Congratulations to the 2026-2027 scholarship recipients!
Lily G.
Recipient
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
I am honored to receive this scholarship as it helps alleviate much of the financial burden associated with medical education, allowing me to instead focus on developing the skills required to help patients navigate unforeseen hardships and regain control of their lives. My experience navigating life with an autoinflammatory condition has shaped much of who I am as a person, and as I embrace learning, discovery and training, I will strive to provide the same nuanced care I have received and witnessed in my journey to becoming a physician.
As an incoming medical student, I hope to become a clinician-educator that teaches medicine, trains students, and treats patients with systemic diseases. Doctors played an essential role in my own life, inspiring me to first pursue medicine. During college, volunteering in pediatric units, serving as a camp counselor for children with serious illnesses and working as a health technician and research coordinator allowed me to further explore patient perspectives beyond my own.
I strive to guide others in all my involvements, whether as a chemistry teaching assistant, teaching English or mentoring first-generation youth. I am eager to develop the skills that will enable me to advance knowledge for future generations of physicians. In medical school, I look forward to learning how to address the biopsychosocial needs of patients, whether by researching language barriers, age-specific challenges like the transition from pediatric to adult care or the impact of chronic illness on social development. Having a voice empowered me when I was ill, and I am excited to develop the expertise and skills that will allow me to empower my own future patients.
Majd Y.
Recipient
University of Michigan
Renewing the AbbVie Immunology Scholarship is an incredible honor as this scholarship has immensely supported me as I have navigated medical school over the past year, and will continue to help me as I navigate this upcoming year. Having the support of AbbVie in my corner continues to inspire me as I work to achieve my goal of becoming a physician, advocating for all those fighting the pain and uncertainty of chronic illness and inflammatory bowel disease.
The most valuable lesson I've learned throughout my journey is that time and health are not guaranteed. I now embrace every second of health and work to help others experiencing struggles similar to mine. This perspective has allowed me to raise over $20,000 for Crohn’s disease research while volunteering in the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation community and mentoring newly diagnosed patients. Additionally, my experiences have motivated me to work toward becoming a physician.
Knowing what I know now, if I could have taken a pill at the age of seven to cure my Crohn’s disease, would I have taken it? The more I ponder this question, the more I see myself rejecting this pill. My condition always reminds me that growth occurs through periods of adversity. Because of my perspective, I approach each short-term and long-term obstacle with optimism, knowing that these obstacles will provide me with several takeaways that will continue to shape the person I become.
Megan G.
Recipient
University of California, San Francisco
The AbbVie Immunology Scholarship represents recognition that the challenges of living with chronic inflammatory disease have strengthened rather than limited my ability to pursue my calling. This scholarship will allow me to fully focus on my medical education and development, so I am able to devote more time to volunteering in underserved communities, engaging in immunology research, and focusing on my clinical training.
My environmental health research during public health school, work in pediatric allergy and immunology at the National Institutes of Health, and volunteering with underserved children and their families have shaped my interest in how environmental exposures, including infection during pregnancy and early childhood, influence immune development and increase susceptibility to autoimmune and inflammatory disease. Through my medical education, I hope to become a physician-scientist who studies symptom manifestation, progression, and resolution across different specialties and helps patients navigate relentless conditions, whether that means better treatments, earlier diagnoses, or, one day, a cure.
I intend to use my lived experience and analytical perspective to bring persistence, curiosity, and adaptability to improve how patients with complex inflammatory diseases are understood and treated. Receiving this scholarship demonstrates these goals are worth investing in, not just for myself, but for the future of those living with chronic inflammatory disease.
Alessandro R.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
This scholarship will significantly support my pursuit of ambitious academic goals and represents a meaningful recognition of the perseverance that has shaped my journey. I have experienced pain, doubt, and uncertainty about my future, but through those challenges, I discovered resilience and a strength I did not know I possessed. The lessons I have learned, however difficult, have inspired me to continue moving forward with purpose. Receiving this scholarship is a tremendous honor, and I am proud to stand among fellow recipients whose perseverance, character, and accomplishments continue to inspire me.
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Alexander C.
