Scholarship

Gaucher Disease Scholarship Program

About the Program

The Gaucher scholarship program is designed to increase awareness of Gaucher disease and promote the well-being of members of the community. In partnership with the National Gaucher Foundation, Genzyme Canada will select and reward the eligible participants. Scholarships will be awarded to applicants with Gaucher Disease who present the best combination of a creative and persuasive essay, excellent recommendations, and academic standing.

For the 2009-2010 academic year, Genzyme Canada will award two $2,500 scholarships

To be eligible, you must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university (undergraduate or graduate).

Be enrolled in a program of at least eight months duration leading to an undergraduate degree, certificate or diploma. Candidates must be enrolled in a program of at least two years duration.

Post-Secondary Admission: It is the responsibility of the individual to apply and gain admission to a college, CEGEP, university or institute in Canada.

Entrance awards are conditional upon the Foundation’s receipt of notification of full-time enrolment from the selected post-secondary institution.

May 31, 2010, Application deadline - postmarked

An application is complete when the application form, essay, and a completed release form, one recommendation and a photograph of the applicant have been received by the program administrator.

Here’s how to apply:

Step 1: Read the scholarship application instructions

Step 2: Download, print and fill out the application form

Step 3: Download, print and sign the release form

Step 4: Submit your application by mail by May 31, 2010

Application Instructions:

To complete your application, follow these instructions carefully. If at any time you have questions, please call 1-877-220-8918.

1. Complete the Application Form first.
Use blue or black ink, or type. Please remember to answer all questions. If a section does not apply to you, write or type N/A (not applicable). Sign and date the application.

2. Complete the Personal Essay Form.
Return both your application and your essay in an envelope marked “Scholarship Application".

3. Recommendations: Select one person to write recommendations for you.
Choose people who know you well, someone who has witnessed your involvement and contribution to your community. Family members can not be considered for a reference.

Fill in the top three lines of the recommendation form and then give one form and an envelope to the person writing a recommendation.

4. Enclose a recent photograph of yourself.
The photo should be color, frontal faced, and upper body only. It should not be larger than 1.75” x 1.75.” Please attach it to the application form.

5. Complete the Release Form.
Your name and photo may be used in media and materials promoting the scholarship program, including use on the Canadian Gaucher disease website. Return this form with your application and essay.

Personal Essay Topic (1000 words)
Please choose and answer one of the follow essay questions:

• How would you raise local awareness of rare diseases, or health issues in your community?
• If you had the opportunity to be a role model or mentor for a child with a chronic disease, what experiences and wisdom would you share to help him or her cope with the disease? How do you maintain a balance? What does it mean to you to be healthy?

Instructions

Use no more than two typed, double-spaced pages. Number each page. Please do not include your name on the essay.

Please return your Personal Essay with your completed application to:

Genzyme Canada
c/o Gaucher Scholarship Program
2700 Matheson Blvd East, West Tower, Suite 800
Mississauga, Ontario
L4W 4V9