We are pleased to announce the 2022 InfuCare Rx Scholarship Program recipients! Congratulations to the following students: MacKale McGuire, Luke Luckey, Chelsie Anjo, Matthew Asch, Kelsie Cox, and Maisie Richardson.
At InfuCare Rx, we offer scholarships in three categories: bleeding disorders, primary immunodeficiencies, and neuromuscular conditions. Our annual scholarship program offers the financial support for individuals who are diagnosed with these chronic conditions and are pursuing a higher education to better themselves, their futures, and the lives of those around them.
Each year we receive a significant and growing number of qualified applicants, making the decision process increasingly difficult. The individuals who apply boldly battle their own daily challenges, while dedicating time and effort to furthering their education. The following individuals stood out as people who symbolize determination, bravery, and hard work.
Bleeding Disorders Scholarship Recipients
MacKale McGuire is a freshman at Kalamazoo College in Michigan, where he is studying pre-med with the dream of becoming a hematologist or an oncologist. He has endured many hardships throughout his life, including hemophilia A and a leg amputation at the age of 14. Due to MacKale’s diagnoses and ongoing need for hospital care, he was able to regularly witness firsthand the great work of doctors and healthcare workers, which helped inspire the dreams he now has of becoming a physician.
MacKale was honored to receive the Hemophilia Foundation of America Teen Impact Award. He has worked hard not to let his diagnosis of hemophilia stop him from pursuing his dreams of helping children in need!
“My experience of having Hemophilia has given me more confidence in my ability to overcome and fight through difficult times. I am hoping to continue my education in order become a hematologist/oncologist, so that I can help kids who have suffered from bleeding disorders and cancer like I did.”
– MacKale McGuire
Senior student, Luke Luckey, attends the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor as a Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience major. Although painful, his severe hemophilia A has helped him develop a greater sense of compassion and resilience. Luke’s plan is to attend medical school with the goal of becoming a psychiatrist. He is an advocate for the importance of mental health and is hoping to help others live a healthier life.
Luke is proud to be a member of the Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan. This year, he was the recipient of the Hospice Volunteer of the Year Award. Luke looks forward to being actively involved in in the hemophilia community through the NYLI Leadership Program that aims to promote leadership skills and service to the bleeding disorders community. Despite difficult times, his resiliency and optimism has brought him many proud moments throughout his life thus far.
“I came from a country where there was no treatment for my condition and I dealt with great levels of pain from not being treated. As a result, I have developed resilience, empathy, and compassion for others. Living with hemophilia has made me a motivated person, driven to reach my goals and dreams.”
– Luke Luckey
Neuromuscular Scholarship Recipients
Chelsie Anjo, a freshman student at the Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing and Health Sciences, is working toward her dream of becoming a registered nurse. She is looking forward to providing comfort, compassion, and strength to those who are going through difficult times.
Although challenging, her multiple sclerosis (MS) has provided her with an inner strength, both physically and mentally, to pursue her dreams. Chelsie has learned to celebrate the proud moments in her life as they come, because with an MS diagnosis, the future can be unpredictable. At the age of 30, Chelsie is most proud of the strength she has displayed throughout her life’s many hardships. She strives to be an incredible role model for her 10-year-old son.
“Being a nurse has always been a dream of mine. I see myself utilizing my strong mind, compassionate heart, and life experience in a hospital setting. I truly hope that in the future, I am able to provide comfort and strength to people navigating life during some of their toughest times.”
Chelsie Anjo
Matthew Asch is a senior at Columbia Southern University. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at the age of 20, he has had plenty of scary moments over the years, but continues to persevere. After joining the Portage, WI fire department as a volunteer after high school, he decided to further his education to prepare for his career advancement. He is on the path of finishing his degree in Fire Administration/Fire Investigation.
Matthew is a proud member of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and has spent many years of his education on the Dean’s List. In 2001 and 2006, he was the recipient of the Firefighter of the Year Award. He was also presented with a commendation from the Portage Fire Chief during a council meeting for his role in serving as the Operations Officer during a successful ice water rescue.
“I have been able to overcome every attack this far in my life and I plan to live every day to its fullest potential. Part of that potential is to finish a degree in something that I love.”
Matthew Asch
Primary Immunodeficiency Recipients
Kelsi Cox is a graduate student at St. Catherine University, where she is studying occupational therapy. Living with selective IgA deficiency causes her to be ill more often than an average person. Frequent infections and other illnesses have made Kelsi feel isolated at times. With that being said, she is grateful for her time when she is feeling healthy and enjoying life. Kelsi is studying towards becoming an occupational therapist and working in either geriatrics or hippotherapy (equine-assisted occupational therapy). Her holistic viewpoint informs her aspiration to advocate for her future patients and help them achieve meaningful goals.
In 2018, Kelsi sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which led her to having trouble with memory recall. She is grateful that she never gave up, and enrolled herself into an intensive TBI treatment program. This path is what inspired her to want to pursue occupational therapy as a career.
“I believe that my condition will also be an asset in my future career as an occupational therapist, because it will allow me to relate to patients who also live with chronic illnesses.”
– Kelsi Cox
A senior at Metropolitan State University, Maisie Richardson is obtaining her degree in Social Sciences. Living with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and multiple sclerosis (MS) has presented many challenges in Maisie’s life, requiring her to be disciplined and organized. Having limitations due to her illness has not stopped her from remaining ambitious and on a path to success. She has a young daughter to care for, and dedicates her efforts to being the best parent that she can be.
Maisie is proud of her ability to maintain her 4.0 GPA, while juggling her infusions and therapy programs that are necessary to treat her CVID. She is looking forward to using her education and credentials to serve and care for her community in the future. She strives to finish her bachelor’s degree and use her knowledge that she gains from her academic experiences towards making the world a more equitable, just, and kind place.
“I do have limitations because of my illnesses, but I do not lack ambition! Having a disease like CVID has motivated me to take control of my life and achieve more than I realized I’d ever be capable of.”
–Maisie Richardson
It is always an honor for InfuCare Rx to support students of such high caliber in their educational journeys. Our team was impressed by their many accomplishments and is pleased to support them in their pursuit of higher education.
To learn more about the InfuCare Rx scholarship program, click here.