The Immune Deficiency Foundation scholarships can offer tremendous assistance with educational funding. Also known as the IDF scholarships, these disability scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students who live with primary immunodeficiency diseases and who are also working toward completing their secondary education.
Immunodeficiency disorders occur when part of the immune system is either not present or simply does not properly function. Primary immunodeficiency disorders occur when the cause of the immune deficiency is not caused by drug treatment, another disease or environmental exposure to toxins. In most instances primary immunodeficiencies occur as the result of a genetic disorder. Most such cases are found in children who are under the age of one, although in some cases milder forms may not be noticed until adulthood. Approximately 1 in 500 people are born with a primary immunodeficiency.
More than 80 different kinds of primary immunodeficiency diseases have been identified by the World Health Organization. Some forms of this condition are so mild they may easily go unnoticed for several years. Other forms are so severe they are noticeable immediately upon birth. Treatments are available to assist in boosting the immune system, allowing many children with primary immunodeficiency disorders to lead lives that are fairly normal; even going to school.
Although years ago a diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency would have meant a compromised life for the patient as well as their family, early diagnosis and appropriate therapy allows patients today to live lives that are healthy and productive. Many patients living with IDF often find one of the greatest struggles is obtaining the right resources and information when needed. IDF was founded with the goal of meeting such needs and ensuring the dissemination of accurate information to patients and their families living with primary immunodeficiency disorders.
These goals have now been extended through the offer of IDF scholarships for disabled students to assist patients diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency disorders, who wish to pursue a secondary education.
The Eric Marder Scholarship Program is open to applicants from patients with a primary immunodeficiency condition which has been classified by the World Health Organization. This immunodeficiency scholarship is intended only for undergraduate students who are entering a technical training school or college. The IDF scholarship is made possible through generous donations in honor of Eric Marder. Eric was a young man who lost his life at the age of 28 from complications associated with Common Variable Immune Deficiency. The disability scholarship program has been established to honor the memory of Eric, while also assisting students living with primary immunodeficiency diseases who dream of completing college. The deadline to apply for this IDF scholarship is March 31.
IDF also sponsors the Varun Bhaskaran (WAS) scholarship program. This is a new Immunodeficiency Foundation scholarship that was established to assist graduate or undergraduate students who have been diagnosed with Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome or WAS. This disabilities scholarship was created by Deepak and Ramya Bhaskaran in loving memory of their son Varun. Although Varun died as a result of WAS complications, during his short lifetime he touched the lives of many. The deadline to apply for this IDF scholarship is March 31st.
The Immune Deficiency Foundation was initially founded by families with children suffering from primary immunodeficiency diseases as well as their physicians in order to help in meeting their needs. Today the organization thrives in its continued dedication to helping persons with primary immunodeficiency diseases. Originally established in 1980, the IDF has offer information to approximately 250,000 individuals around the country who have been diagnosed with a primary immunodeficiency condition.
While IDF was founded in 1980, it was not until 1986 that the first IDF scholarship for disabled students was established. In 2007, the scholarship program was named in honor of Eric Marder. Since its inception, the scholarship program has awarded 488 scholarships for immune deficiency. These disability scholarships have totaled $600,125.
The value of Immune Deficiency Foundation Scholarships ranges from $750 to $2,000. Approximately 30 to 40 scholarships are available. The immunodeficiency scholarships are available to freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors. These are one-time disability scholarships only and are not renewable.