We applaud Angela Holeman for earning a certified nurse’s aide diploma despite adversity from a rare condition that affects the brain.

Holeman is one of 10,000 Americans with a condition called Arnold-Chiari Malformation.

We understand how easy it would be for the single mother of three to give up on her dream of becoming a nurse, but her passion drove her to success.

A resident of Pretlow Gardens, she earned the diploma through a program offered to help Franklin Redevelopment and Housing Authority residents get an education.

Holeman will begin classes on Tuesday at Paul D. Camp Community College to become a registered nurse.

We applaud Housing Authority Case Manager Laverne Copeland for working with residents like Holeman, so they can better their lives.

There are vouchers available that pay for the certified nurse’s aide program at P.D. Pruden Vocational Technical Center in Suffolk.