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This story is from the Spring/Summer 1999 issue of National PKU News.
For the second year, the Scholarship Committee is very pleased to announce winners of the Robert Guthrie Scholarship and Merit Awards. Members of this year’s committee included Anne Guthrie and Jim Guthrie, adult children of Dr. Guthrie; Dr. Harvey Levy, MD; Dr. Richard Kronmal, PhD; Cristine Trahms, MS, RD; and Virginia Schuett, MS, RD. We received applications from 18 wonderful young people from all over the US, Canada and Australia. We were very impressed with each one of them. While we would have liked to support all of them on their path to higher education, we had to make choices.
With great pleasure we introduce you to this years’ co-winners of the major scholarship, and winners of the six merit awards. Their lives are a testimony to the "miracle" of PKU diet treatment. As was true for last years’ winners, this is a group of bright, multi-talented, exceptional young people coping with their special needs in a very positive way. PKU has not hindered their dreams and aspirations; often it has helped to shape them, as you will see from their stories. We honor these young people for their outstanding achievements, their character, and their dedication to the diet.
The Second Robert Guthrie Scholarship Co-Winners
Each received $2500. Please see their profiles below.
Justin Young
Justin is currently a third year dental school student at Ohio State University. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Micro-biology from Miami University in 1995. His career decision to become a health professional developed from his empathy for people with PKU and other inborn metabolic errors. His interest in dentistry arises from a love of basic sciences that started in high school. Of his PKU, Justin writes: "I have never allowed my diet or other people’s opinion of it to prevent me from seeking my potential."
After obtaining his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, Justin plans to continue on to get his PhD degree and eventually pursue a career in academia, with Periodontology as a specialty. He is keenly interested in the genetic basis for an individual’s susceptibility to dental-related disease processes. Justin has distinguished himself throughout his academic career. He is in the top 20% of his dental school class, and consistently has been on the Dean’s List. He also has won a Lloyd-Wilkins Scholarship in Dentistry, an Ohio State University Scholarship in Dentistry, a Summer Research Fellowship for two years, and is a research assistant for the Director of the Division of Health Psychology.
As an undergraduate, Justin was on the Dean’s List consistently, a president of Miami University Microbiology Club, and completed independent research on environmental microbiology. He co-founded a Science and Youth program designed to educate local school children about "the joys of microbiology."
Justin is a student of classical guitar and an art enthusiast. He has volunteered for many different organizations, including the Humane Society, educational TV station, and Miami University Art Museum as an undergraduate student. Even as a graduate student, he squeezes out time to play soccer whenever he can, and volunteers for various organizations including the American Cancer Society and the Wexner Center for Contemporary Arts as a guide. He also is a Backpacker Trail volunteer and has contributed to the Empty Bowls program for combating hunger in the community.
One of Justin’s dental school mentors writes: "Justin is a mature and thoughtful student who plans to pursue a career in oral health research. With his intelligence and idealism, I am sure he will make excellent contributions to this field. PKU did not harm or even threaten Justin; it made him stronger. His achievements really speak volumes about the capability of individuals with PKU."
Another writes: "Justin is an excellent example of how a person with PKU can overcome prejudice and adversity to become an outstanding scholar. He never used PKU as an excuse or a crutch. I was unaware of his PKU until we had a laboratory lunch that he was invited to, and only then did I learn of his diet restrictions. In the laboratory, Justin has worked very hard balancing a demanding academic schedule and working on a very difficult human study that investigates the effects of stress on wound healing. These studies could not have been completed without his efforts on weekends and evenings. I doubt if any other student spent as much time on any research project in the entire dental school."
And yet another writes: "Through both hard work and discipline, Justin has managed to dissipate many of the myths associated with individuals who have PKU. Justin is a focused, mature student who excels in course content, but also wishes to understand the underlying mechanisms that support the subject matter. In clinical situations, Justin shows empathy for his patients, and a true concern. He also relates equally well to other faculty and fellow students, which I feel reflects his outstanding character."
(We will feature Justin’s own story in the Hang in There section of the Fall newsletter.)
Daniel Wells
Daniel is a senior in high school, and with a G.P.A. of 4.2, is ranked in the top 10% of his graduating class of over 540 students. He is a member of the National Honor Society where members are chosen not only for academic excellence but also for community involvement and leadership skills He has excelled in Honors and advanced classes throughout his high school career. He plans to attend college at the University of California, with a major in sports medicine. He is a self-proclaimed "sports fanatic" and is interested in the medical field "to get greater enjoyment in life from helping others." He has worked with Habitat for Humanity building houses in Mexico and in California, coaches youth roller hockey teams, has tutored younger neighborhood children in math, and is a member of the Multi-Cultural Club where he has made friends from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Daniel also works part-time at a sporting goods store.
