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The OBCL Epilepsy Scholarship Awards
Epilepsy Ontario presented the OBCL Epilepsy Scholarship Awards helping young people living with epilepsy across Ontario continue their community or university studies. Each of the 12 winners this year received a $1000 award applicable to their 2007/2008 academic year. The scholarship award program is open to all young people between the ages of 16 and 29, who are under the care of a Canadian physician for the treatment of epilepsy.
The winners of the OBCL Scholarship Award for 2007 are: Emily Banks (London), Heather Bartok (Niagara), Jacquelin Chatterpaul (York Region), Skye Corey (London), Alex Dolan (York Region), Carolyn Harris (Windsor), Nathalie Holroyd (Durham), Nadim Sayed (Toronto), Melissa Seichter (Hamilton), Lindsay Smyth (Durham), Chelsea Tobin (Kingston) and Lynn Wilkins (Toronto).
"Part of the application process is writing a short essay on - how epilepsy has changed my life. These essays always provide us with the insight into how debilitating, complicated, stressful and in most cases life altering a diagnosis of epilepsy or seizure disorder can be for these young people" says Lawton Osler, Founder of the Scholarship, member of the review committee and member of the Board of Directors of Epilepsy Ontario.
"It is true that many of the essays begin with outlining the difficulties these young people face, but most, if not all, end with very powerful statements of valuable lessons learned about coping, dealing with difficulties, appreciating what they have and how we can all learn to overcome... and even prosper from adverse conditions in our lives." Osler continues, "It is overwhelmingly touching to see the positive attitude and determination of these young adults."
Dianna Findlay, Executive Director of Epilepsy Ontario says, "These young people have learned to cope and deal effectively with their disorder. Many of our provincial programs and services strive to help people become more accepting of their seizure disorder as well as helping to create a more accepting society. We do this through education, awareness, information and advocacy."
A special presentation took place on March 30th at the Dean's Conference room, Medical Sciences Building, University of Toronto.
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