Four British Columbia students awarded 2010 UCBeyond Scholarship

How would you define empowerment and inspiration when faced with a chronic illness?

For four students from British Columbia, their stories of perseverance in pursuing their hopes and dreams despite their illnesses is why they have been awarded $5,000 CAN each as the 2010 recipients of the UCBeyond Scholarship. Of the over 300 students who applied to the 2010 UCBeyond Scholarship Program including 40 from British Columbia, these four students stood out by rising above and beyond the limitations of their disease in spectacular ways such as traveling to impoverished countries to help malnourished children, volunteering with various organizations to help nurture the sick back to health and acting as an inspiration to others with similar illnesses through mentoring and education.

Annie Boivin, an architect student from the University of British Columbia, and a recipient of one of the eight 2010 UCBeyond Rheumatoid Arthritis Scholarships, has used her passion and ability in architecture to help create unique ways and structures to keep arthritis patients mobile. "As a person living with rheumatoid arthritis for most of my life, I understand the unique challenges we face in terms of mobility and functionality," says Annie. "That is why I have strived to combine my education with my personal experiences to make this country a better place for those of us who live with physical limitations."

Kate Mitchell is an aspiring teacher, Bachelor of Arts student, poet and one of eight recipients of the 2010 UCBeyond Crohn's Disease Scholarship. Kate is also a mentor. She volunteers her time at BC Children's Hospital where she helped develop Upopolis, an online network designed to foster understanding, compassion and discussion between patients. Kate also volunteers at Burnaby Secondary School as a peer tutor and at Zajac Ranch for Sick Kids helping kids overcome their health challenges. "My goal is to be an inspirational teacher with a clear vision of inclusion for those with challenges and build a successful community," shares Kate. "Despite the obstacles my IBD presents me, nothing will stand in the way of my dreams."

The UCBeyond Scholarship 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, along with two letters of personal recommendation. The recipients were hand selected by an independent committee of leading physicians and patient representatives from across Canada.

"On behalf of all members of both selection committees, we would like to thank all applicants for sharing their stories of courage and strength with us and extend sincere congratulations to the 16 UCBeyond Scholarship recipients," say Dr. Michel Zummer, Head of Rheumatology, CH Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Associate Professor, Université de Montréal and chair of the UCBeyond Rheumatoid Arthritis Scholarship selection committee and Dr. Remo Panaccione, Associate Professor and Director, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic, University of Calgary and chair of the UCBeyond Crohn's Disease Scholarship selection committee. "Programs such as the UCBeyond Scholarship Program encourage our young patients to reach their full potential and aspire to achieve academic excellence and personal success, while also shedding light on the daily challenges they must overcome to achieve these grand accomplishments."

"We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the hundreds of students who shared their personal experiences with us through the 2010 UCBeyond Scholarship Program," says Sheila Frame, General Manager of UCB Canada Inc. "We are honoured to help these students pursue their dreams of a post-secondary education and have full confidence we are funding the future stars of this country. Together, we can help to educate the public about the barriers facing students with chronic illness and empower others to surpass their physical limitations to achieve their aspirations."

Partners of the 2010 UCBeyond Scholarship Program included The Arthritis Society, Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance (CAPA), JointHealth(TM), the Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA), the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation (CDHF) and the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC).