Marc and Valerie Fishman Type 1 Diabetes Scholarship Fund

Marc and Valerie Fishman Type 1 Diabetes Scholarship Fund is sponsored by Marc and Valerie Fishman Scholarship Fund. Marc and Valerie Fishman Type 1 Diabetes Scholarship Fund is a grant from a private family foundation that funds college students living with Type 1 diabetes.

NOTE : Some applicants have received error messages when clicking the APPLY ONLINE link. We think that the link is being blocked by third parties (schools, etc.) for security reasons. Please try applying using a personal computer and let us know if you have any problems.

E stablished in 2023, the Marc and Valerie Fishman Scholarship program provides scholarships to students with type 1 diabetes.

* *Now in our third year, the Marc and Valerie Fishman T1D Scholarship program awards scholarships to support the qualified educational expenses of students with type 1 diabetes who are entering or are enrolled in any of the following programs providing direct patient care: Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, Physician's Assistant.

Dietetics, Physical and Occupation Therapy, or Medical Doctor (MD or DO.) We have been delighted with the quality of the applications to date and have been pleased to be able to award numerous scholarships to an exceptional group of individuals. NOTE: We have been receiving applications from students entering general college programs (ie: biology, arts, pre-med, etc).

While we wish we could provide scholarships to the many exceptional students who are expressing a strong interest in pursuing a career in the health sciences, we must limit scholarships to students who are enrolled in one of the healthcare programs mentioned above. If you are not yet in a healthcare program, please apply once you are enrolled.

If you are enrolled in a healthcare program, but your acceptance does not specifically indicate the program, please ask the school to specify which program you have been accepted into.

Applications for the 2026-2027 school year open on January 1, 2026 Applications CLOSE at midnight, August 15, 2026 Like many teenage diabetics, I did my best to lead a totally normal life, though everyone with diabetes knows that it is impossible to lead a totally normal life. Diabetes impacts everything we do. So, after graduating high school I enrolled in the first college-based nursing program in Montreal.

I soon learned that some of my instructors thought that diabetics had NO PLACE IN NURSING. They did everything they could to fail me, including giving pop-quizzes when I went for my weekly blood sugars at the Royal Victoria Hospital. Now, over 50 years later and a lifetime of work as an ICU RN, oncology RN in my husband's medical practice, and a founder of Oncology Analytics, I now have the opportunity to give something back.

Based on my experience and observations, diabetics are exceptional RNs. They bring an unmatched understanding of illness and deep compassion for the suffering of others. The Marc and Valerie Fishman Scholarship fund has been established to provide financial support and to recognize diabetics entering health care programs, with a focus on nursing.

People ask me how I can be so optimistic and happy with life and also be a diabetic. As a teenager I simply came to the conclusion that I have to live every day and move forward. When an RN instructor told me that I didn't belong in nursing, I asked her, "What should I do?

Twiddle my thumbs?" In addition to my RN degree, I earned a BSc in Healthcare Administration and a Masters in Psychology. I am a licensed mental health counselor and one of very few people in Florida with 2 healthcare licenses.

I don't think I am particularly special, and I know that anyone with diabetes who has a positive attitude and is willing to work hard can achieve success. This photo was taken in a remote area of the South Island of N ew Zealand I practiced hematology/oncology for many years. During that time, Val administered chemotherapy to cancer patients.

It was not unusual to hear animated conversations and laughter coming from the chemo suite. Val always thought this was normal, but I know that most chemo suites are depressing and silent. Val's love of people and understanding of illness made the difference.

We are now retired and are fortunate to be able to help the next generation of nurses and other healthcare professionals provide high quality and compassionate care to their patients. Together Val and I have traveled to every continent. This picture was taken off the east coast of Greenland H ow D RIF and DECA are involved.

We would like to thank our supporters. Without their help, we would not be able to provide these scholarships The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF) is the organization of choice for those who are serious, passionate, and committed to curing diabetes.

Its mission – to provide the Diabetes Research Institute with the funding necessary to cure diabetes now – is a testament to the belief that tomorrow is not soon enough to cure those living with diabetes. The Fishmans have supported the DRIF for 40 years. We are happy to have the opportunity to assist them in this endeavor to help students with diabetes.

The Diabetes Education and Camping Association (DECA) unites the worldwide diabetes camping community through leadership and education, as well as sharing resources to advance programs that dramatically impact people’s lives. We are delighted to support the Marc and Valerie Fishman Type 1 Diabetes Scholarship fund to further improve the lives and opportunities available to people with type 1 diabetes.

NOTE : Some applicants have received error messages when clicking the APPLY ONLINE link. We think that the link is being blocked by third parties (schools, etc.) for security reasons. Please try applying using a personal computer and let us know if you have any problems.