Honoring Mary J. Szczepanski — 38 Years of Never Giving Up
(616) 791-2069USA High School & College Students Fighting MS and Earning Scholarships
"Focused on education, awareness, and a cure for Multiple Sclerosis"
Born from a mother's courage and a family's love, this foundation has awarded scholarships and raised over $34,000 for MS research — because when parents lead with heart, their children change the world.
15th Annual National Recipient
Mary J. Szczepanski "Never Give Up" Scholarship
About Us —
Our Legacy
"This foundation was built on a mother's quiet strength — Mary J. Szczepanski, who lived with Multiple Sclerosis for 38 years and never once stopped fighting. She didn't just endure; she inspired. Her son Rick watched her face each day with grace and determination, and when she passed, he made a promise: her spirit would live on in every student who dared to say, 'I will not give up.'"
The Mary J. Szczepanski "Never Give Up" MS Scholarship Foundation is entering its 27th year of honoring that promise. Each year, we offer scholarships to seniors at Catholic Central, Covenant Christian, Kenowa Hills, and Northview High Schools in the Grand Rapids, MI area — recognizing students who creatively raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis research.
In the fall of 2008, we opened our doors to all United States high schools, and in 2010, to all U.S. universities. This extraordinary program has touched lives across the country, raising awareness for a disease that affects millions of families — including our own.
The program was developed in 1997 to honor Rick's mother, who lived with MS for 38 years. His wife, also named Mary, has been living with MS for 36 years. Two generations of love. Two Marys. One unbreakable mission.
One or two $500 scholarships are awarded at each high school — one to a male and one to a female senior who raises the most funds for MS. A beautiful engraved plaque is also presented to each winner. Nine scholarships are offered to high school students annually, and one to a college student.
All money raised by the students — over $34,000 to date — has been donated to the Accelerated Cure Project for MS research.
Rick A. Szczepanski
Founder & Director
"Parents who lead with love create children who change the world."
The motto that started it all
Never Give Up
— Mary J. Szczepanski, 1938–2009
She said those three words every single day for 38 years. They weren't just a phrase — they were a way of life. Today, thousands of students carry her words forward.
Scholarships Offered Annually
Each year, we award scholarships to students who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to raising awareness and funds for Multiple Sclerosis research. Every winner receives a $500 scholarship and a beautiful engraved plaque.
All USA High Schools
One annual college scholarship — open to every high school in America
Open to every high school student in the United States who raises the most funds for MS research.
All USA Universities
One annual college scholarship — open to every university in America
Catholic Central High School
Two annual college scholarships
Covenant Christian High School
Two annual college scholarships
Northview High School
One annual college scholarship
Michigan High Schools
One annual college scholarship awarded statewide
Each scholarship is $500 + a beautiful engraved plaque
100% of all student-raised funds are donated directly to the Accelerated Cure Project for MS research.
"Every dollar is a step closer to a cure."
Your Gift Carries
Mary's Legacy Forward
When Mary Szczepanski was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, she didn't ask for pity — she asked for purpose. For 38 years, she showed her family what it meant to live fully in the face of hardship. Her son Rick watched, learned, and eventually built something in her honor that would outlast them all.
Today, your donation directly supports student scholarships and MS research through the Accelerated Cure Project. When you give, you're not just writing a check — you're telling every student, every parent, and every person living with MS: we see you, and we will not give up.
Donations go directly to the Accelerated Cure Project for MS Research.
Join Our Mailing List
Be the first to hear about new scholarship opportunities, student success stories, and MS research breakthroughs. Join a community that refuses to give up.
Find Us on Google
Mary J. Szczepanski MS Scholarship Foundation
1379 Kinney Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534
(616) 791-2069
Hours
"We fight MS every day!"
Updated: September 2026
Contact Us / Get in Touch!
"Please feel free to contact me at any time." — Rick A. Szczepanski, Founder