One of Dan’s high school teachers writes: "I can attest to both the depth and range of his character and his intellect. Not one to seek the limelight, Dan nevertheless is a poised and confident contributor to class discussions as well as an entertaining contributor to class skits. As an indigent Athenian arguing in a toga about the advisability of voting for Plato’s Republic, he was both funny and well versed in Platonic ideals. His papers have always demonstrated his maturity and acute analytical thinking. Dan is often the student who is attuned to the deepest subtleties. When he analyzes literature, he does so not only with a keen mind, but also with a rare empathy for the human condition of the characters involved. Dan is an unusually talented individual—bright, compassionate and principled."
Another writes: "Dan is a wonderful student. He proved himself to be one of the best students I have had in several Honors courses. He is honest, sincere, and hard working. His assignments were well thought out and second to none. It is because of students like Dan that I got into teaching. It is also because of students like Dan that I stay in education."
(For more about Daniel, please see his own story.)
1999 Robert Guthrie Merit Award Winners:
Each received a monetary award and a certificate. Please see their profiles below.
Michelle Hughes Blankenbaker
Michelle, a member of the National Honor Society in high school and now an excellent student at the University of Kansas Medical Center, is finishing her degree in Occupational Therapy Education. She carries a full load of classes despite being pregnant (the Blankenbakers, married in summer 1998, are looking forward to having their first child in the late spring).
Last year, Michelle not only maintained a 3.8 G.P.A., but drove 30 miles a day, five days a week to help care for her mother who has cancer. She maintained excellent diet control besides. During this time, she also found time to be a volunteer for a preschool for children of families living below guidelines for poverty, volunteered for Cancer Action, and taught CPR for the American Red Cross. Until her pregnancy, she also worked for many years as a nurse’s aide, lifeguard, water safety instructor, recreation coordinator and student assistant at the Kansas PKU clinic.
Michelle hopes to pursue a Master’s degree on a part-time basis while working as an Occupational Therapist after her graduation, or later seek a graduate degree in special education. Possessing a deep empathy towards others because of her PKU, her primary interest is in working with children who have disabilities.
Michelle writes: "Dr. Robert Guthrie has made such an important contribution to the world by developing the newborn screening test for PKU. I will never truly understand what life would be like had he not made this significant contribution. However, I can definitely say that I feel very lucky to have been born after the time that newborn screening for PKU was in place. Instead of being the person who needs occupational therapy services, I am the one who is able to provide those services. I am proud to be one of the shining examples of the positive effects of lifelong adherence to the low phe diet."
Michelle feels strongly that families should see for themselves how well people with PKU can do if they stick to the diet. She has volunteered to be "on-call" whenever a new family wants to talk, or whenever a family is having troubles about which she can offer advice. She also writes regularly for the Kansas PKU Network newsletter about living with PKU, inspiring everyone who reads her personal stories.
Michelle believes PKU has made her a better person, making her more disciplined and empathetic. It also has opened up opportunities. For example, she recently was invited to speak on the genetics of PKU at the American Dietetic Association’s annual meeting. She writes: "My overall experience with PKU has been overwhelmingly positive. It has never kept me from doing any of the things I want or need to do. It has given me a level of maturity beyond that of my peers without PKU. Learning to manage my own diet at an early age gave me the power to say no in situations where peer pressure is high. I also have become a more creative person. Having PKU has challenged me from an early age to think ‘outside the box.’ My mother, a divine source of inspiration for me, taught me that life is a gift to be fought for no matter what hand we are dealt."
Eric Blundell
Eric is a senior in high school, enrolled in the Gifted and Honors programs (as he has been since 1990). By the time he graduates, he will have completed four advanced placement courses, and has received numerous academic achievement awards. He plans to obtain an undergraduate degree in biology and attend medical school. "Becoming a doctor, like my father, and helping people is where I believe I will end up. Many factors have led me in this direction, not the least of which is the respect I have for the medical profession in dealing with PKU and allowing me to be the person that I am. I want to make a contribution to the world."
Eric has been involved in many school organizations and clubs, but his major extracurricular passion is golf. He has been a member of the Varsity Golf Team since his freshman year, winning or placing in many golf tournaments. He is currently captain of the Golf Team. He also is active in the French Club, and is president of that group. He is a member of Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honors Society) and has competed in many math competitions for his school, receiving numerous awards for his performance. He also actively participates as a volunteer assistant coach for a recreational basketball team of nine year-olds, as well as doing work for various neighbors and friends in the community such as babysitting, lawn mowing, and installing computers.
