Alpharetta Student To Receive Vertex All In For CF Scholarship

ALPHARETTA, GA -- A high school senior from Alpharetta is one of the first recipients of the Vertex All In For Cystic Fibrosis scholarship. The scholarship aims to help people with cystic fibrosis pursue two-year, four-year and graduate degrees.

Paige DeKoning, the recipient of the scholarship, is one of approximately 75,000 people in North America, Europe and Australia with cystic fibrosis. She will attend Berry College in the fall as an animal sciences major.

In her scholarship application essay, DeKoning wrote "[Cystic fibrosis] has helped shape my perspective on life, it has made me more aware of how precious my life is and has taught me to embrace the obstacles that come my way." She is involved in extracurricular activities including horseback riding and serves as a religious education teacher and camp counselor.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation website describes the defect as a defective gene that "causes a thick buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. In the lungs, the mucus clogs the airways and traps bacteria leading to infections, extensive lung damage, and eventually, respiratory failure. In the pancreas, the mucus prevents the release of digestive enzymes that allow the body to break down food and absorb vital nutrients."

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a company that develops medicines for people with cystic fibrosis, helps them live active lives and pursue higher education and funds research. This is the first year for their All in for CF Scholarship.

Article image via Ten Bridge Communications