The Randall/LaRossa College Scholarship Fund was established in 2009 to honor Peter Randall, MD and Don LaRossa, MD for their work to enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by cleft lip/palate and other craniofacial conditions. The fund was developed by friends and colleagues of Dr. Randall and Dr. LaRossa in appreciation of their mentorship, friendship, and dedication to serving children. Congratulations to the very deserving recipients below!
2024 Honors Award Recipient: Madelyn Jurek
“I will be attending the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse this fall to study Exercise and Sports Science on the pre-professional track. My goal is to become either a Physician Assistant or Physical Therapist.
I was born with Goldenhar Syndrome, which for me includes having clefting throughout most of my face as well as being blind in my right eye and deaf in my left ear. I have endured over 30 surgeries in my life. My journey has connected me with numerous providers in various specialties from surgeons to orthodontists to speech language pathologists. I am grateful to have met these incredible providers who inspired me to explore careers in medicine/healthcare. I hope to take the lessons that I have learned from them into my future career. They have shown me the difference that a caring and passionate provider can make in a patient’s life.
Being awarded a Randall/LaRossa Scholarship is an honor. The financial support of this scholarship will allow me to focus on my studies and pursue my dream of having a career in medicine where I hope to make a positive impact and inspire others.” -Madelyn
2024 General Award Recipient: Blake Meyer
“I am looking forward to attending Illinois State University in the fall in Normal, Illinois. My collegiate goals are to attain a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry as well as a minor in Civic Engagement and Responsibility, followed by completing a Doctorate of Dental Medicine and finishing with a specialization in Orthodontia. Throughout the years I have had many surgeries that have brought challenges, since I was born with a cleft lip and palate. These challenges brought a sense of responsibility to give back and represent Shriners Hospital for Children to raise money and awareness for them.
I have been a patient ambassador for many years and have been honored to participate in events. All of these experiences had led me to the realization that I wanted to help kids with similar craniofacial conditions as an orthodontist. These big dreams need significant financial commitment to complete not only undergraduate school, but also dental school. This scholarship will help me get through college with less of a financial burden, but more importantly bring me closer to my dream of building better smiles each day.” -Blake
2024 Vocational Award Recipient: Jordi Howell
“I will be attending Kentucky Welding Institute in Fall 2024 where I will receive certifications in multiple types of welding, including pipe, fabrication, and structural welds. I participated in my first welding class as a freshman in high school, and prior to that class, I had no experience with welding. The first time I put on my helmet and had striked an arc, I knew that welding was something I wanted to know more about. By the time I had started Welding II, I had made the decision that welding would be in my future and my career path. I enjoy and thrive at pulling down my helmet and focusing on the weld.
Regarding my cleft journey, I have had quite a few surgeries; one to close my hard palate, then another for my soft palate, and a bone graft. To date, I have had eleven surgeries, two sets of braces, various other pieces of metal in mouth, and years of speech therapy. Some surgeries were worse than others such as the bone graft and the palate closures while others required less of a hospital stay and less time to heal. It’s definitely been a process and it has yet to be determined if I am done with procedures and braces, but it’s doable. I have support from my family and my doctors, so we get through it.” -Jordi
