Polina White Memorial Scholarship Fund

My name is Douglas White. I am Polina White's father. Polina died in a drowning accident while body surfing at Little Corona Del Mar beach in California, in September 2021. She was 18 and planned to start college in January 2022.

In her short life, Polina learned much, modeled much and taught much about the importance of giving back. She was a beloved daughter, a giving friend, a doting sister, a cherished granddaughter and a dear cousin. She was a citizen of the world and a frequent volunteer, dedicated to equality and social justice. She was one of the universe’s finest, most beautiful creations.

Polina struggled with mental health conditions and its frequent companion, substance abuse, and she spent a long period in recovery, helping herself and helping others through the process. She always gave more than she took and she was always ready to help those in need.

This fund honors her memory by establishing a scholarship for young women in need of financial support to enter or continue mental health and substance abuse therapy, and who are committed to serving others in the process.

Comprehensive mental health and treatment costs range from $2000-$25,000 per month. Few such programs are available that focus on the particular needs of young women and up to 31% of young women who need these services are covered only by medicaid, leaving a sizeable out-of-pocket gap.

The Polina E. White Memorial Scholarship Fund will offer stipends to assist young women in Polina's situation who are ready to assist others as they help themselves.

Polina benefitted from good treatment and we'll be partnering with an established treatment program that offers the kind of care that she received.

Thank you for considering honoring Polina's memory and giving back through this scholarship.