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 through college, trade school or a certification program. Each recipient received a $1,000 grant.
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. 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.”
Sarah. Merritt Island, FL: Grew up with Juvenile Arthritis, Pseudotumor Cerebri, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, and Dysautonomia. Sarah is continuing her education at Rollins College planning to continue to physician assistant school. “I think my strength of empathy will be helpful as I consider what patients are going through with their illnesses.”
Memrie. Middleburg, FL: Grew up with Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis, POTS/Dysautonomia, EDS, and Tourette Syndrome. “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.”
Trent. Safety Harbor, FL: Grew up with Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis, EDS, POTS, and asthma. “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. My goal is to become a welder.”
Raegan. Iron Station, NC: Grew up with SJIA, Macrophage Activation Syndrome, Pseudotumor Cerebri, Dysautonomia, and other conditions. “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. I am currently attending Georgia Southern University to achieve my dream of becoming a child life specialist.”
Emma. Mason City, IA: Grew up with juvenile arthritis and POTS. “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.”
Emily. Holden, MA: Grew up with systemic on-set juvenile arthritis. Pursuing her speech pathology graduate program at Emerson College. “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.”
Nigelaca. Tampa, FL: Grew up with asthma, allergies, and depression. Purple Playas provided her with a laptop to help her successfully flourish. “My dream goal is to become a psychologist on the behalf of kids. I would love to do child therapy and counseling.”