS pain is rated higher than childbirth and amputations on the McGill Pain Index. I often am unable to use my left arm given the sustained and continuous pain, which is typically between a 6-8 on a 10 point scale, or worse if I am in a "flare." There is no cure. I have needed a fighting spirit and strong mental health to undergo more medical treatments than most people experience in their lifetime: Ketamine infusions, Ganglion Nerve Blocks, a four-week inpatient physical therapy program and outpatient PT, to name just a few. I treat my chronic pain disease 100% through an anti-inflammatory diet, supplements, meditation, and journaling, and no pain relievers or opioids of any kind. I have learned to use my chronic pain disease as an inspiration for myself and others. I’m proud to say that despite my disability, I completed my Junior Year, earned a 3.6+ GPA thus far in Senior Year, and got accepted Early Decision to Skidmore College to study Neuroscience. I have learned to balance my health and responsibilities and understand my limits. I have pledged that my spirit, not this disease, will define me. This year, I am the Cheer team's Spirit Leader, a new role created by my coach who entrusted me with bringing our team together after separation during COVID. It is a deeply meaningful role for me. I mentor younger teammates and model healthy mental/physical balance. I co-founded the first Psychology Club to promote mental health, was chosen to co-lead the Women's Task Force with a Dean, and served on the Pandemic Task Force. The Ace Spencer Rubin Scholarship will help me pay for college. There is no merit aid at Skidmore College and my mother and father (divorced) do not qualify for financial aid. Aid applications do not, however, consider the costs of medical care, which is a minimum of $1,000 and often $2,000-3,000 monthly for treatments, infusions, prescriptions, and doctors. There are very few specialists that understand CRPS and I am forced to go out out-of-network for all of my care. Given my disability, I am unable to work while attending school and therefore my savings are limited. The Ace Spencer Rubin Scholarship would be of tremendous assistance and I am grateful for your consideration.

Spirit Leader. There’s never been a title I am more proud to hold – and not just from the perspective of a cheerleader. Spirit holds extraordinary power in my life. It’s my optimism, positivity, and strength that have allowed me to hold on to any semblance of teenage life. My spirit helped me conquer the cruelties of mean girls and bullying in middle school. It led me through pneumonia, a looming Bat Mitzvah, and the sudden urge to cut bangs (falling short compared to Taylor Swift). It allowed me to deliver a meaningful Torah portion and transition from public to private school. My spirit has enabled me to persevere through anxiety and stay mentally strong for the fight for my life. Spirit took on a different role when I got to Montclair Kimberley Academy. It was not a way to propel through adversity, but rather a way for me to pour energy into new experiences. I embraced the opportunity to make friends, join activities and find my place. Cheerleading gave me the outlet to express my strengths: determination, comradery, and goofiness. Being drenched in school spirit gave me a sense of belonging. In ninth grade, I was dubbed Silly Gilly and earned the cheerleading squad’s Most Spirited Award; the plaque remains on my wall, driving me to stay optimistic. I like to believe that the challenges I faced in middle school prepared me for the challenges that would come later, and certainly those I am facing now. I have had two injuries in my life: a concussion from a handstand in third grade and a sprained wrist from cheerleading in 11th. The latter developed into Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in my left arm. This highly unusual neurological syndrome causes excruciating nerve pain, temperature and touch sensitivity, and brain fog, to name a few of the symptoms. To put this into perspective, the pain is rated higher than childbirth and amputations on the McGill Pain Index. I’ve only been dealing with this for a year, but in that time I have needed a fighting spirit to undergo more medical treatments than most people experience in their lifetime. I have had to protect my mental health and find a way to remain positive through Ketamine infusions, Ganglion Nerve Blocks, several months of missing school and friends, and a four-week inpatient physical therapy program. Continuing to see friends and family amidst COVID restrictions have been enormous hurdles for me, just like for everyone else, and yet I did that, too. I’m proud to say that despite these obstacles, I completed my Junior Year, earned a 3.6 GPA thus far in Senior Year, and got accepted Early Decision to Skidmore College to study Neuroscience. I have learned to balance my health and responsibilities and understand my limits. I have pledged that my spirit and determination, not this disease, will define me. In my school, I lead by example, mentor younger teammates, model healthy mental/physical balance, and always bring my best self. I have studied neuroscience via Johns Hopkins CTY and plan to use my personal experience with anxiety and chronic pain to forge a practice in neuro-psychology to help those who struggle with mental and physical pain. As a 12th grader, I have a different perspective than I did in my Junior year. I have learned to balance my health and responsibilities and understand my limits. I have developed physical and mental strength to prepare for not only the year ahead, but for life going forward. I have pledged to myself that my spirit, not this disease, will define me. As it is a core part of my identity, I have chosen to continue cheerleading despite the pain and fatigue it causes me. This year, I am the team Spirit Leader, a new role created by my coach who has entrusted me with the job of bringing our team and school together after a year of separation during COVID. It is a deeply meaningful role for me, as it reflects me, my goals, and my past and future selves. This role provides a platform for me to encourage team and school spirit in others and implement my ideas for team building. This honor and title is a testament to my fighting spirit, something that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. As I begin my academic pursuits in college, I do so knowing I have deep personal strength as well as the support of my family, friends, and my school leadership. I continue to focus on what is most important, my neurological and mental health, friends and laughter, and being actively engaged in my community. I work with a pain psychologist every week to help me manage my physical health and practice healthy coping techniques such as meditation, breathing and exercise. I look forward to finding the way I can be a mental health advocate at Skidmore College and beyond, and carry my personal lessons to others.

