16 Canadian students living with chronic illness to receive UCBeyond Scholarships

16 students from across Canada named as UCBeyond Scholarship recipients

What would you do if you were faced with a chronic illness? Would you walk across Canada to raise awareness for Crohn's disease, build houses in developing countries despite physical pain or dedicate your career to educating young people living with the same disease as you?

These are just three examples of how Canadian students living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Crohn's disease went above and beyond the boundaries of their chronic illness to be awarded one of 16 UCBeyond Scholarships, valued at up to $5,000.00 CDN each.

"Living with rheumatoid arthritis will be a life-long challenge, but it has never stopped me from continuing my education," says Nirupa Varatharasan, 23, from Toronto, ON, one of eight 2009 UCBeyond RA Scholarship recipients. "The fact that a scholarship exists for students like me is a great thing. I have many years of school ahead to reach my goal of becoming a medical professional and the assistance provided by UCB Canada will definitely help to ease the financial burden."

Kyle Steward, 18, from Oakville, ON, and a recipient of the 2009 UCBeyond Crohn's Disease Scholarship, has used a different method to help him overcome the barriers of his disease. "Crohn's disease is not a topic that is widely discussed in Canadian society because of the taboo nature of the symptoms. As a result, Crohn's is often dismissed and ignored. By speaking to others about the daily challenges I have to face, it not only allows them to understand my barriers, but it helps me go above and beyond them, as well."

Scholarship recipients were chosen by an independent selection committee of leading physicians, nurses and patient representatives from across Canada. The applicants were evaluated based on a one-page essay demonstrating how they have gone beyond the boundaries of their disease, exhibited perseverance and empowered others, as well as two letters of personal recommendation.

"On behalf of all members of both selection committees, I would like to extend sincere congratulations to the 16 UCBeyond Scholarship recipients," says Dr. Richard Fedorak, Professor and Director, Division of Gastroenterology at the University of Alberta, President of the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation and chairperson of the Crohn's Disease selection committee. "Through programs like this, we can help to educate the public about the barriers facing students with chronic illness and empower our young patients to surpass their physical limitations to achieve academic excellence and personal success."

"We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2009 UCBeyond Scholarship Programs and wish to thank the hundreds of students who shared their stories of courage and strength," says Anne de Cassini, General Manager of UCB Canada. "This year's recipients truly define what it means to live above and beyond a chronic illness as they diligently work to raise awareness in their communities and aspire to reach their full potential. We are honoured to help them pursue their dream of a post-secondary education."

Source: UCB PHARMA CANADA

Source: UCBEYOND SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAMS