TOPP Foundation Awarded 2025 Scholarships to Students Living with Type One Diabetes

The TOPP Foundation proudly announces its 2025 Higher Education Scholarship recipients—three exceptional high school graduates living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) who exemplify academic excellence, community involvement, and unwavering resilience.

This year’s awardees have not only excelled in their studies but have also shown remarkable strength in managing the daily challenges of T1D. Each recipient will receive $500 to support their college tuition. While modest in amount, the scholarship is rich in meaning—reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to honoring resilience and investing in the futures of young adults navigating chronic illness.

2025 TOPP Foundation Higher Education Awardees

• Riley Williams, Sellersville, PA – Diagnosed at age 15, Riley graduated from Pennridge High School and will study finance at Auburn University.
• James Rutenberg, Doylestown, PA – Diagnosed at age 5, James graduated from Central Bucks West High School and will attend Arcadia University to pursue business.
• Erica Zhao, Philadelphia, PA – Diagnosed at age 14, Erica graduated from Central High School and will study biology at Drexel University.

“Living with T1D isn’t easy. These students meet daily challenges with strength and determination, and they don’t let T1D stop them from chasing their dreams,” said Christine Gunsiorowski, Co-founder and President of the TOPP Foundation. “We’re proud to honor their resilience as they take this exciting next step into college.”

Scholarship Details

The TOPP Higher Education Scholarship is open to high school seniors residing in Bucks, Montgomery, or Philadelphia counties. It recognizes students living with T1D who are pursuing post-secondary education and have demonstrated academic achievement and personal resilience.

About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

Type 1 Diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Unlike Type 2 Diabetes, it has no known cure and requires lifelong management through insulin therapy, blood glucose monitoring, and daily decision-making. For those living with T1D, every meal, activity, and moment demands vigilance—and strength.

About the TOPP Foundation

Founded in 2016, the Type One Parent Project (TOPP) Foundation supports local families affected by Type 1 Diabetes—a life-altering condition that requires constant care and courage. Through research funding and scholarships for diabetes camps and higher education, TOPP uplifts youth navigating T1D. To date, the Foundation has donated over $180,500 to research and awarded 58 scholarships—43 for camp programs and 15 for college-bound students.

How to Contribute

Every donation helps young people living with T1D. To support TOPP’s scholarship programs and honor resilience in action, visit www.toppfoundation.org or contact Christine at christine@toppfund.org. Donations can also be mailed to: PO Box 622, Furlong, PA 18925