Leading the Way
The 2016 UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program™ honored 40 star students with financial assistance toward their academic goals. Meet four of them here, and get inspired by their achievements.
Pictured, from left to right: Emily R., and Lexi H.
Name: Cole P.
Study: Psychology
School: Texas Tech University
Accomplishments: Camp Spike ’n’ Wave counselor; Teens Speak Up! participant 2015; Cook Children’s Hospital 2016 Youth Advisor of the Year
Words to live by: “Struggles are momentary, but the impact you make on others is permanent.”
Name: Emily R.
Study: Masters of Social Work, Disability Studies in Public Health
School: University of Connecticut
Accomplishments: Participated in Connecticut’s first Epilepsy Advocacy Day in 2016; Think Positive Gala volunteer; launched support group for teens and young adults with epilepsy; Project UPLIFT co-facilitator
Words to live by: “Do not let fear prevent you from following your dreams. There is a way; you just have to find it.”
Name: Lexi H.
Study: Nursing
School: College of Coastal Georgia
Accomplishments: Teens Speak Up! participant; Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher participant; Epilepsy Foundation Kansas City annual 5K organizer/participant; captain of high school volleyball and swim teams
Words to live by: “Stay positive through everything and talk to your friends and family. Support networks are an important part of keeping a positive outlook.”
Name: José A.
Study: Medical Interpreter
School: Eastfield College
Accomplishments: Created a video to encourage teenage patients with epilepsy; member of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America
Words to live by: “Always look for resources in your community to advocate for yourself. With today’s technology and outstanding medical treatments, you may find better control of your seizures.”
Leading Scholars
This year, in addition to the $5,000 scholarship awards, the program awarded two recipients the new Epilepsy Leader Scholarship in the amount of $10,000 each, in honor of the late Sandra Helmers, M.D., M.P.H., and the late John M. Pellock, M.D., who died earlier this year. Both specialists were leaders within their fields of epilepsy research and treatment. Pellock was also a founding member of the UCB Family Scholarship selection committee.
This year’s winners, Emily R. and José A., were selected for exemplifying attributes that Helmers and Pellock were known for: a passion for advocacy, service to others and a persevering spirit.
UCB Epilepsy Scholarship
Since 2005, the UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program™ has awarded more than 380 scholarships totaling more than $1.9 million. The program offers educational scholarships to people living with epilepsy, as well as family members and caregivers who demonstrate academic and personal achievement. To apply, visit ucbepilepsyscholarship.com.
Originally printed in EpilepsyAdvocate, Winter 2016
