From navigating chronic health conditions, personal loss, all whilst trying to finish school, Erin’s story is one of true resilience and determination.
Erin Formann was diagnosed with a rare and complex combination of health conditions, including tuberous sclerosis with subpendymal giant cell astrocytoma (brain tumour), polycystic kidney disease, hypertension, collagenous gastritis and a specific learning disorder with impairment in reading and focal seizure disorder. Understandably, these health challenges have significantly shaped her educational journey, presenting obstacles that go far beyond the classroom.
On top of this, Erin experienced the heartbreaking loss of her father in July 2023. Since then and with the addition of frequent hospital admissions, Erin was unable to attend classes consistently, affecting not only her academic performance but also her social and emotional wellbeing.
“I was determined to overcome my health obstacles, and it has shaped me into becoming a more empathetic and determined individual”
Despite facing many challenges, Erin has never allowed her situation to define her future. Instead, it inspired her. Driven by a deep desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, she has set her sights on a career in nursing. Her firsthand experience as a patient gave her profound appreciation for the vital role nurses play – not just in treatment, but in offering care, comfort and compassion. These values she holds close and embodies herself. Determined to reach her goal, she restructured her learning pathway by receiving tutoring through the Ronald McDonald Learning Program.
The Ronald McDonald Learning Program provides tailored education support to school-aged children recovering from illness or injury. With one-on-one tutoring from experienced teachers, the program aims to build students’ confidence and ease their transition back to school. In her final year, Erin’s tutors made a significant impact on her learning and also her mental health.
“My tutors were such lovely people who both took the time to prepare themselves for our sessions and helped me to understand each task. I would not have passed year 12 without the support from the RMHC Learning Program tutors.”
– Erin
But this wasn’t the only time RMHC was able to support Erin on her journey. At the end of 2024, Erin was one of the successful recipients of the Charlie Bell Scholarship, an award that grants $5,000 to deserving young people who have had their education impacted due to an illness or injury.
“I’m forever grateful for winning the Charlie Bell Scholarship. Winning has meant I could start my Cert III in Pathology, which I’m really enjoying. The funds have also helped me to purchase scrubs.”
Although Erin has now graduated high school and is on track to pursuing a career in nursing, her medical journey continues. With no current treatment options available, she faces ongoing, often debilitating pain, and attends multiple medical appointments each week. Her dedicated medical team continues to monitor her closely, offering support every step of the way.
As always, rather than allowing her circumstances to limit her, Erin chooses to move forward with purpose and positivity. Her journey is not defined by obstacles, but by the strength she shows in overcoming them. With a clear goal, Erin continues to push forward, refusing to let medical uncertainty stand in the way of her dreams. Erin’s perspective is a testament to how resilience and belief in a brighter future can overcome even the toughest challenges.
“Just because there is not a lot of treatment available at this time doesn’t mean there never will be. The medical treatments are forever developing, and new medications, surgeries and other treatments are popping up all the time for various conditions.”
Help ensure other students like Erin can receive the support they need to continue their education. Donate today to make a difference with RMHC SEQ.
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