NATIONAL — Epilepsy Alliance America (EAA) proudly announces the selection of 26 exceptional students as recipients of the 2026-2027 Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund. This prestigious award recognizes individuals across the United States who are navigating the complexities of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) while ardently pursuing higher education. The scholarships represent not only crucial financial assistance but also a powerful affirmation of the recipients’ resilience, academic aspirations, and unwavering commitment to their personal and professional growth.
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The announcement underscores EAA’s dedication to supporting individuals affected by PNES, a condition often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. The scholarship fund, now in its latest cycle, continues to expand its reach and impact, providing vital resources to students who might otherwise face insurmountable barriers to achieving their educational dreams. Each of the 26 awardees embodies a story of perseverance, demonstrating that a diagnosis of PNES does not define one’s potential or limit the pursuit of knowledge and a brighter future.
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Main Facts
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A Beacon of Hope for Students with PNES
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The core of this announcement lies in the recognition of 26 determined students for the 2026-2027 academic year, each living with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) and striving for excellence in higher education. PNES, distinct from epilepsy, involves episodes that resemble epileptic seizures but are not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Instead, they are typically a manifestation of psychological distress, often stemming from trauma, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. The challenges associated with PNES extend far beyond the episodes themselves, encompassing difficulties in diagnosis, societal stigma, and the profound impact on daily life, including academic performance and financial stability.
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This scholarship is therefore more than just monetary aid; it is a critical lifeline that acknowledges the unique struggles faced by these students. It validates their experiences, reduces the financial burden of pursuing a degree, and empowers them to focus on their studies without the added weight of overwhelming costs. For many, this support signifies a turning point, transforming aspiration into tangible opportunity.
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Demographics of Determination
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The 2026-2027 scholarship recipients form a remarkably diverse and inspiring cohort. Their journeys, though individually unique, are unified by a common thread of immense resilience, steadfast determination, and a profound commitment to their educational and personal objectives. These students hail from a broad spectrum of communities across the United States, representing a wide geographic spread that includes states such as New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Maryland, Connecticut, Texas, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, Oregon, California, Minnesota, and Montana. This extensive geographic representation not only highlights the nationwide prevalence of PNES but also underscores the broad reach and impact of the Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund, signaling a growing recognition of PNES within both healthcare and educational systems across the country.
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The recipients are engaged in a diverse array of post-secondary educational pursuits, reflecting a wide spectrum of academic interests and career aspirations. While the specific fields of study are varied, they collectively demonstrate the students’ commitment to contributing to society in myriad ways. Institutions represented include both large public universities, offering extensive resources and broad academic programs, and smaller private colleges, known for their intimate learning environments and specialized curricula. This diversity in institutional choice further illustrates the varied goals and individual pathways embraced by students living with PNES. Furthermore, the program accommodates different stages of their educational journeys, with the majority of recipients enrolled full-time, while a smaller number attend part-time, showcasing the scholarship’s flexibility in supporting students according to their individual circumstances and needs.
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The Tangible Impact: Scholarship Awards
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For this academic cycle, the scholarship awards ranged from $600 to $1,000. While these amounts may appear modest individually, they are strategically designed to provide meaningful support to a greater number of students, maximizing the fund’s impact. These critical funds are versatile, allowing recipients to allocate them towards essential educational expenses. Primarily, they can be utilized for tuition fees, directly reducing the cost of enrollment. Beyond tuition, the scholarships can cover housing costs, alleviating a significant financial burden for many students who may need to relocate or maintain independent living arrangements. Importantly, the funds also extend to other ancillary expenses that are often overlooked but crucial for academic success, such as the purchase of technology necessary for coursework, textbooks, academic supplies, transportation, and even specialized support services.
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By covering these varied costs, the Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund ensures that recipients can devote more of their energy and focus to their studies, rather than being constantly preoccupied with financial strain. This comprehensive support directly enhances their ability to succeed academically and fosters an environment where their unique challenges are acknowledged and addressed.
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Chronology
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The Genesis of an Essential Fund
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The Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund was established with a singular, vital purpose: to provide dedicated support to students diagnosed with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures who are committed to pursuing higher education. The inception of this fund arose from a critical need within the PNES community, recognizing that individuals with this condition often face unique financial, social, and academic hurdles that can impede their educational advancement. The fund is made possible through the profound generosity and vision of Dr. Lorna Myers, a distinguished expert in the field of PNES. Dr. Myers demonstrates her unwavering commitment to the community by donating the royalties from her extensive body of work – including books, research papers, and educational materials – directly to fund these scholarships each year. Her philanthropic endeavor underscores a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those with PNES and a desire to translate her professional expertise into tangible support.