I had a mild wrist sprain from cheerleading in 11th grade, which developed into Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in my left arm. This highly unusual neurological syndrome causes excruciating nerve pain, temperature and touch sensitivity, and brain fog. It affects the sympathetic nervous system, therefore any anxiety, mood swing, or major disruption can cause a terrible pain flare. To put this into perspective, CRPS pain is rated higher than childbirth and amputations on the McGill Pain Index. I have needed a determined mental perspective to undergo more medical treatments than most people experience in their lifetime - from Ketamine infusions and nerve blocks to a four-week inpatient rehabilitation program. I also embraced a dramatic need to focus on my mental health, incorporate wellness into my daily life, and switch to a completely anti-inflammatory diet. I treat my chronic pain disease 100% through food, supplements, meditation, and journaling, electing to take no pain relievers or opioids of any kind. I’m proud to say that despite these obstacles, I completed my Junior Year, earned a 3.6 GPA thus far in Senior Year, and got accepted Early Decision to Skidmore College to study Neuroscience. I have learned to balance my health and responsibilities and understand my limits. I have pledged that my spirit, not this disease, will define me. In my school, I lead by example, mentor younger teammates, model healthy mental/physical balance, and always bring my best self. I have studied neuroscience via Johns Hopkins CTY and plan to use my personal experience with anxiety and chronic pain to forge a practice in neuro-psychology to help those who struggle with mental and physical pain.

I had a mild wrist sprain from cheerleading in 11th grade, which developed into Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in my left arm. This highly unusual neurological syndrome causes excruciating nerve pain, temperature and touch sensitivity, and brain fog. It affects the sympathetic nervous system, therefore any anxiety, mood swing, or major disruption can cause a terrible pain flare. To put this into perspective, CRPS pain is rated higher than childbirth and amputations on the McGill Pain Index. I have needed a determined mental perspective to undergo more medical treatments than most people experience in their lifetime - from Ketamine infusions and nerve blocks to an inpatient rehabilitation program. I also embraced a dramatic need to focus on my mental health, incorporate wellness into my daily life, and switch to a completely anti-inflammatory diet. I treat my chronic pain disease 100% through food, supplements, meditation, and journaling, electing to take no pain relievers or opioids of any kind. I’m proud to say that despite these obstacles, I completed my Junior Year, earned a 3.6 GPA thus far in Senior Year, and got accepted Early Decision to Skidmore College to study Neuroscience. I have learned to balance my health and responsibilities and understand my limits. I have pledged that my spirit, not this disease, will define me. In my school, I lead by example, mentor younger teammates, model healthy mental/physical balance, and always bring my best self. I have studied neuroscience via Johns Hopkins CTY and plan to use my personal experience with anxiety and chronic pain to forge a practice in neuro-psychology to help those who struggle with mental and physical pain.

