Abbott Awards CFCareForward Scholarships to Two Students Living With Cystic Fibrosis Pursuing Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Oct. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) today awarded $19,000 scholarships to two exceptional students – one undergraduate and one graduate – living with cystic fibrosis (CF).  Lauren Meiss, winner of the Thriving Undergraduate Student Scholarship, and Emily Kramer-Golinkoff, winner of the Thriving Graduate Student Scholarship, were among 40 finalists living with CF who were eligible to receive the two scholarships through the CFCareForward program this year.  Lauren and Emily were chosen based on their outstanding academic achievements, community service, and artistic talent, as well as the number of votes they received during a public voting period.

"Abbott is proud to support Lauren and Emily as they pursue their goals for higher education," said Jim Hynd, divisional vice president, Metabolics, GI Care and Dyslipidemia, Abbott.  "Along with all of this year's CFCareForward Scholarship recipients, these students are an inspiration to others living with CF, and to anyone facing a health challenge."

Earlier this year, 40 students with CF were selected from hundreds of applicants to receive $2,500 scholarships for use during the 2011-2012 academic year.  Essays, poetry, artwork and personal and academic achievements were among the elements that comprised each of the students' profiles, which were featured on the CFCareForward Scholarship website.  Members of the public used the profiles to decide which student would earn their vote to win one of two Thriving Student Scholarships.

"As a student living with CF, it's very important to me to express my talents, enjoy life, and show others what's possible," said Phoenix, AZ native and Thriving Undergraduate Student Scholarship recipient, Lauren Meiss.  "The financial support from the CFCareForward Scholarship program will be a huge weight lifted from my shoulders and will help me enjoy my college years as well as allow me to look forward to graduate school."

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.  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.

In past years, the Thriving Student Scholarship was awarded to only one of the 40 Scholarship recipients.  However, recognizing the growing number of students living with CF who are pursuing post-graduate studies, such as medical school, law school and overall graduate-level studies, Abbott enhanced the CFCareForward Scholarship program this year by adding a second scholarship, specifically for graduate students.

"Pursing a graduate degree in bioethics has given me even more motivation to stay as healthy as possible so I can achieve my educational and career goals," said Thriving Graduate Student Scholarship recipient, Emily Kramer-Golinkoff, of Philadelphia, PA.  "I hope my story will encourage other people with CF to always reach for their dreams, including graduate-level education, and never let CF stand in the way."

In addition to submitting their academic and community service achievements, applicants submitted an essay and creative artwork answering the question, "What does pursuing further education mean to you?"  Submissions from all 40 Scholarship recipients, including Lauren Meiss and Emily Kramer-Golinkoff can be viewed online at www.CFCareForwardScholarship.com.

About CFCareForward Scholarship

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