Abbey's College Dream

My name is Abbey, and I'm a 19 year old from St. Clair. I graduated from the Blue Water Middle College Academy this year, and have gone to SC4 for the past three years. I was accepted to Concordia University Ann Arbor this past February, and planned on attending in the fall of 2017 to pursue a degree in Marketing and
Management. Later on, I would like to obtain a Master's Degree in Philanthropic Studies so that I could work with non-profit foundations. When I recieved my acceptance letter from Concordia I was overwhelmed with excitement. I've always dreamed of going away to college. Concordia University is my dream school, and I can't picture myself going anywhere else. Another positive aspect of Concordia is its location. I have to go to U of M hospital once a month for biologic medicine infusions, and I have to also go once a week for shots and doctor's appointments. With Concordia being so close to my medical team, it would allow me to stay healthy while pursuing my academic dreams. As you all know, college is very expensive. I received financial aid and several scholarships, but there is still an out-of-pocket cost. I tried to obtain a loan, but those I reached out to for help were unable to cosign. I have saved money, applied to every scholarship available to me, and I still have a large cost to pay. If I don't find some way to get this money, I will not be able to attend school, and I will be forced to take time off and set my dreams aside. One of the main reasons why I want to go away to school is so I can one day use my education to help others. At the age of two, I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Throughout my life, I've had 18 procedures/surgeries, and since being diagnosed with Arthritis, I have also been diagnosed with many other chronic auto-immune diseases. These diseases have had a huge impact on my daily life. I was forced to miss school for my illnesses, and I also couldn't be involved in as many sports as I wanted. Each morning I wake up in pain and have to go about my day. I take about 17 different medications each day just to stay somewhat stable. I have also had to attend physical therapy mutliple times a week since I was in elementary school just to keep my mobility. Simple every day tasks that others may take for granted such as putting on your socks and shoes can be a struggle in itself. Through all of this, I have still managed to be involved in my community. I feel it is important to help others in need despite of my own struggles. I have been involved with the Community Foundation of St. Clair County for the past 4 years. Two of which I served as the treasurer and this past year as the President. I have also been involved in Student Council, National junior honor society, my youth group, other non-profits in the community such as A Beautiful Me working as a teen mentor as well as a board of director, and more. I am also one of about 20 leadership team members across the entire U.S. of Youth Philanthropy Connect. I have a strong desire to be successful and to help those in need. I have had to overcome many obstacles in my life, and I hope that with your help and kind donations I can overcome this obstacle as well. Thank you so much!