UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship™ Announces 2011 Recipients

ATLANTA, Nov. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- UCB, Inc. today announced 40 recipients of the 2011 UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship, recognizing outstanding individuals from across the country who are pursuing higher education as part of their efforts to live beyond the limitations posed by epilepsy.  Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition affecting approximately three million people in the U.S. and 40 million people worldwide.  

"We appreciate the paramount value and importance of education and we are excited to have the unique opportunity to help these motivated and outstanding individuals get one step closer to making their academic dreams come true," said Sue Curro, Vice President and Senior Global Project Leader-Patient Solutions, UCB, Inc.  

Over the past seven years, UCB has awarded nearly 300 scholarships, totaling over $1 million, to people whose lives have been directly affected by epilepsy, including those living with epilepsy and their family members.

UCB selected this year's 40 recipients from 800 applications based on their personal excellence, community achievements and determination to overcome seizures that interrupt daily life.  Each recipient will receive a scholarship worth up to $5,000 for tuition at colleges, graduate schools and technical schools across the country.  

40 Recipients, 40 Unique Stories

The recipients of the 2011 UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship have overcome personal challenges in order to achieve impressive accomplishments. Among them are:

• Connor Doran is a role model for those living with epilepsy.  After making it to the semifinals of Season 5 of "America's Got Talent" for indoor kite-flying, Connor appeared in Epilepsy USA magazine and was the keynote speaker at San Diego Epilepsy Day.

• Meghan Frey, who lives with epilepsy and Type I Diabetes, is a volleyball player and advocate for Kids Speak Up, which enables adolescents with epilepsy to petition Congress for aid in epilepsy care, education and research.  She currently attends Muskingum University, where she is studying to become a special education teacher. 

• Claire Kennedy earned letters in soccer and lacrosse, while still managing the challenges of living with epilepsy.  At the University of Idaho, she is part of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority.  She is also the Idaho's Speak Up, Speak Out representative.

• Stephanie Ledwig manages to live with epilepsy and fulfill her dream of teaching dance to children.  Additionally, she volunteers at the Epilepsy Foundation and is the president of the National Christian Honor Society.

• Aleisha Downing overcomes the boundaries of epilepsy every day.  She was the Valedictorian of her high school's graduating class, and in addition she was assistant color guard captain, an orchestra soloist and ceramics contest winner.

Additional Recipients and Their Selected Learning Institution:

2012 Scholarship Applications Will Soon Be Available

The 2012 UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program applications will soon be available.  For more information about the program, and to check for updates on next year's Epilepsy Scholarship Program please go to www.EpilepsyAdvocate.com.

UCB offers support to people living with chronic diseases, along with their families and friends, through a broad range of programs that foster independence and empowerment. The UCB Family Scholarship Program™ is just one such program; for information on others, visit www.UCB-usa.com/patients/.

About Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder affecting approximately 40 million people worldwide and three million people in the U.S.—making it as common as breast cancer.  Anyone can develop epilepsy; it occurs across all ages, races and genders.  Uncontrolled seizures and medication side effects pose challenges to independent living, learning and employment, so the goal of epilepsy treatment is seizure freedom with minimal side effects.  More than 1 million patients in the U.S. continue to have seizures despite initial therapy, and more than 800,000 patients in the U.S. continue to have seizures despite treatment with two or more therapies.  New medications and treatments give hope to those living with uncontrolled seizures.(1,2)

For Further Information:
Andrea Levin, Senior PR Manager, US Communications and Public Relations
T +1 770 970 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 about 40 countries, the company generated revenue of EUR 3.2 billion in 2010. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB).

For further information on UCB products, please visit www.UCB.com.

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.

(1) http://epilepsyfoundation.org/aboutepilepsy/

(2) http://epilepsyfoundation.org/aboutepilepsy/treatment/index.cfm

SOURCE UCB, Inc.