To honour the memory of James Kreppner, the Canadian Hemophilia Society Scholarship and Bursary Program will be renamed the CHS James Kreppner Memorial Scholarship and Bursary Program. James was a lawyer, long-time volunteer, member of the CHS Board of Directors and a highly respected, articulate and exemplary activist, who passed away this year due to complications related to HIV and hepatitis C.
At the young age of 29, James was forced to retire as a lawyer due to health issues but went on to use his legal skills to become a leader in advocating for a federal Commission of Inquiry on the Blood System in Canada, reform of the blood system, compensation for those infected, and access to HIV and hepatitis C therapies and clinical trials.
The James Kreppner Memorial Scholarship and Bursary Program will be an on-going tribute to James’ dedication, intelligence and commitment to the CHS and community service.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Deidre AllabyWoodstock, New Brunswick
I graduated from Woodstock High School in New Brunswick in the class of 2009 with high honours. I am now attending post-secondary education at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. I have been accepted to the Bachelor of Science program to study the prerequisite courses for pharmacy school. I have been personally affected by hemophilia as my father, the late Peter Allaby, had the bleeding disorder. Therefore, my two younger sisters, Jarika and Miranda, and I are all carriers of hemophilia. My father contracted HIV through tainted blood products in the 80's and passed away when I was 14 years old. I plan to some day work in the medical field and become a pharmacist. I am honoured to receive the 2009 CHS scholarship and some day plan to give back to the Hemophilia Society.
Jeremy HallSt. Paul, AlbertaThroughout my life, I have experienced several challenges which I’ve had to overcome. I developed inhibitors at a very young age therefore the severity and frequency of bleeds in my knees and ankles forced me into a wheelchair for three years. Under the guidance of Dr. John Akabutu, I began immune tolerance at the age of 10, infusing large doses of factor VIII daily. I also underwent countless sessions of physiotherapy in an attempt to re-strengthen my legs. As a result of this I am once again able to walk with the help of full leg braces. To help me take charge of my condition, I learned to self-infuse when I was 12. My independence was admired by the hematology team and I was thus invited to help train other young hemophiliacs to self-infuse. I feel it is important to help others dealing with similar issues.
All of these obstacles that I’ve had to fight through have taught me certain lessons which will stay with me for the remainder of my life. I am now much more focused on my academic studies and the goals that I have set forth for myself. Most of my time is spent doing schoolwork and exercising; though I also ensure that I have time to spend socializing with my friends. I intend to acquire a degree in an engineering field allowing me to continue living within the province of Alberta. At the moment, I am not certain which field I would like to enter; however, two that interest me are chemical and biomedical. A degree in either of these would allow me to work towards developing improved methods of treatment for children living with hemophilia.
Bojan PirnatWinnipeg, Manitoba
I’m a mild hemophiliac dedicated to involvement in the Canadian Hemophilia Society (CHS), my community, and achieving academic excellence. Over the next year I will be sitting on the Board of Directors for the Manitoba chapter of the CHS, continue my position as junior editor of the chapter newsletter, act as co-chair of the youth committee, and continue my role as Manitoba’s youth representative to the CHS National Youth Committee. I will also be entering my third year of involvement with the Youth Parliament of Manitoba as Registrar General for the organization. This September I will begin undergraduate studies at the University of Winnipeg in pursuit of a BA with aspirations to a doctorate or enrolment in law school. None of this would have been possible without the generosity of the Canadian Hemophilia Society and I hope that the potential they see in me will be reflected in my achievements and involvement in the society.
Meredyth SchofieldScarborough, Ontario
I recently graduated from R. H. King Academy as an Ontario Scholar. In the fall, I will be attending University of Toronto to specialize in history. I have always been passionate about local history, and received the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Youth Achievement for my work towards preserving local heritage. I am eager to continue my education and pursue a career in my chosen field. Having a platelet secretion defect reminds me and my family that life is precious which encourages me to follow my heart and take risks. I would like to thank the Hemophilia Society for assisting me in following my dreams.
CHS BURSARY RECIPIENTS
Amy GriffithMississauga, OntarioMy name is Amy Griffith and when I was diagnosed with Type 2A von Willebrand disease I was five years of age. I am now twenty years old and though my life has transformed dramatically with my experiences from my disease, I have never let it stop me from believing that I can do absolutely anything. I am actively involved in sports that I love and am working hard in my university studies toward a career in teaching that I know will make me happy.
