FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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WASHINGTON D.C. – June 12, 2026 – Epilepsy Alliance America (EAA) proudly announces the recipients of the 2026–2027 Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund, extending vital support to 26 students across the United States who are navigating higher education while living with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). This landmark initiative continues to break down barriers, foster academic aspirations, and elevate awareness for a condition often misunderstood and underrecognized within both the medical community and broader society.
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The scholarships, awarded for the upcoming academic year, underscore EAA’s unwavering commitment to empowering individuals affected by PNES, acknowledging their exceptional resilience and dedication to pursuing their educational and personal goals. These 26 scholars represent not just a diverse tapestry of geographic locations and academic pursuits but also a powerful collective narrative of perseverance against adversity.
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Main Facts: A Beacon of Support for PNES Scholars
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The core of this announcement revolves around the significant achievement of the Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund. For the 2026–2027 academic year, a total of 26 deserving students have been selected to receive financial aid, a testament to the growing reach and impact of the program. These scholarships are a direct lifeline, offering tangible assistance that can significantly alleviate the financial burden associated with pursuing post-secondary education.
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Recipients hail from a broad spectrum of states, illustrating the widespread need for such support and the national scope of PNES as a challenging condition. From the bustling metropolises of New York and California to the rural communities of Montana and Idaho, the geographic diversity of the awardees highlights that PNES affects individuals from all walks of life, transcending regional boundaries. States represented in this year’s cohort include New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Maryland, Connecticut, Texas, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, Oregon, California, Minnesota, and Montana. This extensive representation not only showcases the program’s broad impact but also subtly signals an increasing recognition of PNES within healthcare and educational frameworks nationwide, a crucial step toward better diagnosis and management.
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The scholarship awards themselves range from $600 to $1,000, strategically designed to support a greater number of students effectively. These funds are versatile, capable of covering essential educational expenses such as tuition fees, housing costs, and ancillary necessities like textbooks, specialized software, or assistive technology required for coursework. This flexible allocation ensures that the support directly addresses the most pressing financial needs of the students, allowing them to focus more on their studies and less on economic strain.
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Beyond the immediate financial relief, the Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund plays a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community and validation for its recipients. Many students living with PNES report feelings of isolation and misunderstanding, often struggling to find peers or mentors who truly grasp the complexities of their condition. The scholarship program actively works to mitigate this by connecting recipients through virtual gatherings and outreach opportunities, building a supportive network where shared experiences can be openly discussed, and encouragement freely exchanged. This aspect of the program, often cited by scholars as being as valuable as the financial aid itself, transforms the scholarship from a mere financial transaction into a powerful platform for mutual support and empowerment.
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Chronology: A Legacy of Empathy and Expertise
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The Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund is not a new endeavor but rather a continuation of a vital mission, established and sustained through the profound generosity and vision of Dr. Lorna Myers. Dr. Myers, a distinguished expert in the field of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, initiated this scholarship program by dedicating the royalties from her extensive body of work to directly fund these annual awards. Her commitment stems from a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with PNES, particularly the significant hurdles they encounter in pursuing educational and professional aspirations.
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The fund’s establishment marked a critical turning point for the PNES community, offering a dedicated source of support where previously little existed. Since its inception, the program has consistently grown, both in the number of applications received and the breadth of its impact. Managed meticulously by Epilepsy Alliance America, the fund operates on an annual cycle, carefully reviewing applications and distributing awards to students across the nation. This systematic approach ensures that the program remains consistent and accessible, building a reliable support system year after year.
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Over time, as awareness of PNES has slowly but steadily increased among healthcare providers, educators, and the general public, the scholarship fund has mirrored this growth. Each year sees an expanding pool of applicants, reflecting both the increasing diagnosis rates of PNES and the heightened visibility of the scholarship program itself. This chronological expansion is a testament to the enduring need for such initiatives and the powerful ripple effect of Dr. Myers’ initial philanthropic gesture. It underscores a progressive journey from a niche support mechanism to a nationally recognized program, continuously adapting to meet the evolving needs of the PNES community. The program’s sustained operation and consistent growth highlight a successful model for targeted charitable giving, demonstrating how expert knowledge combined with compassionate action can create a lasting positive legacy.
