2011 Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group (NEREG) COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Melissa Kaye Pereira
Age: 22
Address: NY
Neurologist: Dr. Olgica Laban
College: University of Phoenix
Pursuing: Degree in Psychology
Application Comments: Finishing College will help me tremendously. I will complete my goals in life. I will help people that were in the situation I used to be in. They will have someone to talk and turn to when there is nobody.
Additional Comments: Hi all. I am Melissa Pereira. I have been epileptic for 7 years now. I have not let epilepsy stop me from my dreams. I am attending college at University of Phoenix on line. I am getting my associates in psychology.
I wish to further my education and get my masters so that I can become a therapist and help abused people. I really want to work with people in this filed because they suffer a lot from the things they go through in life mentally, physically, and emotionally. I cannot wait to pursue my career and reach out and help others who need a helping hand.

Nicole M. Gannon
Age: 17
Address: NY
Neurologist: Dr. Olgica Laban
College: Rider University
Expected Enrollment Date: 9/11
Pursuing: The Law
Application Comments: I would like to be a lawyer. I never thought I would have the opportunity to go away to college, as I was very sick with uncontrolled seizures and home schooled. This is an incredible opportunity, one which I will work very hard to achieve my goals. Also, one which I will cherish wile I attain my life's goal.

Andrew P Deserto, II
Age: 18
Address: NY
Neurologist: Dr. Marcelo Lancman
College: Mt. St. Mary's or Orange County Community College
Expected Enrollment Date: September 2011
Pursuing: Current Certified Nursing Assistant, pursuing Nursing in college
Application Comments: My parents have had to drive me to and from my BOCES Nursing Program and high school
since having my seizures from my football accident. My education is my top priority to further my plan to become an RN. I feel that the health field is expanding due to the sheer numbers of baby boomers growing older and the technology of today extending life spans on average. I understand the importance of qualified, educated and focused nurses to perform on a level that is needed with today's fast changing medical field.

Elliot AviMatta
Age: 19
Address: NY
Neurologist: Dr. ElfridaMalkin and Dr. Marcelo Lancman
College: University of Delaware
Expected Enrollment Date: Will be a sophomore September 2011
Pursuing: Anthropology
Application Comments: I am a high achiever and I do not require much academic assistance to be successful in my studies, but frustratingly I struggle financially. ..In the future, I plan on using my anthropology degree to go to graduate school and study archaeology of the Middle East. In the coming semester I am hoping to participate in theater, political activism groups, and receive violin lessons in addition to everything that I have successfully done throughout my freshman year. I am very eager to continually make a strong presence on my campus and make the most out of my stay in the university.

Connor August Doran
Age: 18
Address: Bend, Oregon
Neurologist: Dr. Stephen Ireland
College: Central Oregon Community College
Pursuing: A career in the medical field
Application Comments: About 4 years ago, I discovered kite flying. It made me feel happy and took away my fear of seizures. Last year I decided to try out for America's Got Talent. I talked openly about my seizures on the show, and how the kite flying has given me strength and peace. I ended up placing in the top 12 on the show. Since then I have been doing performances and talking openly about my epilepsy. I have tried to spread awareness about epilepsy and have raised $2500 for the National Epilepsy Foundation Walk 2011. I went to Washington DC for the National Walk, and flew my kite and spoke at the walk. I met so many wonderful people there, and hope to continue to bring awareness and education about epilepsy to others. I have also spoken openly about bullying and encouraged people to speak out for help. I want to go to college to further my education and to work with people to help them. I would like to eventually work in the medical field in some capacity that would best fit my goals. I feel it is important to continue with my education and to be able to help others that deal with difficulties in their lives.