Resilience became part of my life before I could even understand the word. At just one year old, I was diagnosed with hearing loss, which meant early speech therapy, hearing devices, and learning to communicate in ways most children never have to think about. Then, at the age of six, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, a lifelong autoimmune disease that requires constant monitoring, insulin management, and the awareness that your health can change within minutes. These conditions shaped not only my childhood, but also my determination to pursue higher education and a career dedicated to helping others overcome physical challenges. Growing up with hearing loss meant learning to adapt in environments that were not always built with accessibility in mind. I had to focus intensely in classrooms, sit strategically to hear instructors clearly, and advocate for myself when I needed support. While these moments sometimes made me feel different from my peers, they also taught me perseverance, patience, and the importance of self-advocacy. Managing Type 1 Diabetes added another level of responsibility. Diabetes is a condition that never takes a day off. It requires constant attention—monitoring blood sugar levels, calculating insulin doses, and preparing for unexpected highs and lows. These responsibilities did not pause during school, sports, or exams. Learning to balance my health with my education forced me to develop discipline, time management, and resilience at an early age. Rather than discouraging me, these challenges inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I am currently pursuing my Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, where I hope to help patients regain mobility, independence, and confidence after injuries, neurological events, or chronic conditions. My experiences as a patient have given me a unique perspective that I hope to bring into my work as a healthcare professional. I understand the vulnerability patients feel when navigating healthcare systems, and I want to be a provider who offers not only clinical expertise but also empathy and encouragement. Advocacy has also played an important role in my life. Since childhood, I have served as Team Captain of Team Ryno for Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF). Over the past seventeen years, our team has raised more than $42,000 to support diabetes research and awareness. This experience taught me the power of community, leadership, and perseverance. It reinforced my belief that resilience is not just about overcoming personal obstacles—it is also about lifting others along the way. Jules’ story reflects the same strength and compassion that so many individuals living with chronic illness demonstrate every day. Despite the challenges she faced with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, she continued to inspire those around her with kindness, resilience, and selflessness. Her story is a powerful reminder that illness does not define a person’s impact. If I were honored to receive the Jules Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Resilience Scholarship, I would carry forward that same spirit—using my education, experiences, and future career in physical therapy to help others regain strength, independence, and hope. In doing so, the knowledge I gain and the lives I hope to impact would help continue the legacy of resilience and compassion that this scholarship was created to honor.

One of the national health issues I care about most deeply is the challenge of living with and managing chronic illnesses, particularly Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and neurological conditions, such as traumatic brain injuries, stroke, and aneurysms. I’m passionate about this issue because I live it every day—and I’ve watched people I love live it too. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age six, a condition that requires constant attention to blood sugar levels, insulin dosages, and daily lifestyle decisions. Managing T1D is a full-time job layered on top of school, relationships, and everyday life. It’s physically exhausting, emotionally draining, and financially overwhelming. In addition to my diabetes, I also live with bilateral hearing loss caused by a cholesteatoma, and wear two hearing aids. These conditions require extensive medical management and expenses, which continue to grow alongside my education costs. Still, I’m fortunate. I have support, access to care, and a dream I’m pursuing: to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and work with patients recovering from neurological injuries. Many others with chronic or life-altering health conditions aren’t as lucky. That reality drives me to become a healthcare provider who will both treat and advocate for people who are often overlooked. My passion for chronic illness and neurological care deepened through personal experience. My uncle Adam suffered a severe traumatic brain injury due to toxic shock syndrome and spent three months in a coma. He had to relearn everything—how to walk, how to talk, how to remember. His recovery was long, difficult, and uncertain. My grandfather suffered two strokes in 2022, which left him with severe brain damage, visual field loss, gait impairment, and short-term memory loss. Though he is still physically with us, he’s not the same person I grew up with. When I’m home between semesters, I help him with gait training, balance, and memory support—simple but meaningful actions that reflect what I want to do professionally for others. I also support brain health advocacy through the Matthew Friedman Memorial Foundation, created in honor of a close family friend who passed away at 19 from a ruptured brain aneurysm. I’ve helped promote the upcoming Walk for Matt on May 31, which raises awareness about aneurysm prevention and funds early detection efforts. This community outreach work connects personal grief to public action—something I’m deeply proud to be part of. In a country where access to healthcare is often unequal and expensive, managing a chronic illness or recovering from a neurological event becomes even more difficult. That’s why I believe healthcare professionals—especially those in rehabilitation and chronic care—need to advocate for their patients, not just treat them. I want to be that kind of physical therapist: someone who listens, who understands the hidden toll of chronic illness, and who fights to make recovery more accessible for every patient, regardless of their background. Earning my Doctorate of Physical Therapy isn’t just about fulfilling a personal goal—it’s about creating a future where more people with diabetes, hearing loss, brain injuries, and strokes don’t fall through the cracks. I know what it means to live with a lifelong condition, and I’ve seen the ripple effect of a health crisis on a family and a community. That’s why I’ve dedicated my life to healthcare, and that’s why I’m asking for support. With this scholarship, I can continue toward my goal of becoming a neurologically focused physical therapist, dedicated to helping others rebuild their lives after devastating diagnoses. And I will never forget what it’s like to be on the other side of care.

