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Future UConn Student Named 2007 Scholarship Recipient POMFRET, Conn. "Soon after my mom married, she learned she had a potentially debilitating disease," began the young man, whose circumstances demanded he grow up sooner than later. "However, she does more than any mother I know, even with this handicap" These are the words of a compelling and courageous young man whose mother has multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic disease affecting the central nervous system. David Person, 18, a native of Pomfret, Conn., has been named a 2007 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter scholarship award recipient. Person’s mother, Cornelia Person, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1995 not long after she immigrated to the U.S. from Germany. Multiple sclerosis can exhibit many different effects. Symptoms can include numbness and tingling in the extremities, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness, fatigues and, in some severe cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted, and there is no cure. "At first her symptoms were minor, occasional problems with vision for example, but as time moved on, they became increasingly worse, to the point where she now has trouble walking at all," said Person. "My mom has MS, but she doesn’t let it get the best of her. Even while enduring the challenges associated with her disease, my mom home schooled her four children right through high school. This was on top routine responsibilities, such as cleaning, shopping and cooking." Persons says his mother has been a role model for tenacity and courage. He says she has an inspiration to him in many ways. He is more than happy to offer what he can in return to help make her life somewhat easier. "Helping my mom with tasks that are easy for most people, but which can be extremely difficult for someone in her condition has become an everyday part of my life," said Person. "Although the activities we can undertake as a family are limited, my mom doesn’t complain, and I, like her, try to maintain the same attitude. She is truly an example." Cornelia tenacity in the face of disability, won her the Connecticut MS Mom of the Year award in 2000. She has not only raised a family and dealt with disability face on, but she has overcome and dealt with great challenges in a foreign country while at the same time learning the language and customs. "I personally feel that this is more than anyone else I know could have dealt with," said Person proudly. In June, the Greater Connecticut Chapter awarded Person $1,000 toward his college education. Person, a graduate from Woodstock Academy in Woodstock, Conn., will be attending the University of Connecticut (UConn) in Storrs in the fall. Person is currently undecided about his intended major. When asked what his expectations for living on campus next year are, Person said, "I’m excited to try something new, a little nervous though and somewhat sad to leave friends and family behind." Person graduated high school with a 3.6 GPA and was involved in many extra-curricula activities throughout his four years in high school. He was a member of the varsity soccer team and varsity basketball team. During his junior year, he was awarded All Conference in varsity soccer, and was later promoted to captain his senior season. Person was also involved with many clubs and organizations to include class council and student council during his senior year. In addition, Person is an active member with his church, Evangelical Covenant Church in Woodstock. Person also regularly served in volunteer capacities. During his freshman year he participated in the annual Travelers MS Walk, helping to raise money to help find a cure, and during his sophomore year, Person volunteered to help with Special Olympics Swim. He was involved in a Booster Club Grinder Sale junior and senior year, and a Community Food Drive all four years of high school. "I was thrilled when I received the letter informing me of my selection for this scholarship award," said Person. "The gift will definitely help me with some of the cost associated with college." The National MS Society Scholarship program is offered annually to vocational, technical or college-bound, high school seniors diagnosed with multiple sclerosis or to those whose parent has MS. "We are delighted to present the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Scholarship Program award to such a talented and selfless young man," stated Lisa Gerrol, President, Greater Connecticut Chapter. "David’s determination and hard work with academics and athletics, as well as his compassion has earned him this recognition." Person is a realist, but as a result of the life lived out by his mother, he isn’t going to let the harsh realities of life affect his happiness or enthusiasm. He believes there isn’t much room for self pity. "MS affects my life more than anything else. Those who live with or know a loved one battling this disease cannot say that it doesn’t affect them also," said Person. "However, I think that we can all learn something from my mom and try to let it affect our lives as little as possible." To learn more about the National MS Society Scholarship program or to acquire an application, please go to www.nmss.org. For more information on MS and the many ways to get involved to help find a cure, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org. 8/13/07 Brendan Nohelty, a native of Manchester, Conn., is a sophomore at the University of Connecticut (UConn). He is currently completing a public relations internship, to include 126 hours, with the National MS Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter. For more information on internship opportunities with the Greater Connecticut Chapter, please contact Karen E. Butler, Vice President of Communications, at kbutler@ctfightsMS.org.
Karen E. Butler
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