Eric writes: "As the years go on, I am learning more and more about my diet and I hardly ever become frustrated anymore, unlike when I was younger. I believe dealing with all the adversity that has been brought along by my diet will help me deal with further problems in my life and also help me relate to the woes of others. Recently, I have begun to look at my diet no longer as an obstacle to overcome, but an experience that can only make me stronger. I am very fortunate that PKU is the worst of my problems. Now that I have adapted to it, I can move on and begin to tackle others."
One of his scholarship references writes: "Eric is a very mature young man who is as equally skilled and competent in the domains of science and rigorous study as in the domains of interpersonal relationships. I have had the privilege of knowing him and the honor of watching him emerge as a fine, focused and joyful young man. Eric is always open to learning, mature beyond his years."
Eric’s golf coach writes: "His accomplishments listed on his resume are the tip of the iceberg. Hidden under the ink are leadership skills, dedication, mental focus and a quiet determination to succeed. During adverse times, his teammates look to Eric for advice and guidance, then follow him. Eric is respected by his peers and appreciated by every adult who knows him."
A teacher writes: "Eric is one of my favorite students. The highest compliment I can give to any student would be to ask myself, ‘Would I hire this student if I owned a company?’ And the resounding answer is, ‘Yes, without a doubt!’ Eric not only is very intelligent, but hard working, trustworthy, pleasant and cooperative. He is a leader who is well-liked by everyone."
Dana Fleming
Dana is a senior in high school who intends to pursue a career in medicine, possibly to become a metabolic specialist. Inspired by Dr. Robert Fisch, her PKU physician, her goal is "to do something to help society" and to "touch someone’s life" in the way Dr. Fisch touched hers. Her two mottos are: "If you are willing to work hard and are determined to beat the odds against you, you will succeed," and "Never give up on your dreams." She says that PKU has given her determination, responsibility and "mental toughness" from an early age. Dana has a strong belief that the main reason she has succeeded is because her whole family (including two sisters) never put an emphasis on her diet, but instead put the emphasis on her as a human being.
Dana has maintained a 3.8 G.P.A, is in the top 5% of her class, and was voted a member of the National Honor Society her junior year based on her leadership, service and character as well as her academic success. She is active in many extracurricular activities. She plays flute in the school band and has been very active in a variety of sports throughout high school and before: volleyball, and Senior Captain of the team; basketball; and track and field (on the varsity team each year and Senior Captain of the team). As a member of the National Honor Society, she does active volunteer work, including highway clean up, serving coffee at a nursing home, and delivering meals to elderly adults. She also works part-time as a lifeguard.
One of her teachers writes: "I have taught for 22 years and Dana is one of those students who stands out in my mind as truly something special. She combines intelligence with focus and hard work that is outstanding. Her positive attitude and a genuine caring for all her peers match her excellent academic record. I admire this young woman for not only dealing with PKU but for rising above the problems it poses. Her positive spirit in the face of adversity is a lesson for all of us."
Another writes: "Dana is a particularly fine young woman who exhibits all the traits necessary for success not only in college but in life as well. She has continually challenged herself with the most difficult courses offered. Intelligent, hard working and mature, she has a bright and promising future. Lovely to everyone who interacts with her, she not only enjoys the affection of her close friends, but also enjoys the respect and admiration of her peers and teachers as well. Her cheerful nature, her maturity and her sense of responsibility to others make her a truly exceptional person."
Erin LaMourie
Erin is a senior in high school who plans to major in journalism and minor in graphic design at Texas Christian University. As design editor of her school newsletter, Erin has honed her talent for writing and design, and hopes one day to have a job designing for a newspaper or magazine or even an on-line publication. Besides maintaining a 3.8 G.P.A. Erin has participated in many school activities. She loves sports and has played soccer, ran for the track and cross-country teams, and played on a basketball team. She also is a member of the National Honor Society and an officer of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Through her church youth group, she has participated in many volunteer activities, including traveling to Mexico to work on house construction. She also works half-time at Cinemark Movies 10.
Erin says, "Despite the challenges, I will never let my diet make me miss out on any opportunity. I always seem to find people to cooperate and help me out to make sure I eat. Usually I get more food than anyone does else does because everyone is so concerned!"
One of her teachers writes: "Erin showed creativity early on in her high school career. Her stories for my journalism class were rich in sensory details and facts and were meticulously written. On the newspaper staff, Erin is an accomplished jack-of-all trades. Not only does she do photography (which she learned in a summer journalism camp), but writing and layout as well, all of which she accomplishes by coming in before and after school. Her job is the most demanding on the paper and she handles it with great aplomb and professionalism. She is very poised in stressful situations and you can always count on her to give 100 percent because she will not do any job less than that. She has very high morals and supports causes she believes in by actively participating in clubs and activities."
Dianne Obert
Dianne is a graduate student, working towards a Master’s degree in Special Education at Calif. State University, Fresno. She plans to graduate in the year 2000. She already has a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development. Dianne worked full-time with the Fresno Co. Dept. of Social Services before deciding to pursue a degree in Special Education. Beginning with her third year of classes, she started a full-time job as a special education teacher, besides going to school part-time.
