BIOMATRIX ANNOUNCES 2020 ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Program Honors Memory of Bleeding Disorder Community Members
Media Contact: Tara Marchese
Corporate Director of Marketing
Tel: 954-908-7636
Email: tara.marchese@biomatrixsprx.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Weston, FL – December 1, 2020 – – In 2020, BioMatrix offered six $1,000 scholarships for bleeding disorders community members seeking higher education. Our program has awarded $56,000 to 60 students since 2013. These scholarships honor the memory of several individuals who impacted the bleeding disorder community in unique ways. BioMatrix partners with the Hemophilia Federation of America for administrative support and independent, third-party evaluation of applicants.
It is with great pleasure we announce the 2020/2021 recipients of our Memorial Scholarship Program. Thank you to everyone who applied and we wish you great success in your bright futures! Without further ado, we introduce you to our scholarship recipients!
BioMatrix Memorial Scholarship Winners
RYAN CAMBERDELLA
Freshman, Siena College, NY, Major: Undecided/Medical field
BioMatrix Joe Holibaugh Memorial Scholarship
As a young boy, going to camp and learning to self-infuse helped Ryan gain a sense of control over his hemophilia. Later in life when he was also diagnosed with diabetes, Ryan drew strength from his previous experiences managing hemophilia. He accepted the challenges life has thrown his way and has never let them get him down. “If you were to ask anyone that knows my ambitions, they would tell you that I have never let my disabilities prohibit me from accomplishing something—for it is in our greatest challenges that we have our greatest triumphs.”
Congratulations, Ryan!
ALEXANDER CARONNA
Graduate Studies, Rider University, NJ, Master: Business Administration
BioMatrix Tim Kennedy Memorial Scholarship
Crediting his strong sense of self awareness and empathy to having hemophilia, Alexander views his bleeding disorder, not by its limitations but by the opportunities it presents. Through Inalex, a nonprofit organization founded by his father, Alexander feels blessed he was able to travel across the country, share his story and connect with many others in the bleeding disorders community. “If I were to reset my life, I would choose to have hemophilia again in a heartbeat. Though it has presented its fair share of challenges, it has also taught me profound life lessons, lessons that I truly could not imagine life without.”
Congratulations, Alexander!
IVAN GIRON
Freshman, University of Phoenix, AZ, Major: Business
BioMatrix Mike Hylton Memorial Scholarship
Diagnosed at birth with moderate hemophilia, Ivan strived to be “normal” despite the challenges in his life. An unstable home life led him to make poor choices – he got into serious trouble and ignored his health. At age 22, he began working at the office of an ophthalmologist who took him under her wing and mentored him. Ivan credits four great women in his life for inspiring him to turn his life around - his wife, his daughter, his mother, and the doctor. “I use the physical and mental adversities I lived through to continue to learn and grow.”
Congratulations, Ivan!
AMAYIA GISCOMBE
Sophomore, Elmira College, NY, Major: Nursing
BioMatrix Millie Gonzalez Memorial Scholarship
Diagnosed with von Willbrand’s Disease, Amayia is inspired by the many nurses she encountered during her medical visits as well as her mom who is a nurse. To be sure this was the right career path for her, Amayia spent more than 300 hours shadowing various medical personnel. “As a nurse I want to build on the connections that I hope developed with various patients and hopefully incorporate my passion for art therapy to allow holistic healing.” As a student athlete and in her career choice, Amayia will not allow vWD to define her or get in her way.
Congratulations, Amayia!
COREY PIERCE
Graduate Studies, Oregon State University, Ph.D. Candidate: Public Health (focus/Epidemiology)
BioMatrix Mike Hylton Memorial Scholarship
Influenced by the tragic history of HIV in the bleeding disorders community, Corey’s early life was marked by a grim view of hemophilia and life to come. Through the years as advancements in medical treatment were made, his constrained views of the future dissipated, opening the door for resilience and confidence to grow in him. “Having representation show that a good life is possible is critically important to younger generations, and the families that support them. This is why I stay active in the community, where I hope my presence as a healthy adult will inspire confidence in young people learning to manage their disorder independently.”
Congratulations, Corey!
SAVANNAH REIMANN
Sophomore, Arizona State University, Major: Applied Biological Sciences
BioMatrix Mark Coats Memorial Scholarship
Along with the diagnosis of hemophilia in several family members as well as herself, Savannah has developed a strong appreciation for the medical field. Through her experiences, she has witnessed the many advances taking place with new treatment and medications. These advancements in the medical field have inspired her to set her sights on becoming a physician’s assistant. “Being able to look back and see just how much things have changed for the hemophilia community in the past forty years, I am hopeful that we will be able to learn more and make even more positive changes for our community.”
Congratulations, Savannah!
The BioMatrix Scholarship Program is in its 9th year and will begin accepting applicants on March 1, 2021 for the 2021/2022 academic school year.
About BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy
BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy offers comprehensive, nationwide specialty pharmacy services and digital health technology solutions for patients with chronic, difficult to treat conditions. Our commitment to every patient is to provide individualized pharmacy services, timely access to care, and focused education and support. We offer a tailored approach for a wide range of therapeutic categories, improving health and empowering patients to experience a higher quality of life.