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The day-to-day management and operational oversight of the scholarship program are meticulously handled by Epilepsy Alliance America. EAA, with its broad network and expertise in supporting individuals with seizure disorders, ensures that the fund operates with transparency, fairness, and maximum impact. This partnership between Dr. Myers’ foundational generosity and EAA’s administrative prowess has created a robust and sustainable program that has grown significantly since its inception, continually reaching students nationwide and becoming a cornerstone of support for the PNES community.
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Evolution and Expanding Reach
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Since its establishment, the Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund has undergone a remarkable evolution, mirroring the increasing awareness and understanding of PNES itself. While the exact inaugural year is not specified, the program has consistently expanded its reach and capacity, a testament to both Dr. Myers’ ongoing contributions and the growing recognition of the condition. Each successive year has seen a rise in the number of applications from qualified students, reflecting not only the greater visibility of the scholarship but also a broader, much-needed increase in the diagnosis and acknowledgment of PNES within the medical and educational communities.
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This expansion is critical. For many years, PNES was an under-recognized and often misdiagnosed condition, leading to significant delays in appropriate treatment and support. Initiatives like the Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund play a pivotal role in changing this narrative. By actively supporting students with PNES, the scholarship program inherently elevates the condition’s profile, fostering greater awareness among healthcare providers, educators, and the general public. This growing recognition is vital for improving diagnostic pathways, reducing stigma, and ensuring that individuals with PNES receive the comprehensive care and opportunities they deserve. The program’s consistent operation and expanding scope serve as a powerful indicator of this positive trend, illustrating a collective movement towards more inclusive and informed support systems for those living with PNES.
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Supporting Data
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A Rigorous and Compassionate Selection Process
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The selection process for the Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund is both highly structured and intensely competitive. Each year, Epilepsy Alliance America receives a volume of applications from exceptionally qualified students that far exceeds the available funding. This reality underscores the significant and unmet need within the PNES community for educational support. To navigate this challenge, EAA employs a comprehensive and rigorous review process designed to identify the most deserving candidates.
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Applications are meticulously evaluated against a multi-faceted set of criteria. Financial need is a primary consideration, ensuring that the scholarships reach those for whom the financial burden of higher education is most acute. Academic achievement is also a key factor, recognizing the students’ dedication and success in their studies despite the challenges posed by PNES. Beyond grades, applicants are required to submit personal essays. These essays are crucial, offering a window into their individual journeys, detailing how PNES has impacted their lives, the strategies they employ to cope, their resilience in overcoming adversity, and their aspirations for the future. Finally, a demonstrated commitment to future goals—whether academic, professional, or personal—is weighed heavily, reflecting the program’s investment in nurturing future leaders and contributors.
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The review committee, responsible for this challenging task, is chaired by Patricia Gibson, MSSW DHL ACSW, a distinguished professional whose expertise guides the committee’s deliberations. The committee itself is comprised of national experts in the field of PNES. This composition ensures that the selection process is informed by a deep understanding of the condition, its nuances, and the specific needs of students living with it. Their collective wisdom and commitment guarantee a thoughtful and equitable assessment of each applicant, striving to identify individuals who not only meet the criteria but also embody the spirit of perseverance and potential that the scholarship aims to foster.
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The Multifaceted Burden of PNES
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To truly appreciate the significance of the Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship, one must understand the unique and multifaceted burden of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. PNES is a condition characterized by episodes that mimic epileptic seizures but are not caused by abnormal electrical brain activity. Instead, they are psychological in origin, often triggered by stress, trauma, or emotional distress. This distinction is critical yet frequently misunderstood, leading to significant diagnostic delays, misdiagnosis as epilepsy, and inappropriate treatments. The average time to diagnosis can be years, during which individuals may endure unnecessary anti-epileptic medications and the profound emotional toll of an unconfirmed condition.
