Abbott Awards CFCareForward Scholarships to 40 Exceptional Graduate and Undergraduate Students Living with Cystic Fibrosis

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Aug. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) has awarded CFCareForward Scholarships totaling $100,000 to 40 undergraduate and graduate students living with cystic fibrosis (CF) for use during the 2011-2012 academic year.  Distinguished undergraduate and graduate recipients alike were selected to receive a $2,500 scholarship based on their academic records, creativity and ability to serve as role models in their community.  Starting today, through Sep. 30, these students will compete for public votes to win one of two Thriving Student Scholarships, for each level of study, for a total award of $19,000 each, in celebration of the nineteenth year of the scholarship.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States.  Thanks to tremendous advances in medical treatments, more young adults with CF are living longer, healthier lives than ever before, and increasingly are pursuing higher education.  Today, more than 45 percent of people living with CF are aged 18 or older.

"During the past 19 years, we've noticed an impressive progression in students with cystic fibrosis applying for scholarships, including some in medical school, law school and overall graduate-level studies," said Jim Hynd, divisional vice president, Metabolics, GI Care and Dyslipidemia, Abbott.  "This year Abbott is excited to expand the scholarship offering with a second award exclusively for graduate students, and we are honored to provide financial support for this stage of a student's academic career."

Please visit www.CFCareForwardScholarship.com to learn more about the 40 students' remarkable accomplishments and vote for the student you find most inspiring.  Votes will be accepted online as well as via text message and phone.  Full voting rules and more information on voting options are available on the website.  Voting will begin on Aug. 30 and continue through Sep. 30, 2011, and winners will be announced in October.  

About CFCareForwardScholarship

Recognizing the financial burdens that exist for many CF families, the CFCareForward Scholarship was developed to honor young adults with CF as they pursue goals of post-high school education.  Over the past 19 years, Abbott has awarded scholarships totaling more than $2.2 million to exceptional students with CF.  

About CFCareForward

Abbott is honored to continue the nearly 25-year commitment of helping people with CF manage their health.  The CFCareForward program provides comprehensive nutritional, educational and financial support for patients living with CF and their families.  To learn more about CFCareForward, please call 1-855-CARE4WD (227-3493).

About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics.  The company employs nearly 90,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's website at www.abbott.com.

SOURCE Abbott