Are you going to convention?
YOU ARE HERE: My Alpha Chi Stefanie Sacknoff
Real Strong Women
Stefanie Sacknoff

 

sacknoffprofile November 2009

Stefanie Sacknoff
Kappa Lambda, University of San Diego

Stefanie was recently awarded the Overcoming Challenges Award from the American Chemical Society's Women Chemists Committeee. Suffering from numerous health issues since she was eight months old, including aplastic anemia and bone marrow cancer, Stefanie co-founded a non-profit organization with her mother called "Perfect Match."  Perfect Match's mission is to increase bone marrow matches and donations by encouraging registry at routine dental visits. 

Read more of this sister's story.
Find out how easy it is to register your bone marrow.

Why she’s real: 

 My disabilities have stolen from me every aspect of normalcy possible however you would never know there was something different about me unless I told you.  I’m a student, daughter, girlfriend, and friend however the compassionate, understanding, spiritual human being that I personify is a direct result of the hardships I have experienced.

Why she’s strong:

Because of my cancer and visual impairment, I did not grow up like your average child however I never allowed my disease to handicap my life. I was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia, a rare bone marrow disorder, when I was eight months old, which later progressed into myelodysplastic syndrome. For nineteen years, I survived on weekly blood and platelet transfusions, nightly injections to boost my immune system, and daily oral medications until I finally received a bone marrow transplant in 2007. Despite my hardships, I am determined to never let life’s obstacles stand in the way of achieving my goals.  

Not on her resume: 

 I danced on Broadway.

Childhood ambition:

 A doctor, and I still want to be in the medical field either as a doctor or physician assistant.. 

Proudest of: 

 I am most proud of the fact that through all my setbacks in life, I have never given up on the dreams and ambitions I have for myself.

Would like to have dined with:

Oprah. Under much adversity she is a woman who knows how to accomplish anything she puts her mind too and I admire what she has done with her life and fame.

Favorite quote:   

 "Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds because the testing of your faith develops perseverance so you may be mature and complete." James 1:2-4

Favorite book:  

 I am not much of a reader outside of school but this summer I read Kitchen Table Wisdom by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D., and it was very inspirational.

Favorite movies:

 A Walk to Remember

Hobbies:  

I love to go dancing and listening to live music.