My name is Alyssa St. Louis. This is my second DNSCS Award. I was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease at the age of two months. Through my years of living with this disease, I have had a lot of difficult times.

I would love to thank all of the Sickle Cell teams that have helped me in times of crisis. I’m so grateful to know that there are people out there who really do care.

Today, I am 18 years old, soon to be 19, and I presently attend Centennial College. I’m so happy to express that I’m doing well in school.I had a little setback because I had a few crises, but I was able to get back on track.

I want to thank the Sickle Cell Organization for their help with my scholarship. It has helped me out a lot, and I was able to try new things in college that I really enjoyed.

My goal from college is to become a Child and Youth Worker so I can be someone who helps children and shows them that there is support and that people really do care about you.

No matter how many crises I have, I want everyone to know that I’m a determined young lady who will finish college and make all of you proud of me.

Thank you once again from the bottom of my heart.