Alexandra Adams 
Parent with MS - Longs, SC
Amazingly Normal
Alexandra describes her life as “amazingly normal” although she has been living with MS since her mother was diagnosed when Alexandra was four years old. After nine years of strange symptoms, the diagnosis brought some clarity to the family. Alexandra comes from a single parent home so she knew from an early age that she would have to work diligently throughout high school to succeed in her educational goals. Alexandra worked 20-40 hours weekly during high school while participating in a myriad of extra curricular activities. She plans to attend the College of Charleston and major in Historic Preservation and community planning. She credits her mother’s determination and participation in her life as the driving force that turned a very heavy load into an amazingly normal childhood.
Alexandra was voted Chapter Top Scholar by the National MS Society, Mid-Atlantic Chapter Scholarship Committee and received the $3000 SAYiWON’T BEAT MS T-Shirt Scholarship.
Jake Adams
Both parents with MS - Enoree, SC
Belief, Strength and Fervor
Jake’s family is unique, both parents have MS. Although they were diagnosed six years apart, Jake has lived with MS most of his life. Jake learned that he must contribute to the family funds, which meant he gave up most weekends of fun with his friends. Jake credits his strong faith, learned from his parents, as the support that keeps his dreams alive. He volunteers at a camp for people with physical disability and counts the experience as an opportunity to help people achieve their maximum potential in health, fitness and spiritual well being. Jake hopes to attend Winthrop University and study Athletic Training to help improve quality of life for others.
Jake was awarded a $3000 scholarship and voted Top Scholar by the National MS Society, Mid-Atlantic Chapter’s Scholarship Committee.
Renee Leach
Mother with MS-Black Mountain, NC
Careful Footsteps
The uniqueness of being the daughter of someone with MS, has made Renee reflect on what is important in her own life. Renee’s mother was diagnosed before Renee’s birth and although her MS is steadily progressing, she smiles in spite of her tribulations. Renee watched her mother’s careful footsteps to see the wonder of the everyday that most just race through. Renee will be attending a university in the Greensboro area studying History and Writing. She will pursue a career in Language to keep the history of oral tradition alive. In the words of Benjamin Hoff in The Tao of Piglet, “Maybe the ‘good’ things are a test, possibly rather difficult ones at that, and the ‘bad’ things are the gifts to help us grow.”
Renee received a $1000 scholarship from the National MS Society, Mid-Atlantic Chapter to pursue her dream of learning.
Ashleigh Manus
Person with MS - Campobello, SC
Full Speed Ahead
Ashleigh has experienced much adversity since being diagnosed at twelve years old with MS. She constantly struggles with fatigue and cognition, especially during SAT testing. Ashleigh’s plan is to attend a two-year community college then transfer to a four-year university to study chemistry. Her goal is to become a forensic scientist to research and study diseases such as hers. At seventeen, she has come to the understanding that she can have a full and normal life. MS has opened her eyes to see things in a different light. She knows that her journey is long but she’s willing to take it “full speed ahead”.
Ashleigh was awarded a $1000 scholarship by the National MS Society, Mid-Atlantic Chapter to help with her aspirations.