abfa stories
We are honored to help those in need
Daniel Rusiecki
As a child, I was restricted from participating in sports due to my asthma. Initially, my family didn't perceive it as severe, but over time, my asthma attacks became more frequent. Finding solace in movies and books, I discovered my passion for filmmaking. I aspire to create films that offer the same solace I sought during my childhood, a comfort I still seek today. Securing this scholarship would significantly support my academic journey. My ambition is to produce films while pursuing my undergraduate studies, with the ultimate goal of attending a prestigious graduate school and obtaining a PhD in literature. This scholarship would alleviate the financial burden of tuition and provide me with the necessary time management to balance my workload, preventing me from overexerting myself, particularly considering my asthma. There are instances during certain activities when I easily become winded and require brief respites.
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Jacob Grabell
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Growing up, I often heard "Life can change in the blink of an eye." My father lost his dad before he turned seven, and my mother lost hers young. On November 6, 2022, my world shifted. Dad was found unresponsive. Despite efforts, he was pronounced dead. Dad taught me everything, from riding a bike to being a man. His sudden absence left me grappling with memories. I vividly recall that morning: my sister's panicked voice, the sight of Dad slouched over. I tried CPR desperately, my hands pressing against his chest, clinging to hope as my mother called 911. But deep down, I knew it was too late. His sudden absence left a void, one I promised to fill for my sister. We honored Jewish burial traditions promptly, finding solace in ritual. Yet, I questioned why such a good man was taken early. At Dad's funeral, I shared stories of his impact, surrounded by those he touched. As I buried him, I felt the weight of uncertainty—unsure if I could ever live up to the man I aspired to be.
At 18, I was diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease, causing rheumatoid arthritis. Financial constraints sometimes limited my access to specialized care, but I managed as best I could. Over time, my lungs showed signs of scarring from the arthritis, exacerbated during my last pregnancy.
Recently, my health took a drastic downturn. Within two months, I began experiencing fainting spells, leading to a month-long hospitalization in January 2023. Doctors discovered my lung function had significantly declined, coupled with severe pulmonary hypertension. The only option presented was a double lung transplant, a procedure for which I've been deemed a suitable candidate.
The journey ahead is uncertain, with the waiting period for a donor being unpredictable. Financial burdens loom large, with relocation near the hospital and costly post-surgery medications. Funds raised will ease this burden on my family and caregiver.
Throughout this ordeal, my family, church community, and friends have been unwavering in their support, providing the strength and hope needed to face each day with resilience.
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Jessica
Alonso
Amelia Gerlock
Amelia Gerlock was born with a rare chromosomal disorder that has left her with significant disabilities. Amelia is 13 years old, attends a private school for children with special needs for her education and all her therapies. Amelia has a special connection to our family as her physical therapist Kari Woodell was also the physical therapist for Adrianna and Alessandra One of Amelia’s favorite activities is swimming. Due to Amelia’s significant issues with her spine, it wasn’t easy to find a swim device that would keep Amelia not only safe but also comfortable. There was a floating device that was specifically developed for children with cerebral palsy and was sold only in Australia. ABFA is providing funds for Amelia to purchase this device in the US.
Victoria Tabano
Victoria Tobano a long timer asthma sufferer with chronic anaphylactic food allergies. Victoria endured endless treatments from steam baths, steroid treatments and many doctor visits. Finally, a visit to the Mayo Clinic put Victoria on the path to improved lung capacity. Although Victoria has made tremendous progress, the cost of the doctor visits and medications were overwhelming. This is where the ABFA came in to provide some financial relief to Victoria. Victoria did not let the heath challenges stop her in purusing her career an RN.
Emilie Gomez
Emilie Gomez was born during the blizzard of 1996, but was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. This did not stop Emilie excelling in sports and academics Emilie was one of the founding members of New Jersey’s Challenger cheer squad also a founding member of the Woodbridge Buddy Ball program that combined special needs children and local sport teams to play different types of sports. And excelled in education with several education awards. ABFA is providing funds for Emilie’s tuition, Please welcome the Gomez family, Emilie, her sister Tianna and their mom Diana
Asthma and Allergy Foundation
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1953, is the leading patient organization for people with asthma and allergies, and the oldest asthma and allergy patient group in the world. AAFA is dedicated to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease for people with asthma and allergies through support, advocacy, education, and research. More people than ever before have asthma — about 25 million people in the U.S. have asthma. It is one of the most common and costly diseases.
