Macolin’s Positive Mindset About Spina Bifida

Since the 180 Medical College Scholarship Program was created by our founder, Todd Brown, back in 2012, we have been helping aspiring students achieving some amazing goals through higher education.

Earlier this year, we announced the names of our seven 2018 scholarship recipients. By now, you may already know the recipients previously featured on our blog, including Kale, Marissa, Alaina, Ian, and Lauren. We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know these bright young students and their future plans.

Today, we’d love for you to meet Macolin!

Macolin Chooses Positivity

Macolin was born with spina bifida, along with a few other unique conditions where his intestines were attached to his bladder. At the time, his doctors weren’t able to guarantee his parents that he would ever be able to walk.

However, the doctors and nurses at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) gave incredible encouragement and support while Macolin went through a process of 9 surgeries over time. Macolin’s family also helped him believe that he could do whatever he set his mind to.

Today, he still has some symptoms that require long-term daily upkeep, but he says it’s all about choosing how to think about it. “I can either say my life stinks, or it smells like roses.” He chooses to look on the bright side of things.

If you met Macolin by chance, you’d probably never guess some of his challenges. However, he says, “I don’t let my medical issues define me.”

Giving Back & Working Hard

Throughout school, Macolin progressed ahead and ended up with a 4.0 by the end of his junior year. He has landed on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll and Principal’s Honor Roll over the years in high school. Also, he was a recipient of the Titan Award, which is given to an athlete who displays an extraordinary work ethic and dedication to schoolwork and sports.

He keeps active and makes time for all his hobbies and interests. For example, he loves finding hiking trails to explore and going to his favorite teams’ sporting events, like the Steelers. He also plays golf and participates in varsity track and field and cross-country.

In addition, he makes time for giving back through volunteering. He’s received awards for serving over 65 hours in Lion’s Heart National Service Organization. He also loves being a leader at Vacation Bible School.

One event that’s near and dear to his heart is a 5K walk at Disneyland that he participates in annually. This walk raises money for the Children’s Hospital of Orange County.

What’s Ahead for Macolin?

As of the fall of 2018, Macolin took a big step by going to college at the University of Utah.

Right now, he’s not sure about what career to pursue. However, he has a few ideas in mind. For example, one idea he’s considering is sports management. He also likes the idea of counseling children born with special medical conditions as a way of giving back and honoring the special doctors and nurses who helped him.

No matter what he chooses, we know that Macolin is going to a positive impact on the world around him.

About 180 Medical’s Scholarship Program

We’re now accepting applications for our 2019 180 Medical College Scholarship Program through June 1st!

Find out about eligibility requirements and download your 2019 scholarship application at www.180medical.com/scholarships. Also, you can stay up-to-date and be the first to know when we have new blog posts and announcements by following us on Facebook. Like us today!