Currently, I am a third year undergraduate student at Wilfrid Laurier University, Brantford campus. I am in an Honours program for Contemporary Studies in Children’s Education and Development, also working towards a minor in English. This program focuses on child development, psyche, care and education, and is a dual degree with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education.
My career objectives upon graduating from university are to apply to complete my Bachelor of Education at another facility, and then eventually become a certified teacher, teaching at the primary-junior level, preferably with kindergarten children. My teachable will be English in the event that I am placed at a higher teaching level. I am also considering obtaining a degree that allows me to work with special needs children, specifically those with mental disabilities.
I struggled for a very long time with my post-secondary education options, and after spending the best summers of my life on staff at YMCA Wanakita, the feeling that I got having made a difference in my campers’ lives, helping them to become stronger, more confident individuals, confirmed my notion that children needed to be a part of my life, and my career. The kids that I came into contact with changed dramatically over the duration of time that I spent with them and it was overwhelming to have been a part of that change. My time on staff has shown me just how important children are to me, that I want to continue to help them grow, and with the power I hope to have as a teacher, I’m looking forward to doing just that.
Erin Van DusenLower Sackville, Nova Scotia
I am completing my Bachelor of Arts at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I have always wanted to teach and after receiving my degree I plan on teaching English overseas before returning to university and beginning my Bachelor of Education.
I have been personally affected by hemophilia; I am a carrier of hemophilia B. My father, Neil Van Dusen was a hemophiliac who contracted hepatitis C through tainted blood. He passed away on August 14th, 2006 when I was 17 years old. After my father passed away I became interested in participating in the CHS Nova Scotia Chapter. I love volunteering because the parents and children are such great people and the CHS is a wonderful support system for those affected by bleeding disorders.
MATURE STUDENT BURSARY
Roland BuchananSalisbury, New BrunswickAll of my life I have been surrounded by the Military. My dad, uncles, and even my sister served our great country in uniform. So it was a natural thing for me to join the Army! I managed to serve for 18 years, until I was forced to retire for medical reasons. They discovered after multiple injuries such as fasciotomy in both thighs (I had to learn to walk 7 times in 14 years) that I had hemophilia.
The day I was told I had hemophilia changed a lot of things for me. I knew my career was over and all I could think of was how will I feed my family. You have to understand, the army is a rough and macho environment. I took great pride in everything I did, but I did a lot of it in pain the last few years. Just getting out of bed some days was brutal. So when the doctor told me what my problem was, I was upset but relieved at the same time.
Since then, I have applied for various opportunities and potential employers all seem to want a diploma, which I don’t have. I can’t do overly physical work because I beat myself up pretty good in the army, I have the smarts and experience to do anything in electronics or computers but I can’t get in the door anywhere!
The bottom line is the whole transition from military life has been a challenge to say the least! I needed help to take that next step. Going back to school for a diploma in Network Administration and Design was that step and it was made possible by our Hemophilia Family. I would like to thank the Canadian Hemophilia Society for honouring me with this bursary, I won’t let you down!
In 2009, the CHS was pleased to award $4,000 scholarships/bursaries towards studies at a recognized post-secondary educational institution to seven outstanding applicants.
The award categories are as follows:
- scholarship based on academic merit
- bursary based on financial need
- mature student bursary
The CHS would like to acknowledge the generous support of the sponsors of the 2009 Scholarship and Bursary Program. One academic scholarship and two bursaries were made possible by an educational grant from CSL Behring. Two academic scholarships, one bursary and one mature student bursary were made possible by an educational grant from Wyeth.
Please note that the mature student bursary is for students returning to or beginning a course of studies at any post secondary or vocational institution.
The program is open to Canadians with hemophilia (factor VIII or IX) or another inherited bleeding disorder (such as von Willebrand disease, a rare factor deficiency or platelet function disorder), carriers, and those who contracted HIV through a blood transfusion. Spouses and children of the above mentioned people may also apply. Those who have received a CHS Scholarship or Bursary are not eligible to reapply for continued support.
Specific criteria and applications for each program have been included. Section I includes information for the scholarship and bursary programs and Section II includes information for the mature student bursary program.
All applicants will be reviewed by a committee of academics and lay persons whose decisions shall be final.
