(Sept. 3, 2015) Jennah Lupiwok of Berlin is this year’s winner of the 2015 National MS Society, Maryland Chapter Scholarship. The $1,000 scholarship helps students affected by multiple sclerosis pursue a college or technical school education.
Lupiwok’s mother, Mindy, a resident of Worcester County for the past 45 years, was diagnosed with MS in 2001.
Lupiwok, her sister, Jessie, her mom and her dad, Mike, also participated in Walk MS 2015 in Salisbury. WCBI –Team Mindy raised $1,095 to support cutting-edge research and life-changing programs and services for people living with MS.
A graduate of Stephen Decatur High School, Lupiwok will attend the University of Maryland College Park in the fall.
“This scholarship helps tremendously to pay for college tuition. My mom taught me that, regardless of our struggles, there is still so much to be grateful for,” she said. “She always makes the best of every situation and reminds me to be happy for what we have. Just seeing her push through all her struggles makes me determined to reach my own goals.”
In addition to the physical and emotional toll, MS can have a substantial financial impact on a family. The direct and indirect costs of MS, including lost wages — even for those with health insurance — are estimated at more than $70,000 annually per household. This makes funding a college education that much harder.
This year, more than $1.2 million in awards were presented to more than 800 new and renewal recipients nationwide. Applications are evaluated on financial need, academic record, leadership and volunteer activities, a statement of educational and career goals, and letters of recommendation.
Applicants are also asked to provide a personal statement describing the impact MS has had on their life. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $3,000 and recipients are eligible to reapply each year to be considered for a future award. The program is competitive and awards are not guaranteed.
“For the Lupiwok family and the hundreds of thousands diagnosed with MS across the country, there are very few known sources of scholarship assistance specially targeted for these families,” said Mark Roeder, chapter president. “MS shouldn’t stand in the way of an education, and we are hopeful this program will give families some relief.”
Information about scholarships for 2016-17 will be available on Oct. 1. For more information, call 1-800-344-4867 or visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/scholarship.
Lupiwok’s mother, Mindy, a resident of Worcester County for the past 45 years, was diagnosed with MS in 2001.
Lupiwok, her sister, Jessie, her mom and her dad, Mike, also participated in Walk MS 2015 in Salisbury. WCBI –Team Mindy raised $1,095 to support cutting-edge research and life-changing programs and services for people living with MS.
A graduate of Stephen Decatur High School, Lupiwok will attend the University of Maryland College Park in the fall.
“This scholarship helps tremendously to pay for college tuition. My mom taught me that, regardless of our struggles, there is still so much to be grateful for,” she said. “She always makes the best of every situation and reminds me to be happy for what we have. Just seeing her push through all her struggles makes me determined to reach my own goals.”
In addition to the physical and emotional toll, MS can have a substantial financial impact on a family. The direct and indirect costs of MS, including lost wages — even for those with health insurance — are estimated at more than $70,000 annually per household. This makes funding a college education that much harder.
This year, more than $1.2 million in awards were presented to more than 800 new and renewal recipients nationwide. Applications are evaluated on financial need, academic record, leadership and volunteer activities, a statement of educational and career goals, and letters of recommendation.
Applicants are also asked to provide a personal statement describing the impact MS has had on their life. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $3,000 and recipients are eligible to reapply each year to be considered for a future award. The program is competitive and awards are not guaranteed.
“For the Lupiwok family and the hundreds of thousands diagnosed with MS across the country, there are very few known sources of scholarship assistance specially targeted for these families,” said Mark Roeder, chapter president. “MS shouldn’t stand in the way of an education, and we are hopeful this program will give families some relief.”
Information about scholarships for 2016-17 will be available on Oct. 1. For more information, call 1-800-344-4867 or visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/scholarship.