Martinez residents Phil and Carol Hendrickson lost their son, Michael, when he died Dec. 1. They are trying to keep his memory alive in a way that will benefit others.
The Hendricksons have launched the Michael J. Hendrickson Academic Support Fund, a University of Georgia scholarship fund for students in its recreation and leisure studies program.
Michael Hendrickson, a recreation and leisure studies major at Georgia who had lined up an internship at Mistletoe State Park, was weeks shy of graduation when he died of meningococcal disease at age 23.
Meningococcal disease is a rare, and potentially fatal, bacterial infection that can cause meningitis -- a severe swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord -- or sepsis, a blood infection that claimed the Georgia student's life.
The Hendricksons need to raise at least $25,000 in the next five years to establish the fund.
"I'd just like to see people open up their hearts to this and give to the fund," Mr. Hendrickson said. "It's going to mean a lot to somebody five years from now."
The scholarship will finance tuition and living expenses for an individual student. The fund also will underwrite field trips, student conference attendance, guest speakers and other undergraduate programs in the department.
"It's a way that Michael's legacy can have a lasting impact on the entire state," said Gwynn Powell, a recreation and leisure studies associate professor.
She said Michael Hendrickson had a positive attitude and served as a mentor.
Mrs. Hendrickson, a Richmond County Health Department nurse, urged college students to get a meningococcal vaccine. Studies indicate that cases affecting college students occur more frequently among those who live in dormitories.
She said her son, who transferred to the university as a junior from Georgia Military College, did not get the vaccine because he never lived in a dorm.
She said her son enjoyed life and made friends easily. She also said he would think people were making too much of "a fuss" over him.
"He can't stop us now," she said.
Reach Betsy Gilliland at (706) 868-1222, ext. 113, or betsy.gilliland@augustachronicle.com.
HOW TO CONTRIBUTE
To make a contribution to the Michael J. Hendrickson Academic Support Fund, log on to www.coe.uga.edu. Click on Give to the COE; select Department -- Counseling & Human Development Services; select Account -- Michael J. Hendrickson Academic Support Fund.
A contribution form also can be downloaded at the Web site or requested by calling the University of Georgia Arch Foundation at (888) 268-5442.
Contributions of $1,000 or more can paid in annual payments of up to five years.
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