Abbott has awarded CFCareForward Scholarships totalling $100,000 to 40 undergraduate and graduate students living with cystic fibrosis (CF) for use during the 2011-2012 academic year. Distinguished undergraduate and graduate recipients alike were selected to receive a $2,500 scholarship based on their academic records, creativity and ability to serve as role models in their community. By September 30, these students will compete for public votes to win one of two Thriving Student Scholarships, for each level of study, for a total award of $19,000 each, in celebration of the nineteenth year of the scholarship.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States. Thanks to tremendous advances in medical treatments, more young adults with CF are living longer, healthier lives than ever before, and increasingly are pursuing higher education. Today, more than 45 per cent of people living with CF are aged 18 or older.

“During the past 19 years, we've noticed an impressive progression in students with cystic fibrosis applying for scholarships, including some in medical school, law school and overall graduate-level studies,” said Jim Hynd, divisional vice president, Metabolics, GI Care and Dyslipidemia, Abbott. “This year Abbott is excited to expand the scholarship offering with a second award exclusively for graduate students, and we are honoured to provide financial support for this stage of a student’s academic career.”

Recognizing the financial burdens that exist for many CF families, the CFCareForward Scholarship was developed to honour young adults with CF as they pursue goals of post-high school education. Over the past 19 years, Abbott has awarded scholarships totalling more than $2.2 million to exceptional students with CF.

Abbott is honoured to continue the nearly 25-year commitment of helping people with CF manage their health. The CFCareForward programme provides comprehensive nutritional, educational and financial support for patients living with CF and their families.

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics.