A nursing student living with multiple sclerosis (MS) has made a heartwarming gesture by sharing her recent winnings to uplift young patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester, New York. Allison Hitchcock, a dedicated nursing student, received recognition for her remarkable story alongside Fernando Mendoza, the quarterback of the national champion Indiana Hoosiers.
Hitchcock, who has faced numerous challenges due to her diagnosis, expressed her desire to bring joy to children undergoing similar medical experiences. “I’ve been through a lot at my age,” she stated. “And I’ve been through a lot of these same tests and diagnoses that a lot of these other kids on the floor are going through.”
In December 2023, Hitchcock was one of four individuals awarded a $10,000 shopping spree at the Adidas store in New York City. The announcement came just two days before the event, leaving her pleasantly surprised. “They said, ‘Oh, yeah, you have $10,000 to spend.’ And I said, ‘Oh my gosh, like, is that too many zeros?’” recalled Hitchcock.
Rather than keeping her winnings, she decided to donate the items directly to the children she assists, including 4-year-old Orla, who is currently hospitalized. This act of kindness illustrates her commitment to using her experience to support others.
Hitchcock also spoke highly of Mendoza, who has become a new inspiration for her. The Heisman Trophy winner, who led the Hoosiers to their championship victory, was described by Hitchcock as a “gentle giant” who took the time to connect with families during the event. “He was so very, very attentive and caring to the families that were there,” she said.
Mendoza, whose mother also lives with MS, has collaborated with the National MS Society to raise awareness and funds for the disease. To date, he has successfully raised $170,000. According to Andy Yates, executive director of the upstate New York chapter of the National MS Society, such public figures can significantly impact awareness and encourage individuals to seek early diagnosis and treatment.
“Events like this shine a spotlight on this disease and help folks think, you know, maybe I do have MS. Maybe I need to schedule an appointment with the neurologist,” Yates explained. This kind of outreach can lead to timely interventions that positively affect disease progression.
Hitchcock, a native of Endicott, New York, began showing signs of MS at the age of 12. Her experiences have forged a deep connection with the children she works with, and she hopes to integrate her personal journey into her nursing practice in the future. “It’s my hope that I can take what I’ve learned and implement that into my nursing practice,” she shared.
Her story emphasizes the importance of community support and the power of kindness in the face of adversity. By sharing her winnings, Hitchcock not only brightened the lives of young patients but also inspired others to consider how they can make a difference in their own communities.
