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Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana
ScholarshipsDownload the 2013 Shannon O'Daniel Memorial Scholarship Application Shannon O' Daniel Memorial ScholarshipVision: 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 • Is under a physician's care for epilepsy (also called seizure disorder); 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 15, 2013Past Scholarship Recipients: 2002 Jason Buffat 2008 Emerson Dick
The Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana is pleased to announce that Lindsey Hannon of Winchester, Kentucky is the 2012 Shannon O’Daniel Memorial Scholarship recipient. Lindsey is a 2012 graduate of George Rogers Clark High School and is currently attending Eastern Kentucky University. She is studying to be a nurse, a career path chosen due to the inspiration she received from her mother, also a nurse, and from the nurses who cared for her when she was in the hospital because of her seizures. Lindsey had her first absence seizure at the age of two and was diagnosed with epilepsy a year later. As she grew, she struggled with gaining control over her seizures, eventually trying the ketogenic diet for two years and having the vagus nerve stimulator implanted while in middle school. She remembers feeling like the kid that stood out from her classmates because of her “yucky food” at lunch, but overall felt her friends were very understanding of her condition. In high school, she was devastated when she couldn’t get her driver’s license, but was comforted that her family was willing to transport her wherever she needed to go. This past April, Lindsey traveled to Washington, D.C. for the 2012 Kids Speak Up! program. While there, she visitedher congressional leaders to share her personal story as well as petition for increased funding to assure better access to care, improved public education, and more research toward a cure for epilepsy. The Foundation was proud to have her represent Kentucky. Lindsey’s seizures are now under control and she is able to drive. She enjoys playing the flue, traveling abroad, and being a part of her church. She is grateful for this opportunity and is appreciative that through the memory of Shannon O’Daniel, she can achieve her dreams. Peggy Sherrell Memorial Scholarship
About the Scholarship The Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana is now accepting applications for the 2013 Peggy Sherrell Memorial Scholarship. This one-year, $1,000 award is given to a deserving non-traditional, adult student who meets the following criteria.
Peggy Sherrell was a 46 year-old wife and mother of two adult children who died suddenly on August 28, 2010 from what was attributed to SUDEP. Peggy believed that education was extremely important and therefore, her family determined that a scholarship would be the perfect way to carry on her legacy. Her family strives to assist the Foundation in educating people on the possible effects of SUDEP. Most people with epilepsy live a full life span. However, there are potential factors associated with living with epilepsy/seizures that may increase the risk of early death. Although Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is not well understood, it is suspected to sometimes be related to heart rhythm problems during a seizure. SUDEP occurs more often among people with convulsive seizures that are not well controlled. More research is needed to fully understand what causes SUDEP. 2012 Peggy Sherrell Memorial Scholarship Recipient Weston had his first generalized tonic-clonic seizure when he was in the 5th grade. He was then prescribed a few different medications that caused him to suffer from weight gain and moodiness. After struggling with these side effects, he was finally prescribed a medication that controlled his seizures with virtually no side effects. He soon began to have a better quality of life as well as freedom from his seizures, as long as he took his medicine. Weston feels his classmates were very understanding regarding his epilepsy. He once had a seizure at school and even though his classmates were scared of what they had seen, continued to treat him as they always had before the seizure. The entire basketball team even visited him once while he was in the hospital! Weston and has been seizure free now for several years and appreciates the support he received from family and friends during the hard times. Weston is proud and humbled to be representing Peggy with this scholarship opportunity. Congratulations Weston and best wishes in your future endeavors! Other Scholarships for Students/Families
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