Bethel resident Pamela Medrano smiles at a June 8 reception at the Country Club in Farmington where she receives a college scholarships funded by the Hayley’s Hope and Michaela’s Miracle MS Scholarship Program. Medrano, who graduated from Christian Heritage School in Trumbull, will attend Wheaton College in Illinois this fall. Medrano’s mother Mercedes has battled multiple sclerosis since 2002 and Medrano said that her mother is a strong woman who has inspired her.
The summer after finishing sixth grade is supposed to be a carefree, joyful time for a child but for Pamela Medrano, the real world encroached on her blissful vacation. On one of those hot summer nights in 2002, Medrano said that her mother, Mercedes, called a family meeting and revealed that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
“I did not even react,” said Medrano. “I refused to believe it. I eventually learned what it meant and, now, seven years have passed since that day. The disease has not defeated her. My mother is a fighter.”
Medrano, 18, of Bethel, has been honored by the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter with a four-year college scholarship awarded by the National MS Society. Medrano will attend Wheaton College in Illinois this fall after graduating from Christian Heritage School in Trumbull.
Just as important to Medrano as the scholarship was the opportunity to share the story of her mother’s courageous battle to overcome MS.
“I was blown away with the honor but I was also blown away by the fact someone took time to read what I had written,” explained Medrano, discussing the essay that accompanied her entry. “I poured my heart out because multiple sclerosis is a tough disease and it’s not easy to see my mother go through that every day.”
At the young age of 11 when her mother was diagnosed, Medrano described how the news of her mother’s diagnosis left a confusing imprint on her.
“I didn’t even know what those two letters signified,” she said. “MS? What did that mean? As time moved on, I started to see how the disease was going to affect my mother and how it was going to affect her body.”
As she sat in the empty reception room prior to a ceremony for scholarship winners on Monday, June 8, at the Country Club in Farmington, Medrano recalled how her mother’s perseverance has exemplified the meaning of strength.
“My mother is such a strong woman and I’m stronger for that,” she said, as a wide smile came to her face. “She has a strong spirit and that makes her my foundation. I love my mother and we’re so close now.”
In fact, Medrano said that her mother’s battle against MS has brought the two closer together because it has allowed them to spend more time together.
“It’s funny because we chat all the time,” she said, laughing. “When I come home from school, she’s the person I talk to first about my day and all the little things that are going on with me. I know that she’ll always be there for me and I try to always be there for her.”
Her mother’s inspiration is evident in the personal goal Medrano has set for herself – to become a pediatrician.
“My mother’s MS isn’t the sole reason I want to become a doctor but it’s definitely a part of it,” Medrano said. “In all of my life goals, I know that I have my mother and my family cheering me on and it’s the most wonderful feeling in the world. I want to help people like they’ve helped me.”
When asked if anything in particular stood out about her mother, Medrano paused, looked up and then that same familiar smile returned.
“She’s incredible,” she succinctly noted.
The National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter honored six Connecticut high school seniors who either have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis or have a parent living with MS. Five of the scholarships were funded by the Hayley’s Hope and Michaela’s Miracle MS Scholarship Program. The fund was created by Cheshire resident Dr. William Petit Jr. to honor his late wife Jennifer Hawke-Petit, who had been diagnosed with MS, and their daughters Hayley and Michaela.
“We are delighted to present this scholarship to Pamela,” stated Lisa Gerrol, Connecticut Chapter president. “In addition to her academic successes, she has demonstrated outstanding compassion and determination in dealing with the challenges faced by a family affected by MS.”
More than 6,000 Connecticut residents, like Mercedes Medrano, are affected by multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease affecting the central nervous system. The cause is unknown and, as a result, there is currently no cure for MS. Symptoms can include, among other things, numbness in the limbs, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness, loss of mobility and, in some more sever cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted. Funds raised by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter, through events ensure ongoing scientific research to find better treatments and a cure, as well as to provide vital programs and services offered by the chapter to those in the state living with multiple sclerosis.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter MS Scholarship program is offered annually to vocational, technical or college-bound high school seniors diagnosed with multiple sclerosis or applicants whose parent has multiple sclerosis. For more information, please contact the Connecticut Chapter at 860-913-2550 or visit www.ctfightsMS.org.
To learn more about multiple sclerosis, its effects, and programs and services offered by the chapter to those living with MS by e-mailing programs@ctfightsMS.org or visiting www.ctfightsMS.org.
