Living in Sync is excited to announce our 2017 recipient of the Light a Candle Award, which is a $500 academic scholarship given in recognition of someone who has overcome adversity and exemplifies a giving spirit towards others.
Rather than being shut down in the challenges of life, this person embraces hope and a determination to make the world a better place. They embody the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."
This year's recipient is Tia Rieckhoff,19 year old sophmore at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC).
You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have. - Bob Marley
Strong is not a word that described Tia’s feelings the day her father died unexpectedly after what was supposed to be a routine hip surgery.
“My dad is the one person who continuously showed me what strength is until November 9th, 2016 at 5:55 in the morning when my dad became my guardian angel. I remember the moment I leaned over and put my head on his chest as I had done many times before, but this time there was no longer a heartbeat. Many would think this would be the hardest part, but the hardest part is to continue living without my dad.” ~ Tia
Despite this tremendous loss, Tia is courageously pressing forward in life.
“Tia has shown that although gone, Brad lives on in her. She is determined to stay positive, continue her education, and be the support that her mother needs at this time.” shares her Aunt Brenda.
And this isn’t Tia’s only life challenge. At 10 years old, Tia was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Learning how to live with diabetes requires many life changes that need to be made not only for the person living with the disease but as well as their family. Tia learned from her parents at an early age to overcome a struggle was to remain positive and press on.
After her first year of living with diabetes, her own struggles motivated her to help others, as well as find a cure. In 2008, Tia started her first JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) walk team. She and her family rallied together to set a positive example to other families facing the same disease. She has raised funds a variety of ways: by having bake sales, helping her grandma with bridge luncheons, as well as holding fundraisers at her mom’s work. To date, Tia has raised $60,305! Her 2017 goal is another $10,000.
Tia is passionate about making a difference for people and generous in making the world a better place. According to a family friend, she is a blessing - very positive, outgoing, and always willing to help others when needed.
Tia’s dad, Brad, loved photography, and being daddy’s girl, she fell right into his footsteps using her first camera at age 3. She is currently enrolled in the Graphic Design program at DMACC. Tia’s goal is to get an internship next year, and eventually get a job at a small business and design for them. She is excited to follow her dreams and make both her mom and dad proud.
Tia exemplifies all that the Light a Candle Award stands for and we are proud to honor her and the strong young woman she is.
Light a Candle Award funded through the generous gifts of people who know the power of lighting a candle together and the difference it makes in people's lives. Donate to the scholarship fund here.
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| Tia and her dad. |
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| Tia's family. |
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