Maine Disability Organization Awards Two More Scholarships
December 13, 2005

Founded by Steven Loignon in the spring of 2003, Stepping Back Into Life , Inc . was developed to provide support and motivation to individuals who are physically disabled. In the summer of 2001, Steven was involved in a tragic car accident resulting in bi-lateral leg amputation. Through his personal experiences, Steve has discovered the need to better inform and support individuals who are dealing with life changing events such as dismemberment. Through the www.Loignon.org website, which received over 14,000 visits in its first year, is currently having over 150 visitors a day. Stepping Back Into Life is one of the fastest growing resources for the recently disabled.

The goals of the foundation are straightforward, “The purpose of Stepping Back Into Life's scholarship program is to support people who are physically disabled, and who wish to attend college at any level.” Mr. Loignon goes on to say, “Our mission is to help individuals educate themselves in hopes that they will have an easier and more productive life.” Thanks to generous grant contributions from both private and corporate leaders like Endolite North America, Maine Artificial Limb & Orthotic, Pratt & Whitney and Alpha One. Each recipient received a one thousand dollar scholarship. Having provided the first two scholarships in 2004, Mr. Loignon is confident the program will continue to expand in future years.

The first scholarship recipient, Adrienne B. Sund , a graduate from Upper Darby High School in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania and is currently attending Temple University. As a child, Adrienne was diagnosed with cancer. Her strength overcoming chemotherapy and the loss of one leg has given her the motivation to help others in the field of pharmacy medicine. Making the Dean's List in her first semester, Adrienne is well on her way towards reaching her goal to help other children who are going through difficult medical challenges like Adrienne did when she was young.

The second recipient of this years Stepping Back into Life scholarship, is Takahito Ishii . Arriving to this country from his hometown of Tokyo Japan, Takahito is currently attending the University of Idaho. From the age of eleven, Takahito has lived with both epilepsy and cerebral palsy. The support and encouragement he received while learning to live with his disabilities, has motivated Takahito to pursue a Master's degree in rehabilitation therapy. Takahito believes that having both perspectives, an occupational therapist view and a patient view will give him the necessary tools to help others facing similar disabilities.