Purple Playas was Blessed with Duda Family Love
August 29, 2023
The excitement is REAL! We are proud to announce our first ever recipients of the “Anne Nymark Furthering Education Young Adult Grant.” The purpose of this grant program is to encourage young adults (up to 35 years old), who grew up with pediatric chronic illnesses, to further their education. These young adults have committed to expanding their education full-time or part-time through college, trade school or a certification program.
Anne Nymark expressed, “Thank you for allowing me to be a part of an organization that recognizes the importance of helping young adults realize their full potential. The purpose of this grant program is to encourage young adults, who grew up with a chronic illness, to further their education. I am very proud to partner with the Purple Playas Foundation to ensure these young adults are not forgotten and can receive support to pursue their dreams.”
Each recipient received a $1,000 grant to use towards his or her educational program. One recipient received a laptop in lieu of grant funds. Please join us in congratulating our first ever young adult grant recipients!
Sarah. Merritt Island, FL: Grew up with Juvenile Arthritis, Pseudotumor Cerebri, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, and Dysautonomia.
Sarah currently has her AA and is continuing her education at Rollins College. “I’m planning to continue to physician assistant school when I graduate with my bachelor’s degree. I’ve been inspired to work in the healthcare field by several healthcare professionals who have cared for me. I would like to be a part of getting kids through health obstacles and having the best of quality of life possible while being part of team-based medical care and increasing access to medical care. I think my strength of empathy will be helpful as I consider what patients are going through with their illnesses. I’m currently interested in working in the pediatric specialties of rheumatology, international radiology, nephrology, and oncology. Once I have a career as a physician assistant, I would like to engage in research to increase data and improve care. I would also like to continue giving back to the community in whatever way relates to the specialty I choose such as medical summer camps, free clinics, or other nonprofits. Overall, I think my strength of determination will help me as I strive to move forward and complete all my goals I may have throughout my life.”
Memrie. Middleburg, FL: Grew up with Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis, POTS/Dysautonomia, EDS, and Tourette Syndrome.
Memrie has her AA Degree and will receive career training at St. John’s River State College in hopes to obtain a managerial position at the YMCA as an Executive Director or County Sports Director. Memrie shared, “My diseases do not define me but it makes me the trooper I am today. Even though you have a chronic illness, you can do what you want. You just may need to change it a little bit. Right now I am working towards my goal of being a sports director or director of YMCA. I will take any challenge that is thrown at me…I want to do this for me and no one else…I want to keep learning.”
Trent. Safety Harbor, FL: Grew up with Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis, EDS, POTS, and asthma.
Trent is a recent high school graduate. He shared, “I am so excited that I was chosen for this award because Purple Playas believes in me, and it gives me an opportunity to make a successful future for myself…Despite my body wanting to do its own thing, I am determined to do my own thing. I have never given up on myself no matter what I was facing. I know I deserve a good future… Right now my goal is to become a welder with the future goal of fabrication. My determination is my strength. I have been shadowing a mentor at Beast Offroad to help me learn prior to getting into the welding program.”
Raegan. Iron Station, NC: Grew up with SJIA w/ CNS involvement, Macrophage Activation Syndrome, Pseudotumor Cerebri, Dysautonomia, immunoglobulin deficiency, and Cushing’s Syndrome.
As a recent high school graduate, Raegan is pursuing her dreams. She shared, “Throughout my experience living with SJIA I’ve discovered that my purpose in life is to help kids who are going through a similar experience. Due to my illness I have spent countless hours in hospitals. These hours have been filled with many scary moments but through these moments I have encountered countless hospital workers who went above and beyond to support me through my struggles and make my stay magical. I believe that my first hand experience gives me a unique understanding of these situations which is why I am currently attending Georgia Southern University in order to achieve my dream of becoming a child life specialist.”
Emma. Mason City, IA: Grew up with juvenile arthritis and POTS.
Emma has her CNA certification and she is attending North Iowa Area Community College. She shared, “My dream is to become a pediatric nurse and work with kids who were in situations similar to me as a child. As a child living in and out of hospitals the nurses are what made all of the difference to me. They were my advocates, my friends, and the people who showed me the most care during my stays. I believe I will have many strengths with this. I know what it is like to be a scared and sick child. I think about the treatment I received, or the treatment I wish I had received as a kid and apply that to my practice as a nurse.
Emily. Holden, MA: Grew up with systemic on-set juvenile arthritis.
Emily recently completed her undergraduate degree and is pursuing her speech pathology graduate program at Emerson College. Emily shared, “I am just as committed to treating and helping the whole person, not just the disease. I am determined to be a well-rounded clinician that models Evidence-Based Practice. I want to make a difference in a niche area like voice therapy or music therapy. Just thinking about my professional career feels electric. When I was a child, I didn’t know what my future would be. When I was a teen, I didn’t think I’d have one. It is a gift to be able to make one for myself.” She went on to share, “I know I won’t be another health professional that treats people like numbers or sicknesses to cure. I’ve been through that, and so have so many others. My empathy is something I’m proud of, because I’ve grown to understand it.”
Nigelaca. Tampa, FL: Grew up with asthma, allergies, and depression.
Nigelaca is working on completing her high school degree and Purple Playas provided her with a laptop to help her successfully flourish. She shared, “My dream goal is to become a psychologist on the behalf of kids. I would love to do child therapy and counseling. It’s something I‘ve always wanted and it’s because I would enjoy working with children that go through what I have experienced or maybe haven’t. I would like to help in any way possible. Strengths that would possibly help get me there is identifying emotions, genuinely giving advice but also making sure to control my own emotions and feelings. I really have interest in being this type of person in life because I would have a positive impact on kids who are in need of emotional support…I don’t let failure stop what I set my mind to, no matter the rough time I go through on a daily basis. I’ll still thrive on.”
