In 2011, we awarded scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 to 26 college-bound students. All are entering their freshman year, this fall, at the college or university of their choice. We congratulate this diverse group of remarkable students and wish them the best in their future academic endeavors.
The following are the 2011 Southern California & Nevada Scholarship recipients:
Funding provided by the Leonard J. and Martha J. Brutocao Family Scholarship Fund
Drawing from her experiences of living with a mom with MS, Brittany has learned many valuable lessons that have directly influenced her future career. She has focused on the gifts of inspiration and determination to make a difference in the lives of others, especially those with MS. A born leader, Brittany is the founder and president of her school’s Junior State of America which encourages youth to get involved with local government and politics. Brittany will enter the University of California at Berkeley to major in political science. From there, she hopes to concentrate on law and government as the twin pillars that will help her become politically active. She would like to have the opportunity to influence the flow of funds available for more MS research, especially stem cell research.
Brooke Renna
Funding provided by the Leonard J. and Martha J. Brutocao Family Scholarship Fund 
As a high school sophomore Brooke that she was invincible. She was active in sports, academics and clubs when she found herself in the hospital with a diagnosis of MS. Two years later, Brooke has maintained her active lifestyle but has come to realize that in order to do so, two things are key, delegation and knowing her body. In the end she said, “My experience with MS has been the one thing that made me realize I am invincible. I am able to do what I want because I am aware of my body.” She plans to study journalism, and work in editing or publishing.
Amanda Villegas is an experienced hurdler, both as an athlete and in life. The first day of her sophomore year, she was unable to see the faces of her teachers and the classroom numbers. A week later she was diagnosed with MS. The next few months she spent more time at doctor’s offices, home and the hospital than at school. She eventually got better due to the assistance of numerous health professionals who changed her life. She explained, “I went from not being able to walk at all to being able to run and do hurdles…I now want to become an RN and help people like everyone helped me.” Amanda plans to first get an Associates Degree in nursing from Chaffey College and then pursue a Bachelors of Science in nursing.
Janan Sirhan had her life laid out in front of her; she was full of excitement, promise and college bound. In her junior year, everything came to a halt when her father was diagnosed with MS. Suddenly in the role of caregiver, the increased responsibilities, time constraints, emotional turmoil and financial struggles seriously called into question the possibility of achieving her dreams. Upon receiving this award she wrote, “As he slowly disintegrates, I have been slowly forced to take care of him at a young age, causing my fears for my academic future to grow. Your generosity in your donation has caused a great sense of peace in my immediate future.” Janan plans to attend the University of California Santa Cruz.
Olivia Broslawky’s dad was diagnosed with MS when she was four years old. She didn’t think it was a big deal because life didn’t seem to change, except they now participated in Walk MS. Through her yearly participation in Walk MS, Olivia really began to understand MS and its impact. “It was incredible to see so many people united to help find a cure for this disease. It really gave me hope that if we all came together, we could eventually find a way to conquer this disease.” She feels lucky that her father is able to live a relatively normal life and that through his experiences she has learned how to be grateful for what you have and to not take things for granted. Olivia plans to attend Tulane University and major in either journalism or communications.
Stephanie Coyne’s mother was diagnosed with MS when she was five years old, the same disease her mother had had. In watching her mother juggle the disease all while continuing to care for her family, go to work every day and provide unwavering care to her incapacitated father due to a stroke, Stephanie has learned the deep capacity of the human soul. She said, “We must never allow the negative parts of life to blind us from seeing the good or keeping us form what we truly want to accomplish…I will forever choose to not let MS alter my dreams, aspirations, or the love that I have for my family, but instead allow it to inspire me to live my life for others.” Stephanie will attend a local community college where she plans to study music education and hopes to one day create a symphony for those with disabilities.
Alexia Solis’ father was diagnosed with MS in 2007 since that time there have been a lot of ups and downs, and especially uncertainty. Her relationship with her father and her family however has never waivered. She said, “My father is only one out of about 400,000 people in the United States with MS, but he is the most important person to me. I have many goals in life and for my father to be around to see me accomplish them would be the best accomplishment ever.” Alexia plans to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas and to one day be an Orthodontist.
