<<go back
November 8, 2005

Calhoun Student Awarded Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship

Decatur, AL, resident Katherine E. DeVoe has earned a college scholarship from Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. as part of its CREON® Family Scholarship program. DeVoe, who has battled cystic fibrosis (CF) since childhood, is a freshman at Calhoun Community College in Decatur. DeVoe is one of 30 students with CF selected to receive a scholarship for 2005-2006. She will receive $2,000 per year for up to two years of study and a year’s supply of CREON® medication and SourceCF® Softgels Multivitamins. At the conclusion of each two-year award period, recipients are eligible to apply for additional scholarship funding.

As a student at Our Lady of Victory High School, DeVoe swam competitively and placed in many state and national swim meets. She was also an assistant swim coach and volunteered at Special Olympics swim meets. DeVoe’s other involvements included the 4-H club, volunteering for various church programs, performing with her dance company and writing numerous book reviews for her local newspaper. In her scholarship application, DeVoe writes of her experiences living with CF. “I don’t let cystic fibrosis slow me down. I swim and am as active as I can be!” she said.

CF is an incurable genetic disease affecting approximately 30,000 children and young adults in the United States. CF causes digestive and chronic lung problems that require frequent therapy. "These students are outstanding role models for others who live with CF,” said Harold H. Shlevin, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Solvay Pharmaceuticals. "Their courage, resolve and pursuit of excellence are truly inspiring. We are honored to enhance their educational development with these scholarships."

Now in its 13th year, the CREON® Family Scholarship program is funded by Solvay Pharmaceuticals. Since the program’s inception, the company has awarded nearly 300 scholarships totaling more than $1.6 million. Scholarships are awarded to students based on academic achievement, financial need, leadership qualities and the ability to serve as a role model to others with CF. All U.S. citizens with CF who are high school seniors, vocational school students or college students are eligible to apply. Applications are available at CF treatment centers nationwide each year from March through June.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Janet Kincherlow-Martin
Director of Public Relations
(256) 306-2561

Back to Menu