Age: 18
High School: Wildwood Catholic High School
Hometown: North Wildwood
Parents: Michelle and Mark Rucci
Community/school activities: Student Council, theater, WCHS Ambassador, eucharistic minister, retreat leader, after-school tutor; volunteer at Wildwood Boardwalk Basketball Classic, Order of Hibernians, the Cape May County Special Services Dinner, and the Love of Linda Cancer Fund; donor and activist for the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
Post-high school plans: Attend the University of Virginia and double major in film and media studies and Spanish; also considering a law degree
Career goals: Broadcaster or court lawyer
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Micah Rucci is a senior at Wildwood Catholic and the president of student council. He learned how to pick up extra responsibilities at a young age after his mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He has a 4.0 GPA at Wildwood Catholic and was accepted to the University of Virginia. He has organized fundraisers for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and will join 50 friends on the Ocean City Boardwalk earlier in May for the Multiple Sclerosis walk.
How do you think your mother’s diagnosis changed your life?
It’s been tough. We sometimes think of what things would have been like had she not had this, but we really think it’s shaped the whole family to be stronger and closer. You just realize that life is tough sometimes and roll with the punches.
What have your parents taught you going through this?
My mother has taught me about strength and perseverance with the way she deals with this all of the time. My dad has been amazing, and made sure my siblings and I always knew that we had to help out with extra things around the house.
What are your plans at the University of Virginia?
I am going to double major in film and media studies and Spanish and hope to get into broadcast journalism for my career. I’m also considering getting a law degree and being a court lawyer representing people in disability cases. There are so many buildings where there aren’t access ramps or have bathrooms that have disability equipment. You don’t really notice that stuff until you live through it with someone who has a disability.
— John DeRosier
