Jun 09, 2009
2009 Scholarship Winners
NMSS, Louisiana Chapter Scholarship 2009 Winners
Congratulations to this year’s recipients, each receiving a $2,000.00 one year scholarship. Best of luck to Kirstie and Richelle. The NMSS and Louisiana Chapter are proud of your accomplishments and future successes in college.
Kirstie R. Landry of Morgan City
“When my mom was diagnosed with MS, I decided to learn about the disease and the impact it has on many lives. After reading books and stories about people who have MS, I was inspired to help others. I decided I will go to school for nursing in order to help others and possibly make a difference in someone’s life. Although I often question why my mom has to have MS, I know it’s because of the disease and the effect it has had on my life that made me who I am today. Multiple Sclerosis has opened many great opportunities for me; one being my decision to become a nurse in the near future.”
Kirstie’s mom added, “ She has really been a rock for me when I am down with my MS because my husband works away for 14 days at a time. It is really hard on her sometimes but she never complains. I will miss her a lot when she goes to LSU but hopefully the career path she is hoping for may lead her to work in the neurological field one day and she can do something really good for patients with MS. Thanks again for selecting her.”
Richelle Saluga of Slidell
“Multiple Sclerosis does not only affect the patient, but also the patient’s family; I am a witness to this. I have never seen my father healthy, as he has had this disease since I was born. Many people take being healthy for granted, including me, but my father’s disease has opened my eyes to new horizons, allowing me to see how grateful I am. I am grateful that I can workout, go places with my friends, and travel. I realize how much more I am able to do as compared to my father. People like my father would give anything to be able to walk normal again. My life is, in a way, affected positively from his disease because I appreciate being able to do the simplest things in life, such as walking to my bedroom or cooking. My father is an inspiration to me, because although he is going through something horrible he doesn’t show it in the least bit. He has taught me that life is about overcoming obstacles and that you must go through the rain in order to see a rainbow.”
“I would like to thank the National MS Society for granting me this scholarship. This money will open up many new doors for my education. I will be able to better focus on my studies and not worry as much about financial stresses. I encourage people to live their lives day by day and fight through their battles, because that is what life is about; getting through the hard times and becoming a stronger person. Never give up hope and always have faith in God and yourself.”
The National MS Society Scholarship Program
Thanks to all who have applied.
Applications for future scholarships will be accepted between October 2009 and January 2010. They will be available then on our national Web site. For more information, visit www.nationalmssociety.org/scholarship.
Donations to the NMSS Scholarship Program Fund is a great way to make a difference for families living with this disease. Consider the possibility when making gift giving plans.