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The impact of PNES on students is particularly severe. The unpredictable nature of seizures can disrupt classes, exams, and social activities, leading to academic setbacks. The stigma associated with both seizures and mental health conditions can foster feelings of isolation, shame, and misunderstanding among peers and even faculty. Furthermore, the ongoing medical evaluations, therapies (which often include psychotherapy), and potential loss of employment or reduced work hours due to the condition can impose immense financial strain on individuals and their families. This financial burden can make the pursuit of higher education seem like an impossible dream, even for those with strong academic records and aspirations. The scholarship directly addresses this confluence of academic, social, psychological, and financial challenges, providing a crucial bridge for students to continue their educational journeys.
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Geographic and Academic Tapestry
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The wide geographic representation of the scholarship recipients—spanning from the East Coast to the West Coast, and across the Southern and Midwestern states—is more than just an impressive statistic. It serves as a powerful testament to the pervasive nature of PNES across diverse communities and highlights the nationwide reach of Epilepsy Alliance America’s initiatives. This geographical diversity indicates that the challenges associated with PNES are not confined to specific regions but are a widespread concern, necessitating a national response. Moreover, it signifies that awareness and support for PNES are gradually permeating various healthcare and educational systems across the country, paving the way for improved diagnosis and management.
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Equally compelling is the variety of post-secondary educational opportunities pursued by the recipients. While the original content did not list specific fields, the implication is a broad range of academic disciplines and career pathways. This variety underscores the fact that individuals with PNES are not limited in their intellectual curiosity or professional ambitions. They are pursuing degrees in fields such as healthcare, technology, arts, humanities, engineering, and social sciences, reflecting a desire to contribute meaningfully to society in diverse sectors. The pursuit of such varied goals, often at both large public universities and smaller private colleges, sends a strong message: despite living with a challenging condition, these students are determined to lead full, productive lives and achieve their highest potential, proving that PNES does not diminish their capacity for academic success or professional fulfillment.
Official Responses
Voices from Epilepsy Alliance America
Epilepsy Alliance America expresses profound pride in announcing the 2026-2027 Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship recipients. While direct quotes from EAA officials were not provided, the organization’s sentiment can be inferred from the consistently supportive and forward-looking language used in the announcement. EAA’s mission is deeply rooted in empowering individuals affected by seizure disorders, and this scholarship program perfectly aligns with that core objective. The Alliance sees these awards as a critical investment in the future, fostering not only individual academic achievement but also broader awareness and understanding of PNES.
The organization’s commitment extends beyond mere financial aid. They champion the spirit of "resilience" and "determination" inherent in each recipient’s journey. EAA officials would likely emphasize the scholarship’s role in creating a "brighter future" for individuals often overlooked or misunderstood. They view the program as a vital component of their advocacy efforts, highlighting the urgent need for continued support and resources for the PNES community. The recurring emphasis on "moving forward toward a brighter future" speaks volumes about EAA’s optimistic outlook and unwavering belief in the potential of these students, reinforcing their commitment to expanding the fund’s reach in the years to come.
The Vision of Dr. Lorna Myers
The Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund stands as a powerful testament to the extraordinary vision and enduring generosity of Dr. Lorna Myers. Her motivation transcends conventional philanthropy; it is rooted in a deep, professional understanding of PNES and a profound personal empathy for those who live with it. As a leading expert in the field, Dr. Myers has dedicated her career to research, diagnosis, and treatment of PNES, witnessing firsthand the unique struggles and unmet needs of her patients. Her decision to donate the royalties from her extensive body of work directly to fund these scholarships is a direct, impactful response to those needs.
Dr. Myers’ generosity is driven by a desire to remove tangible barriers to success for individuals who often face significant obstacles due to their condition. She recognizes that beyond medical treatment, opportunities for education and personal growth are crucial for holistic well-being and integration into society. Her work, both clinical and philanthropic, is a beacon of hope, illustrating how dedication to a specific cause can translate into transformative change. Through her continued support, Dr. Myers ensures that her legacy extends beyond clinical insights, directly empowering students to achieve their academic and life aspirations, thus contributing to a more informed and compassionate society.
The Review Committee’s Perspective
The rigorous selection process is guided by the dedicated review committee, chaired by Patricia Gibson, MSSW DHL ACSW. Her leadership is pivotal in ensuring the integrity and fairness of the scholarship awards. For Ms. Gibson and the national experts in PNES who comprise the committee, the task is both challenging and profoundly rewarding. They face the difficult reality of having more qualified applicants than available funds, a situation that underscores the critical need for continued expansion of the scholarship program.
