Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Network Inc

Daralys Lopez, this year’s Kirshner Scholarship winner, first went to the National Institutes of Health to offer moral support to her mother, who was a patient. Little did she know it was a trip that would help her shape her future goal – to become a doctor.

“Within seconds of meeting Dr. Markello, he happily took me on a hospital tour and later even ate lunch with us. Seeing all of these medical labs and machinery, I was astonished. Noticing this, Dr Markello asked my parents if he could steal me away for the day to separate and count my mother’s blood platelets,” recalls Daralys Lopez in her scholarship essay, “I’ve never had such a grand experience like this in my entire life! Using instruments like a real doctor, wearing gloves and all, I felt so comfortable there at that moment. After that day, I firmly decided I wanted to become a doctor so that I can help people like my mother.”

Daralys is planning to attend Central Florida University in the fall. She hopes to study pre-med.

She graduated from Lake Brantley High School in the Orlando area. As a high school student Daralys was very involved in her school and community. Some of her activities included: Reta Club, National Honor Society, Pathfinder’s Club Teen Leadership Training program, Drill Team Director, Drum Corp. Instructor and she’s served as a Teen Director at her church. She was also a finalist for Disney’s Dreamer and Doer honor.

The Kirshner family has set up a scholarship fund in memory of Martin Kirshner, a faithful supporter of the HPS Network. The scholarship is to be awarded to someone with HPS, or the child of someone with HPS, to pursue any educational opportunity such as college, vocational school, or any other form of continuing education.

We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the Kirshner family and we miss our frequent talks with Mr. Kirshner. This is a wonderful opportunity for us. Keep checking the HPS Network Web site for information about the 2010 scholarship program.