Rice University
My interest in holistic medicine stems from my experience. Growing up, I witnessed chronic illness firsthand with my dad’s battle with pulmonary sarcoidosis and my struggle with plaque psoriasis. Living with psoriasis shaped my personal understanding of holistic care. I want to explore how factors like diet, pollution, and stress affect respiratory health and how integrative interventions can help mitigate disease. I’m especially committed to advocating for patient-centered, holistic care in underserved communities, ensuring that treatment plans address both symptoms and the broader forces shaping health. I now view my psoriasis as part of who I am versus something to be ashamed of.
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Ashlyn M.
James Madison University
For much of my life, I’ve silently struggled with eczema/atopic dermatitis, a relentless and painful condition that impacted more than just my physical health; it touched nearly every part of my daily experience. Over time, I developed a quiet resilience. I learned to manage pain, advocate for myself, and keep pushing forward even when things felt impossible. It taught me empathy, especially for others with invisible conditions, and shaped my goal of pursuing a career in health care so one day I can help others manage pain, recover, and feel seen. Physical therapy became a natural fit: It’s a field grounded in healing, encouragement, and hands-on care, which are values I now hold deeply.
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Audrey B.
Baldwin Wallace University
I've known I wanted to become a physician assistant since undergoing surgery when I was 13 years old. During college, my interest in this profession was strengthened by working as an emergency medical technician and clinical technician, volunteering, and shadowing multiple physician assistants. My experiences have solidified my decision and provided me with the necessary skills and knowledge, and my experience navigating three chronic diseases—polycystic ovary syndrome, acid reflux, and Crohn's disease—throughout college shows my perseverance.
I plan to work as a gastroenterology physician assistant. I feel that I can use my personal experiences to help others navigate their chronic conditions. My experiences will allow me to build strong relationships with patients and show them how to navigate inflammatory diseases.
Avery B.
Baylor College of Medicine
This scholarship enables me to focus fully on my training without the burden of financial strain, allowing me to provide the highest quality care to my future patients as a physician assistant.
Living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis has profoundly shaped my journey, especially as a college athlete. What once felt like insurmountable limitations are now opportunities to cultivate resilience, grit, and a deeper empathy for others. Each day presents unique challenges, such as discerning the difference between arthritic pain and the expected soreness that comes from intense collegiate training, balancing academic responsibilities and work against the essential need for rest, and managing medications, insurance, and appointments while living far from home.
From an early age, my providers instilled in me a conviction that my diagnosis does not define me. Instead, they showed me that self-awareness, effective communication, and perseverance are tools that enable me to pursue any passion. This perspective has shaped how I approach adversity: I focus on controlling what is within my reach, and I lean into the strength found in community. My treatment team, coaches, teammates, mentors, and mentees have each shown me that while our challenges may differ, hardship is a universal experience, and through mutual empathy and encouragement, we can push one another past our perceived limitations.
Bailey R.
Michigan State University
When I was 8 years old, I was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Making my way through elementary, middle, and high school was no easy feat, and pursuing a full-time college education seemed out of the question. I enrolled at my local community college, giving myself permission to take classes at my own pace and prioritize my physical health. After three years of taking general credits, I transferred to Michigan State University to pursue a bachelor’s in psychology.
To my dismay, the transition to managing life as a full-time student culminated in the worst autoimmune flare I had ever experienced. Soon thereafter, I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. As a graduate student, I still face challenges and self-doubt that are directly tied to my ankylosing spondylitis. I’ve missed classes due to adverse reactions to treatments and rheumatology appointments, and the demands of financially supporting myself and pushing my research forward have had a detrimental effect on my ankylosing spondylitis. Nonetheless, I am confident that I belong here. I am beyond proud of myself for never giving up.
Ciara M.
The University of Texas Medical Branch
Winning the AbbVie Immunology Scholarship fuels my passion to actively combat health disparities and ensure underrepresented populations receive the same standard of quality care as anyone else. As a first-generation student, the financial burden of education is significant. However, this award is more than solely support; it is an investment in a future leader determined to dismantle health inequities.
My experience with limitations on symptom management drives my work; I want to build a future where treatment doesn't merely mask pain. Currently, I'm studying the relationship between HPV and autoimmune conditions to better understand immune dysregulation. I also balance rigorous clinical training with my role as Vice President of the "First in the Family" organization, a position that allows me to mentor peers walking a similar path. Additionally, I founded the UTMB chapter of Medical Students with Disability and Chronic Illness, because I want to build a genuine support system for the future generations of doctors.
