Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana

Scholarships

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Shannon O' Daniel Memorial Scholarship

Vision: The recipient of the Shannon O'Daniel Memorial Scholarship should be a student who has shown courage in dealing with epilepsy and seizure, commitment to their education, and perseverance in eliminating the obstacles that epilepsy and seizures may present.

About the Scholarship

The Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana is now accepting applications for the 2008 Shannon O'Daniel Memorial Scholarship Award. The one-year $1,000 award is given to a deserving student who meets the following criteria:

• Is under a physician's care for epilepsy (also called seizure
   disorder);
• Is a college-bound high school senior;
• Lives in Kentucky (excluding Boone, Campbell, Grant and  Kenton
  counties) or lives in Clark, Floyd or Harrison Counties in Indiana.

Shannon O'Daniel was a senior in college and just credits away from graduating when she died from what was attributed to SUDEP (Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy). Her life was a struggle to overcome the seizures that frequently disrupted her life. She did so with a determination to achieve her dreams, one of which was receiving a college diploma. In the aftermath of her tragic death, this scholarship was created to honor Shannon's achievements. Judges will award the scholarship to the student who meets the above criteria and who best fits the scholarship's vision.

Submission Deadline:  May 1, 2008




Scholarship Recipients

2002: Jason Buffat
2003: Ashley Hester
2004: Whitney Mayo
2005: Lori Payton
2006: Elizabeth Farrar
2007: Bradley Waller
 

2007 Shannon O'Daniel Memorial Scholarship Recipient Bradley Waller

The 2007 Shannon O'Daniel Memorial Scholarship recipient is Bradley Waller of Winchester, Kentucky.  Bradley is a 2007 graduate of George Rogers Clark High School and currently attends the University of Kentucky.  He is majoring in Agricultural Biotechnology and plans to pursue a career as either a pediatrician or a neurologist.  He believes that having epilepsy will make him a better physician because he will know what his patients are going through and will be better able to empathize with them.  

Bradley was diagnosed with epilepsy during his freshman year of high school.  His biggest challenge living with epilepsy is taking it easy.  He is very active and likes to do "anything and everything" and this can be a problem for Bradley because stress and lack of sleep are triggers for his seizures.  His family is a source of inspiration to him as they have supported him through every step of the way of his disorder and continue to give him the love and guidance that he needs.

While in high school, Bradley co-founded the "Adopt a Grandfriend Foundation" which partnered students from his high school with elderly individuals at the Rosemary Seabrook Place in his hometown.  He had countless volunteer hours and was a member of the National Honor Society, the Senior Vice President for the Class Advisory and participated in several mission trips.  His other honors include an Academic Achievement Award and a Certificate of Recognition for Academic Efforts.

Bradley was chosen from 14 extremely talented applicants for the 2007 Shannon O'Daniel Scholarship Award.  When asked if there was anything he would like future applicants to know he said, "Work hard to achieve your goals, never give up and keep trying.  If you have a disorder that holds you back, try your hardest and work through it and it will pay off."  Congratulations and good luck Bradley!

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Other Scholarship Opportunities

Pfizer Epilepsy Award 2008
Amount for Student:  $3,000 (one year)
Mailed Applications Due:  (post-marked by) March 1, 2008
Review criteria and download application online:  www.epilepsy-scholarship.com

UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program
Amount for Student:  $5,000 (one time)
Amount for Family Member/Caregiver of Person with Epilepsy:  $5,000 (one time)
Applications Must be Submitted by:  May 2, 2008
Review criteria and apply Online:  www.ucbscholarship.com

 

Visit the National Epilepsy Foundation website Financial Aid: Scholarships for additional scholarship opportunities.