Aaron Gilmartin was 8 years old when his mother was diagnosed with MS. She was sick a lot when he was younger but the disease modifying drugs have changed all that. He said, “The medication has helped her incredibly. It allows her to function and feel almost normal. MS is definitely part of my life but it by no means controls it.” Aaron plans to attend College of the Sequoias and to be just as successful as his mom.
Megan Scharar is well acquainted with MS, both her mother and uncle have been diagnosed. The juxtaposition of their responses to the disease has taught Megan the importance of taking action and having a positive outlook. She wrote of her mother, “She is very positive about her disease and her strength to defeat it is inspiring.” Megan plans to attend Boise State University and major in Art Education. She hopes to one day be an art teacher.
Stephanie Bauters “The news was tragic at first. I didn’t want to accept this had happened to my mom, my role model; the woman I had always looked to for love and guidance…We had always stuck together…but MS is life-long.” The MS diagnosis affected the entire family – everyone’s life and responsibilities changed, everyone’s expectations change and the impact of these changes all boils down to one question, how will you choose to respond? Stephanie chose to let go of her expectations and open her heart, the result? “Though MS is now a major part of my life, it brought my family together in a way I can only thank God for.” Stephanie plans to attend the University of Portland to pursue a degree in either medicine or business.
Anthony Alvarez’s mother was diagnosed with MS before he was born. As he has grown so has the effect of MS on his mother’s life. At times he’s struggled to understand why his mother who loved running marathons had stopped running, why they couldn’t go to the beach, why he had to take on so much responsibility. In time, he realized that MS had changed his life for the better. He explained, “I soon realized…I wanted to be that lending hand in my mother’s life. I made a promise to myself that I would always love and care for her no matter what happens. I have such a strong appreciation for her and her strength.” Anthony plans to attend the University of California San Diego and to one day be an ER/Trauma doctor.
Rochelle Merriweather knows what she wants to do with her life. She is about to begin her first year of college at California State University Los Angeles to become a doctor. She ultimately wants to practice anesthesiology. Rochelle comes from a medical family -- her dad is a social worker and her mom is a registered nurse at County USC hospital. Although her mom has had MS for a long time, she is still able to lead a productive nursing career. Rochelle has learned from her mom and is ready to help others.
Jonathan Bruner sees MS as a motivator. His father’s perseverance through the disease has motivated him to always challenge himself especially in his academic pursuits and community service. MS has also motivated him to be the best possible son he can be by always seeking to ease his father’s burdens. He said, “Multiple sclerosis has had a major impact on my life; without the experiences and lessons I learned I wouldn’t be who I am today.” Jonathan plans to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas and to major in chemical engineering.
Kallie Caldwell possesses the rare strength and ability to honestly state the deep struggle it is to watch as her mother’s body is slowly deteriorated by MS. She said, “For a long time, I detested that we couldn’t go places because sometimes she was too tired or that we had to leave early due to her feeling ill. I misdirected my feelings, in truth; I despised her rather than the disease.” Through these challenges Kallie has learned a valuable lesson: her mother and MS are two different and distinct entities. This understanding has brought them closer together and has allowed her to see the depth of her mother’s strength. Kallie plans to attend California Baptist University, major in Sociology and minor in Business.
Megan Nyblom has had a relationship with MS for as long as she can remember. Soon after she was born, her mother was diagnosed with the disease resulting in an early medical retirement. In spite of this setback, her mother managed to be highly involved in her children’s lives and always encouraged them to be the best they could be at everything they did. Megan credits her mother with teaching her by example to face adversity with the attitude of not letting things get her down and to always see the bright side of things. Consequently, Megan graduated in the top 15% of her class after completing a rigorous course of study. Megan said, “The person that my mom has become from getting this disease has only made her stronger and ready to fight harder for what she loves and when I see that in her it inspires me to be just like her.” She will pursue a bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering.
Cameron Califf learned at an early age not to take life for granted. His mother's MS diagnosis, when he was just a young child, left a lasting impression— so much so that he plans to study engineering in college so that he might one day help make life a little easier for others by helping to solve the problems facing the 21st century. He wants to address water purification and accessibility, the development of new medicines and environmentally sustainable power. Cameron is no stranger to helping others. Through his volunteer work with the MS Society, he has made signs that are used during MS Awareness Week and he built a board that displays all of the top donors in the Chapter’s Bakersfield office. "I realize how much we take life for granted," Cameron said. "Many of the things we do every day are difficult for those who are strongly affected by MS, so if I can make even the slightest positive difference in these peoples’ lives, I believe I have done my job as a citizen." Cameron plans to attend the University of Southern California.
