Honoring Mary J. Szczepanski — 38 Years of Never Giving Up

(616) 791-2069
Family

My Dad

Behind every great mission is a family that believed first.

"He was the steady hand that held our family together."

This page is a tribute to the father who stood beside Mary through 38 years of Multiple Sclerosis — who showed his children what it means to love unconditionally, to show up every single day, and to never, ever give up.

His quiet strength was the foundation upon which this entire mission was built. Rick Szczepanski watched both his parents navigate the challenges of MS with dignity and devotion, and it was that example — that daily act of love — that inspired him to create something lasting in his mother's name.

Parents are often the unsung heroes of every great story. They plant the seeds of courage in their children long before those children know what courage means. This foundation exists because a father loved a mother, and a son paid attention.

"To every parent who has ever held their family together in the face of illness — this foundation is for you, too."

— Rick A. Szczepanski, Founder

Mary J. Szczepanski

"Never Give Up" MS Scholarship Foundation

1379 Kinney Ave NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49534

"We fight MS every day!"

Updated: September 2026

Our Mission

"Honoring Mary J. Szczepanski — 38 years of Never Giving Up."

This foundation was built by a son who watched his mother face Multiple Sclerosis with grace and courage every single day. It is sustained by parents, students, teachers, and donors who believe that love — when turned into action — can change the world.

Every scholarship awarded, every dollar raised, every student who stands up and says "I will fight this disease" — that is Mary's legacy living on.

Founded

1997 — Grand Rapids, Michigan

In honor of Mary J. Szczepanski

Copyright © 2026 Mary J. Szczepanski MS Scholarship Foundation — All Rights Reserved.

Made with for Mary