Spirit Leader. There’s never been a title I am more proud to hold – and not just from the perspective of a cheerleader. Spirit holds extraordinary power in my life. It’s my optimism, positivity, and strength that have allowed me to hold on to any semblance of teenage life. My spirit helped me conquer the cruelties of mean girls in middle school and overcome the anxiety bullying sparked. It led me through pneumonia, the sudden urge to cut bangs (falling short compared to Taylor Swift), and transition from public to private school for a healthier environment. Spirit took on a different role when I got to Montclair Kimberley Academy. It was not only a way to propel through adversity, but a way for me to pour energy into new friends, find my place, and express my determination, comradery, and goofiness. Being drenched in school spirit gave me a sense of belonging. In ninth grade, I was dubbed Silly Gilly and earned the squad's Most Spirited Award; the plaque remains on my wall, driving me to stay optimistic. I like to believe that earlier challenges prepared me for those I now face. I had a mild wrist sprain from cheerleading in 11th grade, which developed into Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in my left arm. This highly unusual neurological syndrome causes excruciating nerve pain, temperature and touch sensitivity, and brain fog. It affects the sympathetic nervous system, therefore any anxiety, mood swing, or major disruption can cause a terrible pain flare. To put this into perspective, CRPS pain is rated higher than childbirth and amputations on the McGill Pain Index. I have needed a fighting spirit and a determined mental perspective to undergo more medical treatments than most people experience in their lifetime: Ketamine infusions, Ganglion Nerve Blocks, a four-week inpatient physical therapy program, to name just a few. I also embraced a dramatic need to focus on my mental health, incorporate wellness into my daily life, and switch to a completely anti-inflammatory diet. I treat my chronic pain disease 100% through food, supplements, meditation, and journaling, electing to take no pain relievers or opioids of any kind. I’m proud to say that despite these obstacles, I completed my Junior Year, earned a 3.6 GPA thus far in Senior Year, and got accepted Early Decision to Skidmore College to study Neuroscience. I have learned to balance my health and responsibilities and understand my limits. I have pledged that my spirit, not this disease, will define me. In my school, I lead by example, mentor younger teammates, model healthy mental/physical balance, and always bring my best self. I have studied neuroscience via Johns Hopkins CTY and plan to use my personal experience with anxiety and chronic pain to forge a practice in neuro-psychology to help those who struggle with mental and physical pain. I have used my chronic pain disease as an inspiration for myself and others. As a Junior, I co-founded the first Psychology Club to promote mental health, was chosen to co-lead the Women's Task Force with a Dean, and served on the Pandemic Task Force focusing on school culture. This year I will lead a group project for our 'Senior May Term' in which we will create an anti-inflammatory diet cookbook that will encourage healthy eating and teach about the connection between the gut and overall well-being. It marries the things I love most, baking, health, and friends working together. My commitment to health and well-being fuels my every day, both personally and in my community. I look forward to pursuing a career that can change lives every day.

Spirit Leader. There’s never been a title I am more proud to hold – and not just from the perspective of a cheerleader. Spirit holds extraordinary power in my life. It’s my optimism, positivity, and strength that have allowed me to hold on to any semblance of teenage life. My spirit helped me conquer the cruelties of mean girls in middle school. It led me through pneumonia, the sudden urge to cut bangs (falling short compared to Taylor Swift), and transition from public to private school for a healthier environment. Spirit took on a different role when I got to Montclair Kimberley Academy. It was not only a way to propel through adversity, but a way for me to pour energy into new friends, find my place, and express my determination, comradery, and goofiness. Being drenched in school spirit gave me a sense of belonging. In ninth grade, I was dubbed Silly Gilly and earned the squad's Most Spirited Award; the plaque remains on my wall, driving me to stay optimistic. I like to believe that earlier challenges prepared me for those I now face. I had a mild wrist sprain from cheerleading in 11th grade, which developed into Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in my left arm. This highly unusual neurological syndrome causes excruciating nerve pain, temperature and touch sensitivity, brain fog, and auto-immune and nervous system dysfunction. Little is known about its causes. To put this into perspective, CRPS pain is rated higher than childbirth and amputations on the McGill Pain Index. I have needed a fighting spirit to undergo more medical treatments than most people experience in their lifetime: Ketamine infusions, Ganglion Nerve Blocks, a four-week inpatient physical therapy program, to name just a few. I also embraced a dramatic change to a completely anti-inflammatory diet. I treat my chronic pain disease 100% through food, supplements, meditation, and journaling, electing to take no pain relievers or opioids of any kind. I’m proud to say that despite these obstacles, I completed my Junior Year, earned a 3.6 GPA thus far in Senior Year, and got accepted Early Decision to Skidmore College to study Neuroscience. I have learned to balance my health and responsibilities and understand my limits. I have pledged that my spirit, not this disease, will define me. As it is a core part of my identity, I have chosen to continue cheerleading despite the pain. This year, I am the team's Spirit Leader, a new role created by my coach who entrusted me with bringing our team together after separation during COVID. It is a deeply meaningful role for me, as it reflects my past and future selves. I lead by example, mentor younger teammates, model healthy mental/physical balance, and always bring my best self. This honor is something that I will always cherish. I have used my chronic pain disease as an inspiration for myself and others. As a Junior, I co-founded the first Psychology Club to promote mental health, was chosen to co-lead the Women's Task Force with a Dean, and served on the Pandemic Task Force. This year I will lead a group project for our 'Senior May Term' in which we will create an anti-inflammatory diet cookbook that can help many chronic conditions. It marries the things I love most, baking, health, and friends working together. We will self-publish it, offering it through CRPS, auto-immune advocacy groups, and other support groups, donating a portion of the proceeds to Ferocious Warriors, a CRPS youth group. This project is a further demonstration of my determination to help others meet their health and wellness challenges.