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Supporting Data: A Snapshot of Academic Ambition
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The data surrounding the 2026–2027 Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund recipients paints a compelling picture of academic diversity and dedication. The 26 students selected are not confined to a single academic path but are pursuing a wide array of post-secondary educational opportunities, reflecting their individual passions and career aspirations. While specific courses of study are not detailed, the breadth of their endeavors typically spans fields from healthcare and engineering to arts and humanities, business, and education. This diversity in academic pursuits underscores the fact that PNES does not diminish intellectual curiosity or limit potential career trajectories.
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The institutions represented among the scholarship recipients are equally varied, encompassing both large public universities and smaller private colleges. This reflects the diverse educational preferences and pathways of students living with PNES. Whether they seek the extensive resources and broad community of a large state university or the intimate learning environment and personalized attention of a smaller college, the scholarship supports their chosen path. This flexibility is crucial, acknowledging that the optimal learning environment can vary greatly for individuals, especially those managing a chronic health condition.
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Furthermore, the enrollment data reveals that the majority of recipients are enrolled full-time, demonstrating a profound commitment to their studies despite the challenges posed by PNES. A smaller, yet significant, number of students attend part-time, highlighting the program’s flexibility and understanding of the varied circumstances that may necessitate a reduced course load. For individuals managing PNES, the unpredictable nature of their condition can sometimes make full-time enrollment challenging. The program’s willingness to support both full-time and part-time students ensures that academic pursuits remain accessible, allowing individuals to progress at a pace that is sustainable and healthy for them. This adaptive approach ensures that the scholarship is truly inclusive, catering to the realities of living with a complex neurological condition while striving for academic excellence.
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The financial scope of the scholarships, ranging from $600 to $1,000, is strategically designed to maximize impact across a larger number of students. While not covering the entirety of higher education costs, these awards provide crucial supplementary funding that can bridge significant financial gaps. For many students, this amount can be the difference between affording textbooks or not, securing stable housing, or accessing essential technological tools. This targeted financial assistance directly addresses critical needs, enabling students to alleviate some of the financial pressures that often accompany higher education, thereby enhancing their ability to focus on their academic responsibilities and overall well-being.
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Official Responses: Voices of Dedication and Hope
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While direct quotes from all involved parties are not explicitly provided in the original text, the spirit and intention behind the Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund are clearly articulated through the actions and statements of Epilepsy Alliance America and the legacy of Dr. Lorna Myers. The establishment and ongoing management of this fund represent a profound "official response" to a pressing need within the PNES community.
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Epilepsy Alliance America, as the managing body, implicitly states its organizational mission through the execution of this program: to support, educate, and advocate for those affected by epilepsy and related conditions, including PNES. Their dedication to administering the competitive selection process and fostering a supportive community for recipients speaks volumes about their commitment. A hypothetical statement from an EAA representative might encapsulate this: "We are incredibly proud to witness the resilience and academic ambition of these 26 students. The Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund is more than just financial aid; it’s a testament to our belief in their potential and our commitment to ensuring that PNES does not stand in the way of their dreams. Each scholarship awarded is a step towards greater understanding and support for this often-misunderstood condition."
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The very existence of the fund is Dr. Lorna Myers’ powerful "official response" to the diagnostic and social challenges faced by individuals with PNES. By donating her royalties, she has made a clear statement about the importance of investing in the future of these individuals. Her implicit message is one of empathy, empowerment, and a deep-seated belief in the capacity of those with PNES to achieve great things. One could imagine Dr. Myers expressing: "My hope in establishing this fund was to alleviate some of the burdens that students with PNES uniquely face. Education is a fundamental right and a pathway to independence, and it is imperative that we provide the resources for these bright, determined individuals to thrive academically and professionally."
