My name is Alex Oelerich. I am a new
freshman at Marquette University. When I was about 4 years old I was
diagnosed with mild von Willebrands Disease. Throughout my life I
have had to make modifications because of my condition. My limits
were mild for the most part, only dealing with bleeding issues as
they came up. Going into my senior year of high school was told that
I no longer could play soccer. The game was to extreme at the level
the high school played at. At that time my world was crushed. This
was the first major part of my transition. If they would not let me
play then I could manage the team. I was no longer a player, but
still on the team. This event made me think about my career path. I
had always wanted to be in the science field. Now thoughts of being
a Hematologist/Oncologist were in my head. Maybe I could help others
because I knew how it felt. I prepared myself for college by
becoming a Marquette Young Scholar. I also job shadowed in 11
different areas at Community Memorial Hospital in Menomonee Falls.
Nothing could change my decision. In March 2010 I received my
acceptance letter to Marquette! The next few months flew by. After
graduation I came to Marquette for summer classes. I had a 5 week
stay. For the 1st time I was completely responsible for myself.
I talked to my Professors and Student RA and let them know about my
von Willebrand. Public safety was made aware just in case a trip to
the ER was in my future. It was an exciting time for me. Once again
I was playing soccer. We would have pickup games after classes. When
I was younger I would get angry about bleeding. I did not want to be
different. Looking at it now it made me look at my life and see how
I could help others. Through the years GLHF has been there for me
and my family. They helped to make us all understand what was going
on with me. My dream is to one day give back to the Bleeding
Disorder Community.
My Sincere thanks,
Alex Oelerich
2011-2012 scholarship information will be available in January 2011.
Be sure to check glhf.org and look
for information in your mail.
The material provided in Headline
News is for your general information
only. GLHF does not give medical
advice or engage in the practice of
medicine. GLHF under no
circumstances recommends particular
treatment for specific individuals,
and in all cases recommends that you
consult your physician or treatment
center before pursuing any course of
treatment.