Dianne was born two months before newborn screening officially began in California. Fortunately, the hospital where she was born started testing early, just before her birth. Living with the knowledge that she easily could have been mentally retarded without that early screening and treatment has made her very empathetic towards people with disabilities. It has shaped her professional aspirations in a very positive way. Dianne was allowed to stop the diet at the age of eight, as was the common practice then. She remained off the diet until her early twenties. Fortunately, her return to diet was stimulated by the First California Maternal PKU Camp that she attended. She has remained strictly on the diet ever since, maintaining exemplary control.
Dianne says: "God gave me my body and I want to take care of it. For me, taking care of my body means being on the PKU diet. The camp gave me the information and support I needed to return to the diet. For this, I am deeply grateful."
Dianne is never too busy to help others who are struggling with the diet. She has worked as a peer counselor at Maternal PKU Camp to help other young women restart the diet. She has presented her story at PKU parent and young adult conferences, inspiring others with her positive attitude toward the diet . She also has spoken at the state capitol, advocating for PKU-favorable legislation.
Returning to the diet has allowed Dianne to excel in her studies and her work. She has maintained a perfect 4.0 G.P.A. in her recent graduate work. One of her fellow teachers writes: "Dianne is a woman of great integrity, with a genuine warmth and a gift for working with children who have special needs. She sees each of these young people as unique and individual and is able to identify their learning styles and strengths within a very short time. She exhibits a zest for learning and applying knowledge."
Another writes: "I know Dianne in the capacity of being director of district-wide special education. She is wonderful! She is the consummate professional, a team player. In her classroom, real learning goes on and she gives one thousand percent. She is student- centered to the point where students will often battle to be in her room. Why? Because she is a great teacher and she genuinely cares. Beyond that, she also is a great person, Her judgment and ethics make her an even more outstanding role model."
Dianne feels privileged to have met Dr. Guthrie in 1990 when he lived in New York.
"Dr. Guthrie was a generous, kind, sensitive and gifted man," she says. She views her visit with the Guthries as one of the most memorable times of her life. Indeed, Dr. Guthrie would be proud of her today.
Katie Reisig
Katie is a senior in high school. She has a clear goal to teach and work with children who have severe mental and physical handicaps. She says: "My decision to do this came to me early and naturally. I am certain that having PKU played an integral part in this decision. Without some truly wonderful and dedicated people I could be in the same circumstance that many handicapped children are. When I look at these children I find them to be an inspiration, courageous and determined role models for us all. Sometimes PKU seems almost insignificant by comparison. I believe that it is not the size of our home or how much money we make that is the measure of our success, but rather how many lives we have touched in our lifetime."
Six years ago, Katie relates that she was fortunate to have had lunch with Dr. Guthrie at a friend’s house. She says, "I will be forever grateful to him; he is one of my personal heroes. I have worked very hard in my life to show Dr. Guthrie just how appreciative I really am by following my diet with great determination and resolve."
Besides maintaining excellent grades, Katie has been very active outside of school. To confirm her career choice, she has spent four years working as activity coordinator for special needs children through a Special Olympics swimming program. She also is senior class president, the representative to the Leadership Group and a peer leader for lower classmen. Her community service is outstanding: in addition to her work with special needs children, she is an activity coordinator for Students Against Drunk Driving, a member of the Community Service Board, and a volunteer first grade teacher for Vacation Bible School. "These are just a few of her activities, which have been recognized with a Community Service Award," writes her PKU physician, Dr. Selma Snyderman. She also has been in Drama Club and Chorus, and an Irish step dancer for ten years. Working through volunteer programs, she does such things as visiting nursing homes and VA hospitals. She has found time to be involved with PKU-related events as well, working to help pass PKU-favorable legislation in New York, and helping with PKU picnics.
Katie writes: "PKU is not something I would ever choose to have. On the other hand, it is not something that I will ever allow to control my life and emotions, either. I look at PKU as something that has given me a chance to enrich my life by making me learn to deal with situations requiring perseverance and determination."
A teacher writes: "Katie has shown herself to be a young woman of integrity, who is responsible, trustworthy, respectful, and caring. She is goal-oriented and aware of her strengths and weaknesses. She is clearheaded and logical and able to present material in a concise and meaningful manner."
Congratulations to these fine young people!
Money in the Robert Guthrie PKU Scholarship Fund comes solely from donations. We desperately need your help in order to support deserving young people with PKU. What a worthy cause it is! Please consider a generous donation this year. It is the only way we can keep the fund alive.
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Send a check made out to The Robert Guthrie PKU Scholarship Fund to:
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