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Patricia Gibson, MSSW DHL ACSW, who chairs the review committee, also provides an "official response" through her leadership and the rigorous selection process. Her involvement, along with that of other national experts in PNES, signifies a commitment to fairness, thoroughness, and the highest standards in identifying deserving candidates. Her implicit statement is about the integrity and professionalism of the process: "Our committee meticulously reviews each application, considering not only financial need and academic merit but also the extraordinary personal journeys and future aspirations of these students. The selection process is designed to honor their perseverance and ensure that support reaches those who will most benefit and, in turn, contribute positively to their communities." These official responses, whether explicit or implicit, collectively articulate a unified message of hope, support, and dedication to the PNES community.
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Implications: Broadening Horizons and Fostering Awareness
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The implications of the Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund extend far beyond the direct financial assistance provided to its 26 recipients. This program carries significant weight for the broader PNES community, for higher education institutions, and for the ongoing efforts to raise awareness and improve understanding of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures.
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For Individuals with PNES: The most immediate implication is the tangible support that enables students to pursue higher education, an endeavor often complicated by the unpredictable nature of their seizures and the associated psychological and social challenges. The scholarship not only eases financial strain but also provides validation, reducing feelings of isolation and demonstrating that their condition is recognized and supported. This can be a profound psychological boost, fostering greater self-esteem and encouraging continued engagement with their academic and personal goals. It sends a clear message that their struggles are seen, and their potential is valued.
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For Higher Education: The presence of the Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund, and the growing number of recipients, subtly encourages colleges and universities to become more aware of PNES as a distinct condition. This awareness can lead to improved accommodations, better support services for students with PNES, and a more inclusive campus environment. As more students with PNES enroll, institutions may be prompted to train their disability services staff, health centers, and faculty on the specific needs and challenges associated with the condition, moving beyond a generalized understanding of seizure disorders.
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For PNES Awareness and Advocacy: Each scholarship recipient becomes an ambassador for PNES awareness. Their stories, even if generalized, contribute to a larger narrative that helps demystify the condition. By publicly supporting students with PNES, Epilepsy Alliance America amplifies the conversation around this often-misdiagnosed and misunderstood disorder. It highlights that PNES is a real, disabling condition requiring specialized care and understanding, distinct from epilepsy, despite similar outward manifestations. This increased visibility is critical for advocating for better diagnostic tools, more accessible treatment options, and reduced stigma.
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For Future Funding and Research: The increasing number of applicants each year underscores a growing, unmet need. This demand highlights the critical role of community support and fundraising in expanding the scholarship fund. The success and growth of the program can serve as a model and inspiration for other philanthropic endeavors aimed at supporting individuals with chronic and often invisible illnesses. Furthermore, by fostering academic success among individuals with PNES, the program indirectly contributes to a future workforce that may include researchers, healthcare professionals, and advocates who bring personal insight into the challenges of PNES, potentially driving innovation in treatment and support.
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Economic and Social Impact: By enabling individuals with PNES to achieve higher education, the scholarship fund is investing in their long-term economic independence and social integration. Educated individuals are more likely to secure stable employment, contribute to the economy, and participate actively in their communities. This long-term vision positions the scholarship as a powerful tool for societal betterment, transforming individual lives and strengthening the collective fabric.
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In conclusion, the 2026–2027 Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund awards are more than just financial grants; they are investments in human potential, catalysts for awareness, and cornerstones of a growing community of support. As Epilepsy Alliance America looks ahead, the call for increased funding becomes more urgent, ensuring that this vital program can continue to expand its reach and empower even more students with PNES to achieve their academic and life ambitions. Every contribution helps to solidify a future where individuals living with PNES have unhindered access to the educational opportunities they rightfully deserve, ultimately fostering a more informed, empathetic, and inclusive society. For those interested in supporting this transformative initiative, donations can be made directly through the Epilepsy Alliance America website.
