My name is Dixon Zander Karmindro Jr, and I am a senior at Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences, and I will be attending the University of Chicago to study biology; hopefully, I will climb the academic ladder and achieve my goal of becoming a doctor, in radiology, general surgery, cardiology, or dermatology.
My childhood friend passed away when I was 11. Despite a congenital heart disease that plagued his quality of life, Gavin was always doing what he loved; he was a hockey player, public speaker, family kid, and so much more. He never let that stop him, but the disease caught up to him in 2020. He passed on in March of 2020, and my hometown installed a memorial bench on a walkway lush with greenery and two beautiful trees. He may rest now, but his spirit lives on in his family, his friends, and me.
To eradicate congenital ailments, to rid the world of degenerative diseases, and better the quality of life for all, I began to study genomic research and its possibilities within the medical world. Could diseases be cut out of a person's genetics before it could coalesce and become an issue? On the frontlines of the medical world, I aim to contribute to the advancement of life-saving treatments, for Gavin, and for generations to come.
The American Heart Association's mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, and in donating to this campaign, you can help support an effort to educate and empower not only your community, but the world at large.
Make a donation! Starting February 6th at 9:00 AM, click "Donate to Nominee" to support our campaign with a tax-deductible donation! The competition concludes at 9:00 PM on April 9th.