Scholarship Program Helps Epilepsy Patients Broaden Their Horizons

Furthering one's education can be an exciting yet daunting task, from deciding on schools and course loads to determining how to pay for tuition. For people dealing with the challenges of epilepsy, both from a patient and a caregiver perspective, these decisions can be even more complex and may involve compromises in the quality and/or timing of one's education. Epilepsy often has a significant impact on quality of life, robbing people of their independence and self-esteem. In addition to medical treatment, epilepsy patients often benefit from emotional and physical support as they overcome the challenges of living with this disease in order to fulfill their dreams.

Now epilepsy patients, their family members and caregivers can take advantage of an important scholarship program developed by UCB, Inc., a global biopharmaceutical leader, committed to being "The Epilepsy Company" through its research and development of support programs that enrich the lives of the epilepsy community.

The Keppra® Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program™ provides financial support not only to epilepsy patients but also to family members and their caregivers who demonstrate academic and personal achievement. Through the scholarship program, UCB hopes to encourage those who are affected by epilepsy to continue their education despite the day-to-day challenges that epilepsy poses.

For example, Dana Smith of Muscle Shoals, Ala., received a Keppra® Family Epilepsy Scholarship™. It has helped ease the financial burden for Dana to attend the University of Alabama, where she is currently in her third year majoring in management information systems.

"Seizures may be my life trial, but I don't let them interfere with my dreams," said Dana. "Attending college and starting a career are dreams I am determined to fulfill, thanks to the support from UCB."

"At UCB, we believe that controlling epilepsy is far more than reducing seizures; it's about helping people live fuller lives by giving them the emotional, social and physical support they need to live life on their terms," said Rich Denness, Vice President and General Manager, CNS Business Unit, UCB, Inc. "The winners are an inspiration to all of us. We hope that this program will continue to help people touched by epilepsy achieve their goals and aspirations."

In 2007, UCB, Inc. will present $5,000 scholarships to 20 epilepsy patients and 10 family members or caregivers of epilepsy patients.

By: Stacey Moore

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Visit www.keppra.com for scholarship entry forms, 2007 scholarship criteria and important Keppra® information. Dana Smith, a scholarship recipient, on campus at the University of Alabama.