ATLANTA, Ga. - A local father and graduate student from Akron, John Davis III, has been awarded a $10,000 2010 UCB Rheumatoid Arthritis Family Scholarship, which will assist with his studies at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis.
Davis, 36, was devastated when he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in his late twenties. He had established a career creating and selling art, but the tremendous pain from the disease forced him to give up his passion and his livelihood. At first, he felt like his whole world had fallen apart. But Davis has since opened new doors for himself while learning more about RA and how to manage it. He is pursuing a new career as a librarian and has as much passion for his work in the library as he does for art.
"Living with RA has given me a new direction - a direction that was entirely unexpected, but one that is truly satisfying," Davis said.
Working at a library has presented Davis with many opportunities to help others within his community. He helps library patrons find the materials they need and enjoys participating in the library's many community events. The library's community events inspired John to host his own.
Through the self-started "Layers of Hope" annual winter clothing drive, Davis's team collected more than 4,300 articles of clothing for the needy during the campaign last year alone. He also serves his community outside the library, volunteering with the Fulton County Kiwanis Club and the Warsaw Church of Christ.
Davis is pursuing a graduate degree in library science due to his passion for learning and his love for the library, and to support the two most important women in his life: his wife and his young daughter. Because of his commitment to his family, his community and his education, he has been awarded the scholarship, which will help him reach his goal of earning a master of library science degree. He plans to become a public library director.
"Instead of dwelling on what cannot be done, I am focusing on where I am going. Living with RA has taught me how to conquer fear," John said. "My dreams did not die with RA - they simply transformed."
UCB Inc., a global leader in the research and development of medications to treat immunology disorders, recently announced the winners of its 2010 UCB Rheumatoid Arthritis Family Scholarship Program for outstanding individuals affected by this condition. UCB is awarding 31 scholarships worth up to $10,000 to help deserving students seek personal growth through higher education.
The scholarship winners include rheumatoid arthritis patients, as well as family members and caregivers. They were selected not only for their academic ambitions but also for their demonstrated determination to live beyond the boundaries of RA, as shown in their applications and essays.
"This year's scholarship winners are bringing to life UCB's vision of helping people with chronic diseases live better, more productive lives," said David Robinson, vice president and general manager of UCB's Immunology Business Unit. "We work hard to develop patient programs that assist patients live beyond the boundaries of their chronic illnesses."
For five years, UCB has awarded more than 400 scholarships - totaling more than $3 million - to individuals living with Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and epilepsy, as well as their caregivers and family members.
The 2011 UCB Rheumatoid Arthritis Family Scholarship Program is now open for applications. The downloadable application and more information about the program can be found at www.ReachBeyondRA.com as well as on Facebook.Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 1.3 million Americans, and it is estimated that 5 million people suffer from RA globally. Prevalence is not split evenly between genders, since women are three times more likely to be affected than men. Although RA can affect people of all ages, the onset of the disease usually occurs between 35-55 years of age.
