Six Students Win $10K Scholarships Despite Skin Conditions

Managing a chronic skin condition while juggling exams, assignments, and campus life takes extraordinary determination, and six students are being recognized for doing exactly that.

Bausch Health's Ortho Dermatologics announced this week that six students across America will each receive up to $10,000 through the 2026 Aspire Higher Scholarship Program. The winners include undergraduate students Riddhi Patel, Maria Pervez, and Connor Proefrock, along with graduate students Joshua Lewis, Patrick Molluso, and Demilade Oloyede attending medical schools from Alabama to Harvard.

Each recipient wrote essays describing their educational journeys while managing dermatologic conditions and the healthcare professionals who helped them along the way. Their stories showcase resilience that goes far beyond the classroom.

The scholarship program launched in 2013 with a simple goal: support students who have been treated for skin conditions but refuse to let those challenges define their limits. Over 13 years, the program has now awarded 87 scholarships worth more than $1 million combined.

"The stories shared by this year's scholar recipients, shaped by their educational experiences and the dermatologic care they received, are truly inspiring," said Aimee Lenar, President of US Pharma at Bausch Health. The company's commitment extends beyond financial support to celebrating the human stories behind academic achievement.

The Ripple Effect

These scholarships create waves far beyond tuition payments. Three of this year's winners are attending medical school, meaning they'll likely bring unique empathy to future patients facing similar struggles.

Joshua Lewis, attending Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, expressed gratitude for the investment in his future medical training. Students like Lewis understand firsthand what it means when healthcare providers show genuine care during vulnerable moments.

The program also validates an important truth: chronic conditions don't diminish potential. By publicly celebrating these students, Aspire Higher sends a message to younger students currently managing skin conditions that their dreams remain entirely achievable.

These six scholars join a growing network of 87 alumni who prove that obstacles can become stepping stones when met with determination and proper support.