Latest News

We are proud to announce Taryn Dolka as the winner of our Personal Injury Scholarship this Spring. Our team was deeply moved by Taryn’s essay detailing her resilience in the aftermath of a severe burn injury and her determination to redefine her future.

At ten years old, Taryn was helping her mother prepare dinner when she ran into a pot of boiling water as it was being drained. The scalding liquid splashed down her chest, wrists, and legs, instantly searing her skin. She was rushed to urgent care, only to be told that her injuries were too severe to be treated there. With third-degree burns covering 80% of her torso, she began a long and painful recovery.

For months, she lay incapacitated on her couch, watching her skin swell and blister while struggling with unbearable pain. The physical wounds were just one part of her battle. While she missed half the school year, rumors spread that she had passed away or that her mother had harmed her. When she finally returned, she found that her friendships had fractured, leaving her to navigate the social aftermath of her injury alone.

Rather than letting the experience define her, Taryn used it as fuel to push herself further. She dedicated herself to her sport, proving that her body was capable of more than anyone expected. She pursued leadership opportunities in politics, drafting bills for the Girls Nation Senate, and committed herself to community engagement. Now, as she prepares to attend Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, she carries with her the lessons of perseverance and a fierce determination to make the most of every opportunity.

Congratulations, Taryn!