2011 UCB Crohn's and Me Scholarship™ Winners Announced

ATLANTA, Nov. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- UCB, Inc., a leading biopharmaceutical company at the forefront of immunology treatments and research, announced the 30 recipients of the 2011 UCB Crohn's and Me Scholarship.  This scholarship recognizes outstanding individuals from across the country who are pursuing higher education as part of their efforts to live beyond the limitations of Crohn's disease.

"UCB is committed to making a difference in the lives of people affected by Crohn's disease," said Sue Curro, Vice President, Patient Solutions, UCB, Inc.  "At UCB, we consider it a privilege to provide assistance to individuals using education to live more fully outside the limitations of Crohn's disease."  

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic disorder that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, most commonly affecting the small intestine and/or the large intestine. If not effectively treated, it may result in the need for surgery and hospitalization.  CD has been estimated to affect as many as half a million Americans. People with CD can experience an ongoing cycle of flare-up and remission throughout their lives.

With over 800 applicants, UCB awarded scholarships to 30 people living with CD.  The winners were selected not only for their personal excellence and commitment to their communities, but also for their demonstrated determination to live beyond the boundaries of CD, as shown in their applications, letters of recommendation and personal essays.  Each recipient will receive a scholarship worth up to $10,000 for tuition at colleges, graduate schools and technical schools across the country. 

This year's recipients will be honored on UCB's Crohn's and Me website.  To see photos and quotes from the 2011 recipients, and to learn more about the UCB Crohn's and Me Scholarship please go to www.CrohnsAndMe.com/crohns-scholarship/.

30 Winners, 30 Unique Stories

The winners of the 2011 UCB Crohn's and Me Scholarship Program have all overcome significant challenges and achieved impressive accomplishments. Among them are:

• Maggie Baldwin, a committed volunteer and supporter of people with CD, whose YouTube channel, "LetsTalkIBD," sends compassion across the blogosphere. 
• Nicholas Blackburn, an honor student and top fundraiser for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, who plans to bank on his money-making skills in business school and become the next big super-investor.
• Sarah Blahovec, a dedicated violinist and recipient of the Girl Scout Gold award whose CD inspires her to aim high in all of her endeavors.
• Emily Evers, a long-time nature lover who uses her passion for healthcare to help the CD community while working to protect the environment. 
• Kelly Farmer, a graphic designer and committed Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America volunteer, who used CD to push forward and allow her "dreams to do the driving."
• Kaitlin Fincher, a women's health advocate committed to public health issues, who is currently writing a self-help book to inspire women with CD to live the best life possible.
• Julian Hartzell, an avid athlete and member of the Leadership Camper program at the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America's Camp Oasis, who is studying Biomedical Science in the hopes of using his knowledge and understanding of CD to make a better life for those living with the condition.
• Hannah Martin, a world-traveler and science graduate student who combines her communications skills and first-hand experience with CD to help people recently diagnosed with chronic conditions understand how mental health can affect their illness.
• Marissa Steen, a lifelong student of childhood development, whose CD diagnosis at a young age helped her to discover her passion for public health and community health education.
• Shayna Swick, a devoted volunteer for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America and advocate for increased research and funding for CD, who plans to become a healthcare professional for hospitalized children.

Additional Winners and Their Selected Learning Institution:

About Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic, progressive, destructive disorder that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, most commonly at the end of the small intestine (the ileum) and beginning of the large intestine (the colon). If not effectively treated, it may result in the need for surgery and hospitalization. CD has been estimated to affect as many as half a million Americans. People with CD can experience an ongoing cycle of flare-up and remission throughout their lives.

For Further Information:
Andrea Levin, Senior PR Manager, US Communications and Public Relations
T (770) 970-8352, [email protected]

About UCB
UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb-usa.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system.  With more than 8,500 people in more than 40 countries, the company generated revenue of euro 3.2 billion in 2010. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB). 

Forward-looking statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current plans, estimates and beliefs of management.  Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those that may be implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this press release.  Important factors that could result in such differences include: changes in general economic, business and competitive conditions, effects of future judicial decisions, changes in regulation, exchange rate fluctuations and hiring and retention of its employees.

SOURCE UCB, Inc.