BioMatrix Announces 2018 Academic Scholarship Recipients

Program Honors Memory of Bleeding Disorder Community Members

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Nov 27, 2018, 11:11 ET

WESTON, Fla., Nov. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Giving Tuesday, BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy announced today the recipients of their 2018 Memorial Scholarship Program. Six $1,500 academic scholarships were awarded to deserving applicants. The program honors 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.

"BioMatrix firmly believes in empowering patients to become strong self-advocates and leaders in their communities," Tara Marchese, Corporate Director of Marketing at BioMatrix shares. "Our scholarship program honors the legacy of those memorialized by lifting up the next generation of leaders." The 2018 reward recipients are pursuing a range of academic interests from medicine to religion.

BioMatrix Memorial Scholarship Winners

MILES COLE – Joe Holibaugh Memorial Scholarship Recipient
Sophomore, Princeton University, Major: Undeclared

Taking his bleeding disorder in stride, Miles never lets severe hemophilia stop him from achieving his dreams. Very athletic throughout his life, he competed internationally with the USA Junior National Water Polo Team. "I grew up believing that as long as I was diligent about my meds, hemophilia did not have to define or limit my activities." Miles adamantly offers, "Take charge of your life to shape it how you want it to be."

LENA COOK – Millie Gonzalez Memorial Scholarship Recipient
Sophomore, California State Polytechnic University, Major: Kinesiology

Growing up as a female with hemophilia, Lena encountered challenges related to her diagnosis. "I have been told it is not possible for me to have hemophilia," she shares. Lena learned to advocate for herself and is determined to help others. She started a women's support group at her local chapter, "It was a fantastic opportunity to share our stories. It reaffirmed my commitment to finding effective treatments for myself and other women with bleeding disorders."

CALEB CROTHER– Mike Hylton Memorial Scholarship Recipient
Freshman, Westmont College, Major: Religious Studies

Salutatorian of his high school, Caleb enters college with the same gusto for learning and achieving. In addition to academics, Caleb plays five musical instruments and is very involved in his local community. He has received numerous accolades for his academic accomplishments and volunteer efforts. He affirms, "Having a bleeding disorder has helped me realize that as much as your community helps you, you should go and help your community."

JUSTIN NAJIMIAN – Tim Kennedy Memorial Scholarship Recipient
Freshman, Rutgers University, Major: Public Health

"I carry my hemophilia gene not as a burden, but as a torch that gives light to the memories of generations past and blazes the trail for a new generation of leaders." Like his beloved grandfather, Justin has hemophilia. He plans to pursue a career in public health. "Healthcare policy, social work, advocacy or non-profit work are all paths I can see myself taking. Through advocacy and outreach, I would aim to bring camaraderie and care to hemophiliacs across the board."

ISAIAH REEVES – Mark Coats Memorial Scholarship Recipient
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Major: Medicine

Isaiah was greatly influenced by his childhood physicians who treated his hemophilia. Inspired by those who helped him, he is pursuing a doctoral degree to become a pediatric hematologist/oncologist. "As a doctor, I will use my personal experiences, abilities and knowledge to support and enrich the lives of children. I will seek to emulate physicians from my own life who have been so impactful in making me the person I am today."

RACHEL WILE – Ron Niederman Memorial Scholarship Recipient
Junior, UCLA, Major: Integrative Biology and Physiology

Rachel grew up hearing stories of the challenges her family members faced living with severe hemophilia. The experiences of her father and her uncle inspired Rachel to pursue a career in medicine. She hopes to conduct research leading to advancements in care for people with hemophilia. She shares, "Through my ongoing education and training, I hope one day to have a positive impact on the lives of those with bleeding disorders in this country and throughout the world."

The BioMatrix Scholarship Program is in its 7th year and will begin accepting applicants for the 2019/2020 academic school year March 1, 2019.

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 growing family of companies unites leaders in the specialty pharmacy industry to improve health and empower patients to experience a higher quality of life. The current BioMatrix family of companies includes:, BiologicTx, Decillion Healthcare, Elwyn Pharmacy Group, Factor Support Network, Matrix Health, and Medex BioCare.

Media Contacts
BioMatrix:                    Tara Marchese, Corporate Director of Marketing
                                    Tel: 954-908-7636
                                    Email: [email protected]

SOURCE BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy