Project Sleep, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about sleep health and sleep disorders, proudly announces the recipients of the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship. Due to a $5,000 matching contribution from Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Project Sleep is awarding ten scholarships this year—double the number anticipated.
Founded in 2014 by Julie Flygare (Founder and President of Project Sleep) and the Graham Family, the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship is the first-ever scholarship program supporting students with narcolepsy. The scholarships, $1,000 each, are awarded to high school seniors planning to attend four-year universities who exemplify courage and hope while living with narcolepsy.
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder of the sleep/wake cycle that affects 1 in 2,000 people. The most common symptoms include periods of extreme sleepiness during the day (comparable to staying awake for 48-72 hours straight); cataplexy, sudden muscle weakness triggered by emotions; hallucinations while falling asleep or waking up that are often frightening; and sleep paralysis, temporary inability to move or talk while falling asleep or waking up. For children with narcolepsy, the burden and stigma of increased daytime sleep can affect academic performance and social acceptance in school.
Though the program is only in its second year, the call for applications reached over 1,400 college counselors and 34 students applied. The applicant pool included residents of 20 states, from Washington to Massachusetts.
Originally, the scholarship’s fundraising campaign raised $5,000 from generous individual donors, allowing for five scholarships—an increase from the 2014 program in which two scholarships were awarded. The matching gift from Jazz Pharmaceuticals expanded the program even further. “There were so many well-deserving candidates, so we were absolutely thrilled that Jazz’s wonderful contribution allowed us to give ten scholarships,” says Flygare. “This year’s recipients have overcome significant adversity and represent a brighter future for narcolepsy.”
2 Comments.
Congratulations to all recipients of the project sleep scholarship. I’m very ecstatic that these students are furthering their education and not letting this condition stunt their growth.
In recommendation, the scholarship qualifications should be broadened not only to high school seniors with Narcolepsy, but anyone who plans to expand their horizons and continue their education. I’m a 26 year old woman who had signs of Narcolepsy at the age of 14, but was diagnosed at 23. When I was a senior in high school, have I known that I had the condition, I would of gratefully applied. I know I’m not the only one out there who feels the same. Please consider this recommendation. You never know, with the help of the project sleep scholarship, what may encourage and enrage desire for those that are in the same scenario as myself.
I have a child who was diagnosed at the age of 6. First month of first grade I was called to the school and her teacher thought she had ADHD she was having problems in the classroom. I left the school devastated and pursued calling her primary care physician who forwarded us to the team of doctors. This year she will be a senior and I was looking for scholarships and found this web site so happy to know we are no longer alone. For the past 12 years we have been. I fought the school system to keep her in a regular classroom and not special education because I believed they wouldn’t teach her. She has struggled though school with Teachers who just don’t get it. I hope we can change that through education THANK YOU THANK YOU I feel like crying because she has a chance for a future!