Purple Playas Foundation is so very pleased to announce that we have awarded five recipients our 2024 Anne Nymark Young Adult Grant. Each of these incredible young adults are receiving $1,000, for a second year, to further their educational goals.
Sarah Clemons
I’ve learned to look at my life through different lenses, taking time to appreciate every day I have. The most significant challenge I have faced recently was brain surgery to get a new shunt last summer. I still made it back to Rollins for the fall semester. Throughout the semester, I worried I would lose vision, but at the end of the semester, I got good news that my eyes had not only stopped worsening but had improved. This grant has made it possible to keep working toward my goals!
Trent Diebold
The grant has helped me pay for my tuition and lab fees. I am in my third semester of doing shielded metal arc welding, and plan to get certified for gas tungsten arc welding. I really want to set up a life for myself, become independent. I will use all my past hardships, and the strength it gave me, to be a positive addition to this world.
Emily Tonning
During this past year of living on my own, I failed. I was rejected from a practicum placement. I was held back in clinic. But I sobbed joyful tears when I earned A’s with all three of my clients. Staying behind in the clinic was never a punishment; it was a second chance. I am beyond honored and grateful to receive the Anne Nymark Young Adult Grant.
Emma Borrelli
In May, I was nominated for a “Student Leadership Award” by five of my previous teachers for my dedication, perseverance, and great academic success. I also graduated and received my License in Practical Nursing diploma (with honors!!). In June I had hip surgery to repair a cartilage tear. It’s been difficult to juggle recovery and school, but I am pushing through.
Raegan Cupp
Being a second year recipient of the Anne Nymark Young Adult Grant has been such a blessing to me. My dream of becoming a Child Life Specialist is getting closer everyday. Child Life helped me through so many hard days during my rare disease journey. Being a patient is kind of all I know. I’ve grown up inside the walls of a hospital. There is always a mountain to climb on this journey. I try not to focus on the climb, but merely on the next step and then the next. My illness is NOT what makes me unique. I find great joy in serving others.