Information and additional application forms can be obtained from the CHS National Office (Toll-free at 1-800-668-2686 or e-mail at chs@hemophilia.ca), chapters and hemophilia clinics.
The deadline for submission of completed applications and supporting documents is April 30, 2010. All applications and supporting documents (except for transcripts of final grade twelve or thirteen marks) should be submitted to:
Canadian Hemophilia Society
Scholarship and Bursary Program
400-1255, University Street
Montreal, Quebec H3B 3B6
In an effort to bring young volunteers into the CHS, and in recognition that a sound education is of utmost importance (particularly for those who might not be able to succeed in a vocation requiring strenuous physical labour), the CHS offers the opportunity for those who qualify to receive a scholarship or bursary in the amount of $4,000 to attend a post-secondary institution of their choice.
General Criteria for Scholarships and Bursaries
1. Applicants must possess academic standards sufficient to allow admission into the post-secondary educational institution and program to which the scholarship or bursary would be applied.
2. Applicants must provide three (3) letters of reference with their application, none of which may be from a relative. Such letters should attest to the abilities and suitability of the candidate for the Program being applied for as well as act as a character reference for the candidate. Suitable referees might be a principal, teacher, coach, employer or clergyman. One of the letters should be related to the candidate's community service.
3. The applicant must provide a separate letter from his/her physician or some medical authority confirming their medical status regarding eligibility to this program (or that of their spouse or parent). This is in addition to the three letters of reference.
4. A demonstration of experience in community service at the volunteer level and some leadership qualities. Such experience should be indicated on the application form. As one of the goals of the CHS Scholarship and Bursary Program is to develop volunteers for the organization, particular attention will be paid to applicants whose community service includes volunteering for CHS at the national, chapter or regional levels.
5. The presentation of clear, logical thinking and adequate writing skills demonstrated in an essay of 500 words on the impact that the bleeding disorder, or HIV contracted through the blood supply, has had on the applicant's life. The essay should be type-written and submitted with the application for a scholarship.
Specific Criteria for Scholarships
As scholarships are awarded for academic merit and are generally recognized as such in both the academic and business communities, the successful applicant for the Canadian Hemophilia Society scholarship must meet the following criteria:
1. Superior academic achievement, that being an average of at least 80%, or a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, upon graduation from secondary school. Transcripts of grades must accompany the application.
Specific Criteria for Bursaries
Recognizing that not all prospective students show outstanding academic achievement in secondary school, and acknowledging the fact that some students find it extremely difficult to afford a post-secondary education, the Canadian Hemophilia Society offers a non-academic bursary to those who meet the following criteria:
1. A demonstration of financial need: the applicants must submit a detailed budget showing their sources of income and their projected expenses for a year of study at the institution of their choice. It is expected that the applicants will provide some monies toward their education.
Recent changes in economic realities have made many Canadians seriously look at new careers. While one could once look forward to a lifelong career in one occupation, now several different and quite distinct jobs might be one’s expectation. In addition, many persons with hemophilia or their spouses have had to leave their field of employment because of illness caused by either HIV, Hepatitis C (HCV), or the stress simply associated with living in a home that has been affected by the trauma of disease. But these changes often mean that further education is desirable or essential. With that in mind, the CHS has established a mature student bursary for those students returning to or beginning a course of studies at any post-secondary institution.
Specific Criteria for Mature Student Bursary
1. A demonstration of financial need: the applicants must submit a detailed budget showing their sources of income and their projected expenses for a year of study at the institution of their choice. It is expected that the applicants will provide some monies toward their education.
2. Proof of age. The applicant must be at least 30 years of age in order to qualify for the mature student bursary.
3. A statement of intent. The applicant must supply a document (a short essay will do) that details what his or her past employment has been, what the proposed career change will offer, and a personal assessment of how the new career will affect the applicant’s lifestyle.
4. Applicants must provide three (3) letters of reference with their application, none of which may be from a relative. Such letters should attest to the abilities and suitability of the candidate for the Program being applied for as well as act as a character reference for the candidate. Suitable referees might be a principal, teacher, coach, employer or clergyman.
5. The applicant must provide a separate letter from his/her physician or some medical authority confirming their medical status regarding eligibility to this program (or that of their spouse or parent). This is in addition to the three letters of reference.
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