​3 Students From Bucks Awarded TOPP Foundation Scholarships

JAMISON, PA — The TOPP Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2024 college scholarships.

Launched in 2022, the TOPP Higher Education Scholarship recognizes and supports local students with type 1 diabetes (T1D) pursuing higher education. This year, the foundation is awarding scholarships to five students who have shown remarkable strength and determination in managing their chronic illness while excelling academically.

2024 TOPP Foundation Higher Education Awardees:

• Juniper Haglund, from Holland, has lived with T1D since she was six. She graduated from Council Rock South High School and is attending Saint Joseph University to study biology.
• Gavin Hoover, from Lower Gwynedd, recently received his T1D diagnosis after turning 18. He graduated from LaSalle College High School and is now studying engineering at Penn State University.
• Alexander Kirk, from Yardley, has lived with T1D since he was seven. He graduated from Pennsbury High School and is now studying business and pre-law at West Chester University.
• Juliana Ryan, from Chalfont, has lived with T1D since she was twelve. She graduated from Central Bucks South High School and is attending Penn State University to study public relations and journalism.
• Chloe Swisher, from North Wales, has lived with T1D since she was four. She graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy and is now studying biology at Saint Joseph University.

"Congratulations to our five scholarship recipients," said Christine Gunsiorowski, co-founder and president of TOPP Foundation. "TOPP is proud to honor these exceptional students for their academic achievements, community contributions, and extraordinary resilience in managing the relentless challenges of type 1 diabetes. We wish them continued success in all their future endeavors!"

The TOPP Higher Education Scholarship was open to high school graduates with T1D residing in Bucks County, Montgomery County, or Philadelphia County. Each recipient received $500 to assist
with tuition costs as they embark on their post-secondary education journey.

T1D is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Unlike Type 2 Diabetes, T1D has no known cure and requires
individuals to manage their condition with injected or pumped insulin. Living with T1D involves constant vigilance and meticulous planning to maintain blood sugar levels and avoid life-threatening complications.

Founded in 2016, the TOPP (Type One Parent Project) Foundation supports families affected by T1D. The foundation provides scholarships for diabetes camps and higher education, raises awareness, and funds research focused on finding a cure. Since its inception, TOPP has donated
$170,500 to research.

In 2018, TOPP launched the TOPP Camp Scholarship Program, offering financial assistance for specialized overnight diabetes camps, awarding thirty-one camp scholarships to date. In 2022,
the foundation started the TOPP Higher Education Scholarship, supporting local students with T1D, and has awarded 12 scholarships. The TOPP Foundation relies entirely on donations.

To support their scholarship programs, contact Christine at christine@toppfund.org or visit www.toppfoundation.org. Donations can also be mailed to P.O. Box 622, Furlong 18925.