Ronald J. Tavares Scholarship
Tax deductible
Ron's Story
Ron was a graduate of Fairhaven High School class of '79. He was an all star athlete in hockey and football all four years of high school and was scouted by a professional Canadian hockey team. After sustaining a head injury playing football his senior year, the once popular athlete had a difficult time fitting in and his peers didn't quite understand the sudden change in his personality. As his illness became more apparent, his dreams of becoming a professional athlete diminished, as well as the interest of the professional teams.
I can't help but think if his classmates and peers were more aware of mental illness, they would've been more understanding to the changes he was going through, and he wouldn't have had to suffer alone. Despite all of his struggles and disabilities, he continues to be an avid volunteer in his community. He has never complained about his condition and has maintained a positive attitude throughout his entire adult life.
2 years ago I ran the New Bedford Half Marathon in his honor to raise mental health awareness, as well as raise money for a Scholarship in his name at Fairhaven High School. Together with the support of family and friends we raised over $3,500!
Together, we presented the first Ronald J. Tavares Scholarship.
On March 17th I plan to run the New Bedford Half Marathon again, with the same goal of raising money for his scholarship. However, this time I'll be running with a deeper meaning and understanding.
About 6 months ago, I suffered from a serious concussion. It was so severe that it caused me to have to completely put my life on hold and stop working for 4 months. This experience has completely changed my life and my outlook on traumatic brain injuries. I have always had a heart for raising mental health awareness, but now have a new understanding after experiencing it myself. After working every day to get stronger mentally and physically, I am thankful to feel like I am finally starting to heal. Although I know I am not back to my old self 100%, I know I have to run this one, for us.
The Ronald J. Tavares Scholarship is awarded to a student who has overcome an obstacle in life, performed community service and may have participated in hockey and football.
Please consider donating to raise mental health awareness, provide a deserving senior with a scholarship, as well as helping my uncles name live on at the high school he was so proud to be a part of.
Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us.
All our love,
Ronnie & Katie
Ron was a graduate of Fairhaven High School class of '79. He was an all star athlete in hockey and football all four years of high school and was scouted by a professional Canadian hockey team. After sustaining a head injury playing football his senior year, the once popular athlete had a difficult time fitting in and his peers didn't quite understand the sudden change in his personality. As his illness became more apparent, his dreams of becoming a professional athlete diminished, as well as the interest of the professional teams.
I can't help but think if his classmates and peers were more aware of mental illness, they would've been more understanding to the changes he was going through, and he wouldn't have had to suffer alone. Despite all of his struggles and disabilities, he continues to be an avid volunteer in his community. He has never complained about his condition and has maintained a positive attitude throughout his entire adult life.
2 years ago I ran the New Bedford Half Marathon in his honor to raise mental health awareness, as well as raise money for a Scholarship in his name at Fairhaven High School. Together with the support of family and friends we raised over $3,500!
Together, we presented the first Ronald J. Tavares Scholarship.
On March 17th I plan to run the New Bedford Half Marathon again, with the same goal of raising money for his scholarship. However, this time I'll be running with a deeper meaning and understanding.
About 6 months ago, I suffered from a serious concussion. It was so severe that it caused me to have to completely put my life on hold and stop working for 4 months. This experience has completely changed my life and my outlook on traumatic brain injuries. I have always had a heart for raising mental health awareness, but now have a new understanding after experiencing it myself. After working every day to get stronger mentally and physically, I am thankful to feel like I am finally starting to heal. Although I know I am not back to my old self 100%, I know I have to run this one, for us.
The Ronald J. Tavares Scholarship is awarded to a student who has overcome an obstacle in life, performed community service and may have participated in hockey and football.
Please consider donating to raise mental health awareness, provide a deserving senior with a scholarship, as well as helping my uncles name live on at the high school he was so proud to be a part of.
Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us.
All our love,
Ronnie & Katie
Organizer
Katie Dawson
Organizer
Fairhaven, MA
Scholarship America Inc (Fairhaven Dollars For Scholars)
Beneficiary