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IBD Scholarship Helps Students Focus On Reaching Their Goals AbbVie and Crohn’s and Colitis Canada help alleviate some financial barriers so students can concentrate on school, extracurricular activities, and causes close to their hearts. Abigail Cukier
L
eslie Hernandez wants other teens
itis Canada. “Many are actively engaged in the
“I had planned to do my master’s degree in
and young adults with inflam -
community, hoping to encourage others living
chemistry, but going through the challenges I
matory bowel disease (IBD) to be
with chronic diseases. We are proud to work
faced with colitis put into perspective what was
proud of their accomplishments
with AbbVie, on a shared commitment to ensur-
important to me. It pushed me into following my
and to recognize all that they achieve while
ing that people living with Crohn’s or colitis
passion that I had prior to chemistry, which was
living with a chronic illness.
achieve their goals. Partnerships like this are
working on the technical side of theatre," says
key to helping us provide programs that help
Hernandez. "The scholarship helped me finan-
people through all stages of their lives.”
cially to be able to do an entire 180-degree turn
“I think it’s really important to acknowledge how far you’ve come, even if it feels like a small step. For someone with a chronic
Alison Shore, Director of Patient Experi-
in my career. It took a weight off my shoulders.”
illness with no cure, it truly is a huge achieve -
ence at AbbVie, points out that IBD is most
Hernandez adds that the scholarship's impact
ment to even get out of bed some mornings,”
often diagnosed in those between the ages of
reached beyond economic benefits. “Applying
Hernandez says. This is why she encourages
15 and 30, right when they are pursuing their
for the scholarship gave me a better perspective,"
students to apply for Crohn’s and Colitis Can-
education or starting careers. “There is enough
she says. "I have disadvantages, but that’s OK.
ada’s AbbVie IBD Scholarship. “I think the best
pressure as a student. Living with a chronic dis-
Being able to reflect on my experiences helped
way you can inspire people is by sharing your
ease adds another complicated layer,” she says.
me feel more connected, that there were other
story, and sharing your story is one of the brav-
“In addition, financial concerns often cause
people going through a similar journey. I felt
est things you can do,” she says.
stress and we know that stress can exacerbate
validated that I’m not alone in my experien-
Hernandez discouraged herself from
IBD. Providing the scholarship can alleviate
ces and that I am actually doing better than I
applying for the scholarship for many years
some of the financial burden and remove some
thought.”
because she thought she wouldn’t win. She
of the stress, which ultimately allows students
finally applied and was one of 10 recipients of
to aim higher and pursue their dreams.”
the award in 2017.
Shore says that the scholarships also help the
The AbbVie IBD Scholarship Program, in
broader IBD community, as nearly half of recipi-
partnership with Crohn’s and Colitis Canada,
ents are still involved as volunteers or advocates
awards $5,000 scholarships to 10 students
on behalf of others living with IBD. “While each
living with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
scholarship benefits one student, their continued
who are attending a Canadian post-secondary
community involvement has an even greater
institution in the upcoming fall semester. The
effect in the community over time,” she says.
program, made possible with support from AbbVie Canada, helps ease financial barriers,
Giving back to the IBD community
enabling students to spend more time on their
Hernandez, for example, now sits on the selection
studies and extracurricular activities. To cele-
committee that chooses scholarship recipients.
brate the 10th anniversary of the program, 20
She has also served as president of the Windsor
recipients will receive a scholarship in 2021.
chapter of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada and has volunteered for the Gutsy Walk community event.
A shared commitment to helping people living with IBD
the University of Windsor, Hernandez gradu-
“We were inspired by the many heartfelt experi-
ated last year from the National Theatre School
ences of courage and determination received
of Canada’s Production Design and Technical
from applicants across the country,” says Lori
Arts program. She is now a production manager
Radke, President and CEO of Crohn’s and Col-
for Toronto theatre companies.
After earning her chemistry degree from
Leslie Hernandez Recipient of the 2017 AbbVie IBD Scholarship
Lori Radke President & CEO, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada
Alison Shore Director of Patient Experience, AbbVie
For more information on the AbbVie IBD Scholarship and to find out how to apply in 2022, visit ibdscholarship.ca.
This article was sponsored by AbbVie.
Strategic Account Director: Jessica Golyatov Country Manager: Nina Theodorlis Designer: Lauren Livingston Content & Production Manager: Raymond Fan Web Editor: Karthik Talwar Photo at top of page: iStock by Getty Images. Photo of Leslie Hernandez: Maxime Côté. Other photos courtesy of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada and AbbVie Canada. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve Maclean's or its editorial departments. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com.