Heather Todak always carries a sense of purpose, and that sense did not fade when she was suddenly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at the age of 16. Although RA has brought hardships, pain, and physical setbacks, it has also intensified Heather's drive to accomplish her dreams. Her spirit and leadership stand out among her peers; many, in fact, are unaware she lives with a chronic illness because she never lets it get in her way.

Heather has bounced back from the initial shock of her diagnosis and has set the bar high. For the past two years, she has raised hundreds of dollars for the Arthritis Foundation as a top-three fundraiser for the local Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis. In addition, Heather volunteers for Meals on Wheels, shopping for and delivering food to the elderly and disabled in her community. Her intense focus also pays off in school, where she is second in her class of more than 650 students and a member of the honor roll each semester. She is also team captain for the girls' varsity tennis team.

Heather discovered her love of the outdoors when she worked as an open-water lifeguard at a Girl Scout summer camp. She helped young girls build confidence and character while spending sunrise to sunset patrolling a 13-acre lake. With the aid of a $10,000 UCB Rheumatoid Arthritis Family Scholarship, she is studying to become an environmental engineer at Virginia Tech.

Heather says, "If I had never been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, I may not have gained the added insight into my life and the potential to make a difference. I may not have received the additional challenge and inspiration that pushed me to succeed in my community through academics, athletics, leadership and charitable work."