I am committed to reframing the narrative around chronic illness. Rather than viewing it as a limitation, I want to prove that the unique perspective it provides is a clinical asset that makes us empathetic and effective. I seek to use my experience to light the way for patients and students who come after me, by showing them they can thrive in a high-stakes medical career while managing their own health.
Devki B.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Pharmacy
Being diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at 14 has given me time to realize a lot about myself; I am strong, have a great support system, and things could be worse. As I grew older, I switched my perspective to make the best out of what I was given, as there are certain things in life that we cannot control. I became grateful that I could view things from a unique perspective. Additionally, my mother has rheumatoid arthritis—she is the strongest person I know, and I have watched her through some of her toughest moments; if she is able to overcome these challenges, so am I.
Throughout this journey I have learned many valuable lessons. This disease came with a plethora of challenges, such as joint issues, side effects from medication, financial barriers, and self-worth-questioning. Some days will be harder than others, which is okay. It is important to prioritize your mental and physical health because if those deteriorate, it is not beneficial for anyone. It is also okay to ask for help—you are not going through this alone. Although living with a chronic inflammatory disease can be daunting, I have learned to use it as a tool for growth.
Emily P.
University of Alabama
Though my limitations were sometimes embarrassing, and I often attempted to conceal them, as I entered high school my confidence increased, and I became determined to raise awareness of the struggles of individuals like me. I engaged with state legislators to advocate for pay increases benefiting childhood illness specialists, and I contested traditional step-therapy practices. I became involved with the Arthritis Foundation, participating in fundraising efforts and serving as a junior ambassador. I contacted pediatricians offering my time to counsel juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients. With time, I learned how to focus my effort to become successful academically and athletically. I would tell another student with the same diagnosis to stay positive and always advocate for themselves; if I had not, each flare would have affected my educational experience to a possibly detrimental extent.
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Evin C.
University of Virginia
For me, this scholarship means building on my commitment to making a difference through supporting my educational experience. As an aspiring software engineer, I’m passionate about building technologies that expand access, raise awareness, and improve socioeconomic mobility in communities around the world.
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Grace R.
College of William and Mary
Living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) has affected nearly every aspect of my life, but I’ve made a conscious choice not to limit what I’m capable of. While my peers navigate everyday challenges, I often sit in classrooms battling pain invisible to others. Rather than letting my diagnosis be an excuse, I’ve chosen to embrace it and use my experience to cultivate empathy and advocate for others.
I’ve been recognized for leadership and service across multiple communities, as my experiences with chronic illness and emotional vulnerability have informed how I lead. I know what it’s like to feel burdened by a diagnosis or overwhelmed by circumstances beyond my control. This scholarship has renewed my confidence and reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in medicine, where I hope to support individuals by providing compassionate care and serving as an advocate for those navigating chronic illnesses, using the knowledge, resilience, and perspective I have gained from living with JIA.
Joannah F.
Texas Tech University
Due to my passion for numbers and math, my goal is to pursue an accelerated bachelor’s of business administration and master’s in accounting to become a certified public accountant. My passion to help people and businesses motivates me. My long-term goal is to start my own accounting firm in my rural hometown; to be the best I can be for my community. I am excited to help all kinds of businesses make decisions to thrive, specifically small local businesses. I know my drive and passion for numbers, people, and businesses will make a tremendous impact in helping local businesses thrive and grow.
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Kaylee G.
University of Oklahoma
Living with atopic dermatitis has shaped nearly every aspect of my life. The more I learned about my condition, the less it controlled my life and education—what started as a frustrating condition became a daily challenge that taught me resilience, patience, and a desire to understand why treatments often fell short. When you’ve lived with a condition that affects your skin, your confidence, and your daily comfort, you don’t just learn to manage it, you start to question it: Why hasn’t anyone found a better solution yet? With my education, I plan on diving into dermatological research. I want to help develop treatments that suppress flare-ups and work with the body to prevent them entirely.
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Keagan B.
University of South Carolina, Columbia
By spring of 2024, I was living with a complex mixture of plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. I was not prepared for being dropped 800 miles from home with painful nodules, oozing wounds, extreme heat, difficulty walking, and a myriad of new medicines to manage. I desperately tried to put my best face forward while juggling academics and hiding symptoms from my new roommates. Given the severity of my hidradenitis suppurativa, it was necessary to find a new doctor in my college town. She took one look at my scarred/tunneling body and crushed my spirit. She said, ""Life is unfair, isn't it? You should take the year off from school, move back home and get this under control."" I dried the tears streaming down my face and regained my composure. I told her that was not an option.