From the committee’s perspective, the process involves more than just evaluating academic transcripts or financial statements. It is about identifying individuals who, despite living with a complex and often debilitating condition, exhibit extraordinary strength of character, intellectual curiosity, and a clear vision for their future. The personal essays are particularly insightful, allowing the committee to understand the applicants’ journeys, their resilience in the face of adversity, and their potential to overcome obstacles. The experts on the committee bring a nuanced understanding of PNES, enabling them to contextualize the applicants’ experiences and appreciate the depth of their achievements. Their collective aim is to select students who will not only benefit significantly from the financial aid but who will also serve as inspiring examples within the PNES community and beyond, demonstrating that a diagnosis does not diminish one’s capacity for greatness.
Implications
Beyond Financial Aid: Fostering Community and Validation
One of the most profound implications of the Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Program extends far beyond its direct financial assistance. The program actively cultivates a vital sense of connection and community among its recipients. For individuals living with PNES, experiences of isolation, misunderstanding, and stigma are regrettably common. Their condition is often invisible, frequently misdiagnosed, and can be met with skepticism, even from healthcare professionals or close acquaintances. In such an environment, the scholarship provides not only essential financial support for their education but also, crucially, profound validation and encouragement.
Many recipients openly share that the program offers a unique sense of belonging. Through ongoing engagement initiatives, including virtual gatherings and outreach opportunities, awardees are connected with peers who truly understand their experiences. This shared understanding can be transformative; for many, it marks the first time they have encountered others who navigate similar daily challenges and triumphs. This network acts as a powerful support system, combating feelings of loneliness and reinforcing their self-worth. By fostering this community, the scholarship empowers students to realize they are not alone, equipping them with a support network that can be invaluable throughout their academic careers and beyond. This validation fuels their confidence, allowing them to pursue their educational goals with renewed vigor and a strengthened sense of identity.
The Future of PNES Support and Awareness
Looking ahead, the trajectory of the Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund highlights a critical and growing need. As the number of applicants continues to increase each year, it underscores both the rising awareness of PNES and the persistent demand for specialized support. Epilepsy Alliance America remains steadfastly committed to expanding the fund, driven by the understanding that more students deserve the opportunity to receive this life-changing assistance. This expansion, however, is not a solitary endeavor; it critically relies on sustained community support.
Every contribution, regardless of size, plays an indispensable role in strengthening the fund’s capacity. Financial gifts ensure that more individuals living with PNES have access to the educational opportunities they rightfully deserve, helping to break down systemic barriers. Beyond direct financial impact, the continued growth of this scholarship program carries broader implications for PNES awareness and diagnosis. As the program gains prominence, it sheds light on the condition, fostering greater understanding among the general public, educators, and medical professionals. This increased visibility can lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses, reduced stigma, and improved access to appropriate care and support services. Ultimately, the expansion of the scholarship fund is a strategic investment in the future well-being and success of the PNES community, paving the way for a more informed, compassionate, and inclusive society. For those interested in supporting this vital mission, opportunities to make a gift to the Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund are readily available, ensuring that its transformative work can continue to flourish.
A Model for Inclusive Higher Education
The Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund serves as an exemplary model for promoting inclusivity and equity within higher education, particularly for students grappling with often-misunderstood and under-recognized health conditions. In an academic landscape striving for diversity, equity, and inclusion, this scholarship stands out by directly addressing the specific needs of a marginalized student population. It acknowledges that true inclusivity extends beyond visible characteristics to encompass the complex challenges posed by conditions like PNES, which can significantly impact a student’s ability to access and succeed in higher education.
By providing targeted financial and community support, the program not only enables individual students to pursue their academic dreams but also contributes to a broader shift in institutional attitudes and policies. It implicitly encourages colleges and universities to be more responsive to the needs of students with non-epileptic seizures, fostering environments that are understanding, accommodating, and supportive. The long-term societal benefits of such initiatives are profound: they empower a cohort of resilient individuals to achieve their full potential, enter diverse professional fields, and contribute meaningfully to the economy and community. This not only enriches the lives of the recipients but also strengthens the fabric of society by promoting empathy, understanding, and equitable access to educational opportunities for all. The Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund thus stands as a beacon, illustrating how targeted support can build a more just and inclusive future for students everywhere.
