
Kaitlin Ames -Scholarship Alumni (1999)
“What was really special about being a recipient of the Diabetes Hope Foundation Award was that I felt like there
was someone coming alongside of me to encourage me and propel me forward into this new venture and era of my life that understood
the additional challenge that Diabetes presents to making this shift.”
Merzin Kapadia - Scholarship Alumni (2000)
“Diabetes Hope Foundation is like the angel sent down to help. As a
father of a son with diabetes, I was so proud because this
Foundation really gives an extra boost to kids. It helps them
understand that there are people who understand their health
problems. The scholarship helps release them from their financial
burdens and encourages them to succeed and to achieve their goals.â€
-Mehernosh Kapadia (dad)
Michelle Amernic - Scholarship Alumni (2000)
“I felt privileged to receive this award and grateful that there was this type of help. Knowing that Diabetes Hope
Foundation was willing to help and had put their trust in me, really motivated me to persevere.”
Brian Dijkema - Scholarship Alumni (2001)
“This scholarship meant a lot to me because it was from a unique source that recognized my struggles with diabetes
where no one else really understood what it was like.”
Shannon Doherty - Scholarship Alumni (2002)
“This award helped show that I had been dealing well with my
diabetes. People with diabetes face a lot of challenges. Giving
someone the opportunity to win a scholarship shows them that their
hard work has paid off and they can go that little bit further.â€
Dylan Crosby - Scholarship Alumni (2002)
“Winning this scholarship made me take my diabetes more seriously. It really encouraged me to be more responsible
about my health. Since winning this award, I have gotten my diabetes under more control. This is a good thing because I’ll
be going to India on a 6 month exchange program next year.”
Robby Burko - Scholarship Alumni (2003)
“Robby received this award shortly after he was diagnosed with diabetes when everything was new to him and his whole
life was changing in so many ways. This was a voice of support and encouragement to continue his studies and it really gave
him more confidence. It got him off to a really good start.” -Tom Burko (dad)
Dan Gibson - Scholarship Alumni (2003)
“It was helpful to get something positive from the diabetes experience.
Diabetes is always taking
something away from you. This award helped move me toward something positive rather than holding me back.”
Ana Marie Cortez - Scholarship Alumni (2003)
“This scholarship really helped me get through my first year.
Diabetes Hope Foundation
encourages people my age to go for their dreams.”
John Brown - Scholarship Alumni (2004)
“This award showed John that people really cared and appreciated what people who live with diabetes go through each
and every day. This was tremendous encouragement for John and he really appreciated it.” -John’s sister (also
living with diabetes)
Adam Brown - Scholarship Alumni (2004)
“Winning this scholarship gave Adam an incredible amount of confidence. It showed him that he wasn’t held back
and he didn’t have to worry so much – he could really move ahead with his life.” -Annette Brown (mom)
Thank you ...because of your generous donations
One of the most hardest lessons for a child to learn is the
realization that change is inevitable; although it is impossible to
avoid sudden change, it is possible to make every change positive.
For this exact reason I am writing this latter to give my thanks and
sincere gratitude to you. Because of you, my first year of
university will be eased financially. Many people view me as a
child with a disease, in which there is no hope for. However,
in the words of Alexander Graham Bell, "When one door closes,
another door opens; But we often look so long and regretfully upon
the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us."
Thank you for all that you have done. It means more to me than
words can express.
Cheryl Peplinskie
2005 Scholarship Recipient
First of all, I’d just like to thank you on behalf of all of the campers and staff of Camp Huronda for all the amazing
work you’ve done for us. On a more personal note, I’d also like to thank you for helping me earn my scholarship.
Your Foundation does so much for the community and I’m so grateful for what you’ve done for me. Thank you so
much.
Sincerely,
Kale Boehmer
2005 Scholarship Recipient
I then hope to continue my education studying to become either a firefighter or police officer.
I love to help
people and know that I belong in one of these fields. The support from the Diabetes Hope Foundation is going to help me
pursue and achieve my goals.
This award has truly made a difference in my life.
Sincerely yours,
Sean Forder
2005 Scholarship Recipient
Not only is the scholarship an amazing program, the numerous events
which the foundation undertakes to improve the lives of children
living with diabetes on a daily basis is exceptional. You have
truly been an inspiration. The effort and persistence you have
put forth to create and maintain this crucial organization will
forever be recognized by myself, and by the many others who have
been touched by the Diabetes Hope Foundation.
Best Wishes,
Lauren Pelc
2005 Scholarship Recipient
From the moment I was diagnosed, I made a lifelong decision not to let diabetes hold me back and for the past few years
my diabetes has been on the backburner while I have put all my energy into my academics, leadership, sports and community
involvement. Since receiving the Diabetes Hope Foundation Scholarship, I have decided that there might still be a little
space in all that for diabetes too. The scholarship is more than financial support for me; it has given me the courage and
confidence to know that I can care for my diabetes without compromising everything else I love to do.
Lorna Sampson,
2006
I find myself considering diabetes not as a burden, but as a way of life. It is by adapting to diabetes, I believe, that
I have gained a different perspective on life. This award fuels a determination to live a normal life, yet not so normal
in that we do not resign in front of diabetes, rather we accept and fight back!
Emilie Desloges,
2006
Every life has its unique challenges and barriers to overcome. Living with diabetes can be (and often is) overwhelming and
demanding, but as they say - every obstacle is just an opportunity in disguise. It's so easy to see only the negative in
a situation, but work such as yours reminds us to see the bright side, and motivates us to work hard and to master our diabetes
before it masters us. Thank you,
Sarah Keeshan,
2006
“My scholarship from DHF has helped me achieve my dream of not only
going to University for Kinesiology, but playing Varsity Rugby as wellâ€
Mandi Gilles, 2007
My
scholarship from Diabetes Hope Foundation has been a huge help!
It has allowed me to worry more about my studies to become a
teacher and less about the financial end of my education.
Thank you again for your assistance!
Allyshia Green, 2007
My
scholarship from the diabetes hope foundation helped me to continue my
education.
At the same time receiving this scholarship boosted my confidence which
helped me to accomplish new feats.
David Ross, 2007
My
scholarship from the Diabetes Hope Foundation has given me hope and
motivation to continue to keep great control of my diabetes.
Frances Sher, 2007
Winning this scholarship meant a lot to me because it has recognized all
the work I have put into both school and maintaining my diabetes.
Bryan, 2008
I am immensely thankful to the DHF Board of Directors for devoting their
much valued time, as well as minds, in order to pick the select,
privileged few who acquire scholarships.
Kacper, 2008
Being recognized for my hard work and diabetes management gives me even
more incentive to continue to strive for a successful and healthy life.
Tori, 2008
Until a cure is found
you should take pride in knowing
that your efforts have made the lives of people with diabetes much
easier through your many initiatives.
Thank you again.
Lisa, 2008
Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart for this opportunity and
gift. It has opened up many
doors for my future and I can’t wait to run through them.
Amanda, 2008
To know that there are people behind me 100% makes me feel so uplifted
and the strength you had given me through this scholarship helps me stay
strong as I prepare for the though road ahead at university.
Jessica, 2008