In 1994,
Erin Tierney Kramp was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 33.
From almost the moment of her diagnosis, Erin decided to fight cancer
head-on.
Erin began
by searching for medical specialists - often calling and flying all over
the country to seek their knowledge and advice. She studied alternative
treatment plans and examined state of the art, sometimes unproved methods,
to battle this horrible disease. Erin's tenacity often frustrated her
medical doctors and sometimes resulted in seeking new ones who were not
threatened by her style and were up to the challenge Erin demanded. With
no manual to guide her, she set her own course.
Erin embarked
on a very aggressive treatment plan and over the next few years faced
one medical adversity after another - her body often shutting down while
her mind continued to race forward. Erin never shied away from her challenge
- always demonstrating tremendous courage, perseverance and spirituality.
Throughout
this difficult struggle, Erin touched many lives and was an inspiration
to those who knew her and to millions of strangers who either read her
book, Living with the End in Mind, or saw her on national television programs
such as 20/20 and The Oprah Winfrey Show. She was also featured
on the national broadcast of James Dobson's Focus on the Family radio
show.
Supporting
Erin throughout this period was her husband, Douglas Kramp, their daughter,
Peyton and numerous family and friends.
Although
she lost her battle against cancer, Erin's legacy won't stop with her
daughter. Before she died, Erin's professional peers established the Erin
Tierney Kramp Encouragement Foundation in her honor. In February 1999,
the Foundation established a permanent scholarship endowment with the
Dallas County Community College District Foundation. The Erin Tierney
Kramp Encouragement Scholarship Award will provide a full tuition scholarship
to students who have demonstrated courage and perseverance in the face
of adversity as exemplified by Erin Tierney Kramp.
The Erin
Tierney Kramp program awards scholarships to students based upon their
courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. Eligible applicants
include high school seniors who will graduate in the spring and current
Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) students. High school
students named as Erin Tierney Kramp recipients will receive a scholarship
for tuition and books for up to four semesters. Community college students
named as Erin Tierney Kramp Scholars, who maintain program requirements,
will receive a scholarship for tuition and books for the remaining semesters
of the two-year program. The Erin Tierney Kramp Scholarship award may
be used ONLY at one of the seven DCCCD Colleges.
|