The Bleeding Disorders Association of South Carolina (BDASC) offers scholarships to eligible individuals who meet specific criteria. Here’s an overview of the requirements and process:
To be considered for a Scholarship, applicants must meet all criteria and submit their completed application before the deadline. Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly address all criteria in their application to enhance their chances of receiving the award.
Dr. Alba Myers Lewis of Orangeburg was a devoted educator and the mother of Alexander “Mickey” Carrion Lewis, Jr., who was born with hemophilia. A top graduate of S.C. State, she earned her B.S. in 1946 and M.S. in 1952, later completing her Doctorate of Education at the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill in 1968.
Throughout her career, Dr. Lewis specialized in curriculum development, administration, supervision, and elementary and higher education. She furthered her studies at several universities and held certifications across all educational levels in South Carolina. She taught and led at Felton Laboratory School and served in key roles at S.C. State, including chairperson and professor of education, until her retirement in 1979.
Dr. Lewis later served on the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. Upon her passing, she named Hemophilia of South Carolina as a beneficiary, leading to the creation of the Alba Myers Lewis Scholarship in her honor.
John Henry Tiller, March 16, 1962- May 31, 2022
The John Henry Tiller Memorial Scholarship was established in 2023 following his passing. John’s connection to the Chapter dates back to its founding, as he and his wife, Dana, devoted themselves to the organization’s mission and the families it serves. A longtime supporter, John once provided legal counsel to the Chapter and, through a generous bequest, ensured his legacy would continue supporting the South Carolina bleeding disorders community.
John was widely respected as a pre-eminent trial attorney and mediator, earning honors such as “South Carolina Litigator of the Year” in 2012 along with numerous other professional awards. Beyond his legal accomplishments, he was an enthusiastic outdoorsman who loved golf, boating, fishing, and hunting with friends.
He is survived by his wife of thirty-three years, Dana, along with many godchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins who brought him great joy. The Chapter is proud to honor his life and commitment through this memorial scholarship.
2025 Bleeding Disorders Association of South Carolina Academic Scholarship Recipients
David Robert DietzInstitution: Bob Jones University
Major or intended field of study: Theology, Biblical Counseling
Essay Quote:
“I am the oldest child in my family. I have 4 younger siblings. We were placed in foster care due to extreme physical abuse. We were adopted by loving parents when I was 5 years old. My brother and I have a bleeding disorder called Hemophilia which can really inhibit our lives and most certainly our self-esteem because of its limitations. Our parents never let that become a crutch for us. Because of our opportunity to be homeschooled, I have been able to participate in many things in our community. I have served in soup kitchens for the homeless, couched youth basketball for Upwards, taught elementary through middle school in Awana’s Club, and the most rewarding work in the local Foster Care closet for children entering foster care. I have been able to be a counselor in VBS for elementary children and speaking to them about not allowing your circumstances limit your choices.”
Joshua Paul DouglasInstitution: Greenville Technical College
Major or intended field of study: Pre-Law, than to Law School
Essay Quote:
“I have lived most of my life with next to no sense of consistency. My faculties are so altered by my platelet levels, that whenever my platelet counts drop, I have to do everything in my power to not suffer academically and socially. This is not helped by the reluctance of my insurance and doctors to admit me for treatment, except when they both agree that it is necessary and no higher priority patients need admittance first. When my platelet count is allowed to drop, I lose most interest in doing things die to heightened sensitivity to pain, and I often become uncharacterizable confused and struggle to communicate. Despite all of this, I make a point of being active in my community and at BDASC. I officially interned for a week and helped with advocacy at the SC state house. I have been in Honor Role and a member of the National Honors Society most my High School years and plan to go to law school and become an attorney, and hopefully a published writer.”
Natalie Grace MitchumInstitution: Aiken Technical College
Major or intended field of study: Associate in Science, Meteorologist
Essay Quote:
“I do not have a bleeding disorder, but my mom and brother do. The way we found out was when my mother had a hysterectomy at 27 years old. She almost bleed to death where the doctor prayed over her. My family was scared to death. The way this scholarship would impact me would be to help pay for my college and books. My career goal is to get my associate in science degree then transfer to get my broadcasting degree in meteorology.”
Mykell Jamiere RaysorInstitution: Coastal Carolina University
Major or intended field of study: Engineering
Essay Quote:
“Over the years with the help of BDASC, I have learned to advocate for myself and my health. I have attended children’s and teen camp every summer since I was old enough to attend. These camps gave me a chance to meet and make lifelong friend with other people who were just like me in some ways. I enjoyed being at camp doing things that would scare my mom such as canoeing, (something I was only allowed to do at camp). These camps also gave me some independence without me worrying if my mom was scared if I would get hurt, because she was not there.”
Makayla C. KeithInstitution: UCS Upstate
Major or intended field of study: Nursing
Essay Quote:
“When asked how my life and my family have been influenced by my dad having a bleeding disorder, or my self being a symptomatic carrier, I remember the annual meetings, the beach trips, state and national advocacy days, and all the learning being involved in this community. There were some scary times where I would think, how could our bodies do this to us? But then I remember the doctors are working their hardest to find ways to help. Even with what seems to be a constant fear and a brain full of what ifs, being a part of this community and my dad’s diagnosis had furthered powered my drive to become a registered nurse. With this money, some of the financial burdens will be lifted off my parent’s shoulders. I am excited to officially begin my nursing school journey and any amount of assistance would be used wisely and greatly appreciated. This chapter and community mean a lot to my family and we thank you all for the support to us over the years.”
Regan Kayleigh WeberInstitution: Clemson
Major or intended field of study: Modern Language, Education and French
Essay Quote:
“I have a younger brother, who has hemophilia and has been though many different treatments that have only made him stronger. Through my attendance in meetings for Bleeding Disorders Association of South Carolina, I have seen the community that the association has been able to make and I believe the stories that have been shared inspire everyone within the organization every day. I think it is wonderful that people can join this group and be strangers, and because of one thing, thy can connect. I believe my experience of having a brother with hemophilia gives me a much more open mind and allows me to be empathetic to others. I believe this skill will be useful as a teacher in the future.”