Thanks to this scholarship, I am able to focus on my business degree as well as my health, and do not have to be as stressed about taking on more hours at my job that helps pay for my education.
Lindy W.
The Ohio State University, Columbus Campus
I haven't eaten a single piece of popcorn since I was 7. Neither have the other 965 campers at the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation Camp Oasis. But that kernel doesn’t single us out from the world, it unifies my camp community, the people who understand what it means to live with a chronic illness.
From my years at Camp Oasis, I have learned the importance of a supportive community when dealing with a chronic illness. My camp community has shaped who I am today and provided me with a foundation of support, love, and encouragement that I am forever grateful for. After my last year at camp, I also created a Camp Oasis ambassador program. In the future, I hope to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. Since getting diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 7 years old, I have always had a passion for science and medicine. I wanted to become the people that surrounded me and cared for me in hospitals and doctor’s offices. I can only hope that I can be as supportive and amazing as the people who helped me during my many procedures and visits.
Lynlee J.
University of Southern Indiana
Life’s journey is full of twists, turns, and unexpected battles. My battle began when I developed atopic dermatitis (eczema) that caused my skin to crack, bleed, and burn daily. The emotional toll—the stares, the questions, the feeling of being different—cut even deeper. Eczema affected every corner of my life. Frequent doctor visits meant missed school days. Painful flare-ups made concentrating difficult and physical activities even harder. Some mornings, even getting dressed hurt. But giving up was never an option. Eczema has taught me that scars tell stories of survival. It taught me that hope matters. As I look ahead to becoming a teacher, I carry that hope with me. I want my future students to know that no struggle—seen or unseen—defines them.
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Macy C.
University of the Pacific
I was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis and uveitis at 18 months old. Being so young, the pain and emotional turmoil of a chronic disease is all I’ve known. I’ve spent a lot of time in hospitals and infusion centers. The first 10 years of my life I wasn’t thriving physically or mentally.
My diagnosis led me to connect with the Arthritis Foundation, finding comfort and support with other juvenile arthritis families. Each year, my family participates in the Walk to Cure Arthritis and has raised over $250,000 to support arthritis research and programs. I hope to use both my personal experience and my education to make a meaningful impact, just as so many doctors have done for me. Despite my challenges, I’ve found strength in my experiences and learned that obstacles lead to growth.
Madeline K.
The Ohio State University, Columbus Campus
During my sophomore year in high school, I missed over 200 hours of school because of failed medications, resulting in a weak immune system, agonizing stomach pain, and countless doctor appointments. Over the course of that year, as my ulcerative colitis wreaked havoc on my body, my health left me feeling out of control. However, my academic performance was one aspect of my life that I felt I could fully control; by communicating with my teachers, working hard, and using my energy to put effort into my studies, I was able to control the course of my academic success.
When first being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis or a similar chronic inflammatory disease, it’s so easy to feel frustrated, resentful, embarrassed, and even lonely—I remember the first time I had a colonoscopy, but after years of struggling, I have been able to accept the reality of annual scopes, constantly monitoring my body and frequent doctor appointments. This illness can be draining. What’s important is that you understand we all have bad days, especially when dealing with this disease, but those days do not define you.
Natalie T.
Oakland University
I was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease when I was 2 years old; I’ve grown up learning how to manage my health and navigate a system that doesn’t always listen, especially to young patients. Now, as a doctor of physical therapy student, I’m determined to use my education to become the kind of provider I once needed: someone who listens, believes, and fights for their patients. While I’m drawn to several areas, I am particularly motivated to work with individuals managing long-term conditions. I look forward to using my education not only to provide hands-on care but also to advocate for those navigating complex health challenges.
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Robbie B.
Auburn University
Many see me as a girl with a disease (polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis), but I see myself as someone with purpose. My journey has inspired me to pursue a career in immunology, where I can use my experience to bring hope and support to others, helping me become the kind of nurse who not only understands clinical care but also truly empathizes with patients living with lifelong conditions. This scholarship is an investment not just in my education, but in the lives of the future patients and families I will serve.
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Sarah M.