Living with disabilities has created many challenges, but it has never stopped me from working toward my goals. From an early age, I learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and perseverance. Dylan’s story is very meaningful to me because, like him, I have faced obstacles that could have discouraged me. However, I have always chosen to move forward and focus on my future. Throughout my life, I have managed Type 1 Diabetes and hearing loss in both ears, requiring me to wear hearing aids every day. Managing my blood sugar and caring for my hearing are daily responsibilities that require discipline and focus. Although living with these conditions can be difficult, they have also taught me important life skills such as time management, problem-solving, and determination. Rather than viewing my disabilities as limitations, I have come to see them as strengths that have prepared me to face life's challenges with courage. Currently, I am a graduate student working toward my Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT). I chose this path because I am passionate about helping others recover from injuries, improve their strength, and live fuller lives. Physical therapy is about more than just physical recovery; it is about rebuilding hope and confidence. Because of my personal experiences with chronic health conditions, I feel a deep connection to patients who face their own challenges. I understand the emotional side of recovery as well as the physical, and I hope to bring that understanding into my future practice. Balancing the demands of graduate school while managing my health has not been easy. I have had to develop strong study habits, stay organized, and advocate for myself when needed. These experiences have made me a more patient, driven, and compassionate individual. I believe these qualities will make me an excellent physical therapist. My long-term goal is to specialize in sports rehabilitation and help athletes and active individuals regain their strength and return to the activities they love. I believe I am a strong candidate for the Dylan’s Journey Memorial Scholarship because, like Dylan, I am committed to pursuing my dreams no matter the challenges I face. I want to show others that disabilities do not define what we are capable of achieving. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue my education and allow me to keep moving forward toward my goal of making a real difference in the lives of others. Thank you for considering my story and for supporting students who work hard to overcome obstacles.

Living with a disability has shaped not only the way I move through the world but also the values I live by and the path I have chosen for my career. I was born with bilateral hearing loss and diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes as a child. Together, these two conditions have challenged me to be more disciplined, resilient, and adaptable; more importantly, they have given me a powerful sense of empathy and a deep desire to help others facing similar struggles. Navigating school while managing my medical needs was often a balancing act. While my classmates focused solely on academics, I had to monitor blood sugar levels, manage hearing devices, attend frequent medical appointments, and adapt to environments that were not always designed with accessibility in mind. There were days when I felt isolated, when I felt like no one else quite understood the invisible weight I was carrying. Over time, I realized that my experiences gave me a perspective that was just as valuable as any textbook lesson. I am proud to be completing my first year in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of New England. My goal is to become a pediatric physical therapist, working with children who have disabilities or chronic health conditions. My lived experience allows me to connect with patients and families on a level that goes beyond clinical knowledge. I understand the emotional toll of navigating a world that does not always accommodate your needs, and I want to be the kind of provider who sees the whole person, not just their diagnosis. My disability has taught me to listen more closely and advocate more fiercely. These qualities have influenced my relationships, not only with friends and family but also with classmates and mentors. I have learned how to communicate with honesty and vulnerability, and how to support others who are working through their own challenges. Within my own family, healthcare is a shared passion. My older sister is a certified speech-language pathologist, and my younger sister is studying to become a physician assistant while conducting dermatology research at The Ohio State University. Together, we hope to reshape healthcare to be more inclusive and human-centered. As a future physical therapist, I plan to work in both clinical and school-based settings, helping children gain strength, independence, and confidence in their bodies. I also hope to contribute to disability advocacy efforts that promote better accommodations in schools and public spaces. Representation matters; when children see healthcare professionals who have disabilities themselves, it sends a powerful message that disability does not define your limits. It can shape your strength, your purpose, and your ability to lead. Higher education has not always felt welcoming for students with disabilities. There have been barriers, moments of invisibility, and times when I felt like I had to work twice as hard just to be seen. These experiences have also made me more determined to succeed and to use my journey to uplift others. I believe that students with disabilities bring essential perspectives to every field, especially healthcare. We understand persistence, problem-solving, and compassion in a way that only lived experience can teach. The Candi L. Oree Leadership Scholarship would be an incredible support as I continue my education and work toward my goal of serving and empowering others with disabilities. I am committed to leading with empathy, advocating for access and equity, and helping others not just survive but thrive. My disability is not a limitation; it's a lens that has taught me how to see people more clearly, and how to serve them more fully.