At first, I thought my illness was the flu or maybe the dreaded norovirus—nothing out of the ordinary for a college student. But I was in for a rude awakening. Little did I know my symptoms were actually the beginning of an entirely new life challenge I was totally unprepared for.

I found out one year ago these developing symptoms were actually ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes bleeding in the digestive tract. I was in the middle of a severe flare-up, meaning the inflammation had suddenly worsened, causing me serious pain.

The positive impact of the Blavin Scholars Program is unquestionable to donors Paul and Amy Blavin. Stepping back from the support it provides for 37 students who have experienced foster care in their life, they see a broader goal. 

“It’s the American dream personified,” Paul Blavin said.  

This article is part of the Daily's ongoing coverage of the Mackinac Policy Conference. Follow staff reporter Kevin Biglin on Twitter and check the site for more updates.

Mackinac Island, MI – U.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell (D–Mich.), Brenda Lawrence (D–Mich.), Dave Trott (R–Mich.) and Fred Upton (R–Mich.) gathered Thursday afternoon at the Mackinac Policy Conference to discuss key issues both federal and statewide and the bipartisan solutions they use to encourage Michigan’s growth.

This article is part of the Daily's ongoing coverage of the Mackinac Policy Conference. Follow staff reporter Kevin Biglin on Twitter and check the site for more updates.

In his Wednesday evening keynote address at the Mackinac Policy Conference, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan talked about housing history in Detroit and about his new urban planning strategy, which aims to spread affordable housing units across all areas of the city.