Georgia Institute of Technology
As a student attending college out of state, the cost to attend is immense. The AbbVie Immunology Scholarship is helping me fund my dream education, while recognizing my contributions to the STEM and juvenile idiopathic arthritis community. I am incredibly grateful for AbbVie's generous support and look forward to giving back as my education enables me to achieve new heights.
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Snehi S.
The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
I’m honored to receive this scholarship and excited to represent both the UC community and my school as I pursue a career in medicine focused on compassionate care.
Ulcerative colitis is persistent in my life—sometimes disruptive, usually quietly burdensome, but always shaping the way I move through the world. Chronic abdominal pain, unpredictable bowel urgency, sleepless nights, and the need to meticulously plan every outing around bathroom access are not just medical symptoms; they are daily reminders of a body that defies predictability and a life defined, partly, by invisible suffering. Perhaps the most isolating aspect of this disease is precisely that invisibility, when pain, fatigue, and limitation are met not with understanding but with disbelief or minimization.
Despite ongoing flares and emotional tolls of chronic illness, I’ve persisted in my education and pursuit of medicine. To any student living with chronic inflammatory disease, I would say that your experience gives you a unique strength. You should advocate for your needs, embrace flexibility, and never let shame convince you that you are less capable.
Sophia O.
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
After struggling with knee inflammation and fluid buildup for months, a rheumatologist diagnosed me with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). I thought knowing the diagnosis would solve my problems, but I didn't know all of the ways this condition would affect me. Due to the pain and swelling, I started limping and developed a fracture in my femoral neck and was facing hip surgery. Once my stress fracture healed, I had to contend with the realities of this new chronic condition. Even after having the diagnosis for more than four years now, I still find myself struggling in ways I know others without arthritis wouldn't have to consider or learn to cope with. Starting college brought on new challenges and taught me how to adapt to new situations.
Despite the many challenges having a chronic inflammatory disease brings, JIA has also given me more knowledge about my body and taught me how to persevere through hard times. I learned the importance of proper nutrition and fueling my body. After starting college, I faced one of my worst flare ups, but I came out stronger on the other side with a new confidence I didn't have before.
While I am in college, I am committed to participating in collegiate-level cross country and track. With this scholarship, I am able to attend college and focus on my education and running without having to worry about the financial burden of JIA. It also feels good to be recognized for my accomplishments, despite having to silently struggle with inflammation. This scholarship will help me significantly in my journey to becoming a veterinarian.
Tia B.
University of California, Los Angeles
I am incredibly grateful to receive the support of the AbbVie scholarship as I pursue a degree in microbiology, immunology, and molecular genetics at the University of California, Los Angeles. My ultimate career goal is to become a biomedical/genetic researcher. My interest in this subject was sparked by my own conditions..
From age 9, I was often in pain, which I attributed to skating, yet I loved the sport too much to stop. But sophomore year, I couldn’t ignore the pain any longer. I had daily fevers for months, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, joint pain, and fatigue, and I had become so weak that skating was impossible. Over the years, I learned that resilience, hard work and a positive mindset are the real keys to success. That perspective has been one of the greatest life lessons, helping me deal with the daily challenges of my condition and giving me purpose as I redefined my goals. .
I've always known I wanted a career in science or public health. To achieve my future career, I will need both undergraduate and postgraduate study. This scholarship would be invaluable for me to pursue my academic goals.
Venkatsai B.
Brown University, School of Medicine
Ten years ago, perseverance took on new meaning for my family when I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Despite no family history and no relatives nearby for support, my parents became my fiercest advocates. My mother dove headfirst into researching diets to ease my symptoms, my father drove two hours to Chicago every two months to see the state’s best pediatric gastroenterologists. They remained relentless in their pursuit of the best care for me, imparting lessons I carried into my role as a community coordinator in college.
Living alongside my residents, I worked to ease their daily burdens just as my parents had done for me. My lived experiences as a patient now guide how I find community as a medical student. I joined my school’s Medical Students with Disability and Chronic Illness (MSDCI) chapter, facilitating conversations about how illness intersects with medical training, sharing resources I once needed myself, and working with faculty to promote disability education. Managing this chronic condition while pursuing rigorous academic responsibilities has instilled in me a unique resolve to develop medical solutions for people facing similar challenges. I hope to demonstrate that our conditions are not insurmountable barriers, but rather, powerful sources of strength and empathy that shape the way we care for our patients.
