Following his passing, Sherry doubled her community involvement and philanthropic efforts. She became a founding volunteer of the Florida Chapter’s “Next Chapter” program, a social renewal group for those who have lost a spouse to ALS, with a special emphasis on raising awareness of the unique struggles that caregivers face during a loved one’s battle with a terminal illness. A lifelong learner and educator herself, Sherry was especially eager to assist others in achieving their dreams by expanding their educational opportunities. To this end, she established several scholarships, including the ALS Medical Futures Scholarship in 2013. Sadly, Sherry succumbed to her own battle with cancer in 2014, but not before leaving an indelible imprint on the philanthropic community of Jacksonville.
Today, Rick and Sherry’s three children and eight grandchildren keep their philanthropic spirit alive through numerous causes and scholarships. They are proud to continue this scholarship, now named The Rick and Sherry Murray Medical Futures Scholarship, which is designed to help the spouses, children, and grandchildren of those who are living with ALS or have lost their battle, and whose lives have been changed as a result of that experience - thus impacting their decisions to enter the medical field as a way of making a difference for future patients of any disease.
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THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2023.
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The Rick and Sherry Murray Medical Futures Scholarship is for students who have or have had a close family member such as a spouse, parent or guardian, child or grandparent diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, and who want to pursue a degree in the medical profession as a result of their experience. Applicants must be:
- A close relative of a person who has been diagnosed with ALS. (Families of every tradition will be considered).
- A legal resident of Florida.
- Currently majoring in any medically-related or social work degree or attending any medically-related certification programs.
- Any age of student may apply - scholarships are not restricted to graduating high school seniors, high school graduates or current undergraduates.
- Applicants must attend or be accepted to school full-time (as defined by the educational institution) at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university, or vocational-technical school located in the U.S.
All interested students must complete an application and submit it by mail or email along with a current, complete official transcript of grades (Grade reports are not acceptable. Official transcripts must display student name, school name, degree program, grade and credit hours earned for each course, and term in which each course was taken.), a 500-word essay describing how the student’s experience with ALS has impacted him/her and his/her decision to enter the medical or social work field, and two (2) letters of recommendation. Other requirements are listed on the application.
For questions or inquiries regarding the Murray Scholarship Application please email send an email to Jackie Kouri-Mathews at jackie.kouri-mathews@als.org
See also:
The Jane Calmes ALS Scholarship Fund
