Rebecca Calhoun
Parent with MS - Marion, N.C.
Family Strength
Most seventh graders are going to school dances and cheerleading, but Rebecca found herself preparing full meals for the family, and helping with grocery shopping. Once she turned sixteen she had to get a job and a car to insure that her younger brothers got where they needed to be. “I strongly believe that if my mother hadn’t been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, I would not have developed into the person I am today, she says. This disease has forced me to become a responsible and careful person. It has forced me to become a young adult and this has benefited me in many ways; especially since I began applying for college. Along with that, it has most definitely brought our family closer together than we ever were before. We love each other infinitely and rely on each other for everything. We do these things because we have found, throughout this process, that we can. That is what family is for. Although we had to give up a few things along the way, I believe it was more than worth it when I consider how strong it has made our family."
Rebecca plans to attend High Point University in the fall as a Journalism major. She received the chapter's Top Scholar award of $3000.
McKenzye Coyle
Parent with MS - Marion, N.C.
Roller Coaster Ride
McKenzye found that MS impacts every area of life. Slowly, he watched the person who he had relied on to drive him to games, coach his team and provide financially for the family change. His father became a prisoner of a disease that brought the greatest challenges to date to his life. Everyone in the family was forced to take on new roles and responsibilities and through this experience McKenzie has become a determined, self- sufficient individual who embraces life and tries not to take anything for granted. He found solace in his music and volunteered his time playing piano for his churches Praise Band. Through it all McKenzye says, "My parents have always encouraged me that an education is something that you earn and something that no one can take away from you."
McKenzye plans to attend Montreat College in the fall as a Biology major, with plans to continue his education in medical school. He received the chapter's Top Scholar award of $3000 to make that dream a reality.
Melissa Day
Parent with MS – Robbinsville, NC
Inspired by MS
Her father’s battle with MS, which started when Melissa was five years old, hasn’t changed the love Melissa’s family shares. “His steps sometimes falter and he has episodes of numbness. He must avoid heat and sometimes tires easily, but he is my Dad!” she says. Melissa was named a Top Scholar through the National Top Scholar Program of the National MS Society in addition to being chosen as a Top Scholar by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter for 2010. She attends Duke University with a double major in Biology and Psychology, and a minor in Spanish. She has just completed her first year on her educational path toward becoming a licensed pediatrician.
This year, Melissa will receive a renewed scholarship of $2,600 for her 2nd year of college.