DENVER, Jan. 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Ferrari Foundation is proud to announce Annie O’Brien, a nursing student at Marquette University, as the 2024 recipient of the Adam Ferrari Health Science Scholarship. Selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, Annie impressed the scholarship committee with her academic excellence, dedication to healthcare, and her inspiring commitment to advocating for individuals with physical disabilities.
Annie’s passion for nursing was deeply influenced by her close friendship with an individual diagnosed with the rare autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorder Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). Witnessing her friend’s determination and resilience instilled in Annie a profound respect for those facing physical challenges. Her mantra, “Do it for the people who can’t,” serves as a daily reminder of the privilege of health and the responsibility to honor those who face physical limitations.
“Annie O’Brien’s story is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and dedication,” said Adam Ferrari, founder of the Ferrari Foundation. “Her ability to channel personal experiences into meaningful advocacy and action embodies the values this scholarship was designed to support. We are proud to play a role in her journey toward becoming an outstanding nurse.”
Beyond her academic achievements, Annie has demonstrated a commitment to service. She has completed four Chicago Marathons, raising over $10,000 for Type 1 Diabetes research, and plans to participate in a medical service trip to Honduras this summer. There, she will assist patients at a surgery center and children’s home through One World Surgery, further expanding her understanding of global healthcare challenges.
Annie expressed her gratitude upon learning she was selected, saying she is excited and deeply appreciative of the support this scholarship provides. She emphasized how the award will enable her to further her nursing education and continue her mission of advocating for individuals with physical disabilities. This passion has been central to her academic and personal journey.
The $20,000 Adam Ferrari Health Science Scholarship was established to empower students pursuing careers in health sciences, particularly those dedicated to enhancing care for underserved populations. By investing in future healthcare professionals like Annie, the Ferrari Foundation seeks to advance compassionate and innovative care in the healthcare sector.
For more information about the Adam Ferrari Health Science Scholarship and the Ferrari Foundation’s mission, visit adamferrarischolarship.com.
Contact Info:
Caroline Scroggins
The Ferrari Foundation
949-526-8611
[email protected]
https://www.theferrarifoundation.org/
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1aeb9d33-3bc4-4c82-8bf8-46b75cc12a12