The winner of the Bogin, Munns & Munns 2024 Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Scholarship is Colton Treloar, a student at the University of Missouri – Columbia.
This scholarship provides $2,500 so that someone whose life has been affected by this often-overlooked condition, which causes intellectual disabilities in children exposed to alcohol in utero, can continue their education.
Family Drives Colton to Succeed
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder has played an integral role in Colton’s life. His younger brother Alex was diagnosed with FASD at four years old, an event that Colton describes as having “profoundly influenced my academic career and aspirations” in his award-winning essay.
“My goal is to become a clinical psychologist specializing in FASD, where I can provide direct support to affected individuals and their families,” he writes.
In addition to helping those with FASD, Colton aims to create a “peer support network” for people like himself who have a sibling with the condition. Allowing siblings to share their feelings and receive advice in a safe space, he believes, will create better outcomes for entire families and make life easier for people living with FASD.
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Awareness Is Essential for People With FASD
FASD is not well known or understood, even within the medical community. This creates additional challenges for people who have this condition, making it even harder for them to succeed in school, make friends, and get the care they need.
People like Colton, who are willing to share their stories and experiences with the world, make a critical difference in raising awareness and decreasing stigma.
“I volunteer at local organizations that support children with developmental disorders,” Colton writes in his essay, later adding that he also educates the community “through public speaking engagements and by writing articles for local publications.”
Colton expects to graduate with a degree in psychology in May 2027, but he is already making a huge difference in the lives of children and families affected by developmental disorders. Through it all, Colton has never lost sight of his original source of inspiration: his brother Alex, who motivates Colton by exhibiting “boundless enthusiasm and unwavering kindness” despite the challenges brought on by FASD.
“[Alex’s] diagnosis not only changed his life but also profoundly influenced mine, shaping my aspirations and driving my dedication to advocating for those affected by FASD,” he writes.
On behalf of everyone Bogin, Munns & Munns, we congratulate Colton on this impressive achievement. We know that he is going to accomplish great things as a professional and personal advocate for those living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
About Bogin, Munns & Munns
Bogin, Munns & Munns is a Florida-based law firm that assists clients with personal injury, commercial law, and estate planning matters. Our commitment to fighting for the underdog and making the world fairer for all drove our firm to create the FASD Scholarship.
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