Lauren Caldera’s father has MS but it took years for her to find out. Her parents chose to wait until she was older to tell her, in an attempt to protect her innocence and prevent fear. Though she is more aware now of the challenges her father faces and that does scare her, more importantly it has taught her just how amazing her father is. She said, “He is truly the strongest, wisest and most loving person in my life. He is everything to me and I can only wish to be half the person he is.” Her dad’s experiences have encouraged Lauren to enter into either the field of neurology or physical therapy. She plans to attend the University of Redlands.
Beth Maiman’s family dynamics were forever changed in April of 2008 when her mom was diagnosed with MS. Beth described that her mother was “the machine that kept my family running smoothly.” With this new disease as part of their family it was now Beth’s turn to step up and take on part of this role. She said, “I know that when she has bad times, I have what it takes to organize and support my family just like my mother does. I learned that when faced with frightening moments, I can rely on my confidence, determination and compassion for others to fight through adversity.” Beth plans to attend the University of Oregon and hopes to one day work in the field of journalism or public relations.
Dana Tuttle is a world class water polo player and he doesn’t miss a beat in crediting his father, who has MS, for his accomplishments. He explained, “I give my dad a lot of credit for my water polo accomplishments…he has always told me that the things you love can end in a heartbeat and to not take anything for granted so I have to work harder than anybody else.” Dana plans to continue playing water polo for the University of California Santa Barbara. He hopes to one day work for a surf magazine and travel the world.
Bailey Cryderman’s family has been faced with a number of challenges; most notably, a sister diagnosed with Lupus, followed by a diagnosis of MS for Bailey. As a result, she is more concerned with the impact MS has on her mom rather than on herself. She explained, “I want my mom to stress less about me having MS. I want her to know I can handle whatever is thrown at me, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to keep myself healthy not only for her, but for myself.” Bailey’s life has changed; her life goals once consisted of getting married, having kids and being a hairstylist. Since her diagnosis, she has decided to go to college and get a degree to further her new goal to one day own and operate her own night club. She said, “I want to experience everything life has to offer…MS has made me want to truly make the most of my life.”
Annette Andrews’ father has been unable to work due to a disability since the time she was a small child. Her mother became their sole provider, a struggle, but one they could manage. Her mother’s MS diagnosis came a few years later, and due to her illness her mother is now unable to work as well. The financial and emotional hardships have been great to say the least. Annette said, “Growing up in a less privileged family has not only offered financial challenges, but it has more importantly made me realize the value of a college education.” Annette plans to attend San Francisco State University as a Political Science major and possibly attend law school one day.
Kayla Graham has big dreams for her life and she’s dedicated to making sure they come true, even with very tight finances. Kayla said, “My parents don’t have the money to put me through college and knowing that college is extremely expensive I’m doing everything I can to get the money to make myself successful and make my dreams come true.” Kayla plans to attend Ventura College and hopes to one day become a detective or a medical examiner.
Caroline O’Connell’s father was diagnosed with MS four years ago and they’ve never talked about it. She said, “It is weird to say that I have never talked to my dad about his illness but I am ok with that.” Instead she’s chosen to have those conversations with God. She shares that it’s been a rocky relationship with God since her father’s diagnosis but she persevered, and as a result her relationship with God she and her family have grown stronger. “I try to thank God as much as I can for giving me a dad that is so loving and amazing that no words can describe.” Caroline plans to attend the University of Colorado Boulder.
Melissa Ellis was diagnosed with MS during her freshman year in high school. The diagnosis slowed her life down drastically; slowing down was the only option her body allowed. Undeterred, Melissa seeks to give back to her community whenever she can; her favorite ways to serve are feeding the homeless and helping at a local Christmas party for persons with disabilities. She said, “One thing that I’ve learned for the long run is that every day is a lesson. Every day my own body teaches me how to take care of itself so that I can lead myself to a better happier life.” Melissa plans to attend California State University Sacramento.
