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.
2026 Bleeding Disorders Association of South Carolina Academic Scholarship Recipients
Anna Elizabeth HoffmanGraduate of Wade Hampton Highschool
Parents are Jeffery and Kelly Hoffman
Career Path: Ohio University, Interior Architecture
Quote: “There were a lot of bad things that came out of my experience living with von Willie Brand disease but there is one good thing, my younger sister was diagnosed. While I may have been the guinea pig and had to go through many traumatic experiences blindly, I know my sister doesn’t have to go through I same things I did. With help from my doctors, I can still live a normal life. A hundred years ago, people like me would have to suffer a great deal so I am eternally grateful for all the people throughout the years who have brought awareness to VWD so that myself and others like me can live our lives to the fullest”
Caleb Michael GurleyCurrent Junior at Clemson University
Parents are Mark and Dana Gurley
Career Path: Clemson University, Sports Communication with a minor in Spanish
Quote: “ I have been coming to BDASC events especially the state Advocacy Days since high school. I love coming to the Chapter events and I believe they are a great place to meet others living with rare bleeding disorders. As a person living with Von Wille Brands, I realized there are some activities I am unable to do, mainly contact sports. In the future, I hope to be a sports journalist. It has always been a dream of mine to be a writer in the sports world.
Haven Grace HomesGraduate of James F. Byrnes High School
Parents are Garland and Heather Morris
Career Path: University of South Carolina Beaufort, Public Health
Quote: “Even with the risk, VWD has taught me strength, resilience, and has helped my thinking of responsibilities. I was not going to let my disorder let me feel any less than anyone else. VWD is not talked about like it should be. I want to contribute to a future where people with bleeding disorders have greater awareness, resources, and support. My future goals of going into healthcare will allow me to do just that.”
Connor James MulliganGraduate of Wando High School
Parents are Michael and Dianna Mulligan
Career Path: Clemson University, Bachelor of Science in Business
Quote: “There is always more than meets the eye. Real people with life stories. The most challenging obstacle in my life was never navigating how to live but helping others like me find their way. My advocacy began at the age of twelve when I went to my first South Carolina Bleeding Disorders Convention. It was the same place where I realized how comparatively small my problems were. I interpreted from that day on that I would have to use my intelligence to provide a voice for the voiceless so that their prayers would never fall on deaf ears.”
Current Junior at USC Upstate
Parents are Ward and Marilyn Keith
Career Path: Bachelors of Science in Nursing
Quote: “Bleeding disorders have impacted my family, and it has not always been easy. There were struggles in maintaining a positive outlook on life as well as balancing health and wellness. On the bright side, we have a strong community that builds us up and provides the support and knowledge needed when living with it. The annual meeting, beach trips, state and national meetings, and advocacy days bring a smile to my face knowing everyone has the chance to be welcomed and provided for, from the day of diagnosis and moving forward”
Parker Lewis McNeelyGraduate of Lexington High School
Parents are Rory and Lacy McNeely
Career Path: North Carolina State University, Chemical Engineering and Paper Science Engineering
Quote: “ Despite adversity, I had to take control of my own destiny. I wanted to find my own way to be extraordinary. I did not want my medical condition to hold me back or define me. I began studying and working out daily. However, through all of my injuries, it was important to me to be part of a team. I was still able to keep a sense of normalcy by playing travel baseball.”
Lillian Marie BuddieGraduate of Goose Creek High School
Parents are Anthony and Meghan Budde
Career Path: Winthrop University, Bachelors of Science Environmental Studies / Science
Quote: “Trying to convince a doctor to hear you was something I became very skilled at. I learned early to advocate for myself and my health. My health has always been a challenge, but I always knew that my experience was valid. Through all this, I learned how to speak up for myself and my needs”
