HEATHER OLIVIA COLLERAN BURSARY

When I was first diagnosed with Cancer I was scared that I would succumb to this disease never
being able to see my children grown up and married with children of their own.  
How dare Cancer take away my chance to become a Grandmother!
This became my reason to fight.  This became my focus to beat Cancer.

Two days prior to our 5th Gala of Hope, Heather Olivia Colleran was born to my eldest daughter Nicole. 





Cancer taught me, if I can show love and compassion while positively influencing others along the way,
then I have ultimately passed life's test.  I'm hoping that I have done so through my work with The Gala of Hope.

The Heather Olivia Colleran Bursary is not about recognizing a nursing student with the highest grade.
It's about recognizing a person who consistently supports others; who is charitable in their community; and who offers their best
at everything they do.    I look forward to rewarding this year's winner at the 6th Annual Gala of Hope this fall.
Heather Griffith



                                                               THE HEATHER OLIVIA COLLERAN
                                                                                      BURSARY


REQUIREMENTS:

1.Bursary applicants shall direct applications to the Oshawa Hospital Foundation Office.
Applicants shall include:
a)a completed Bursary Application Form (available at the Oshawa Hospital Foundation Office)
b)a Letter of Support that the applicant meets the criteria set below; and
c)required documents such as official receipt of tuition paid, and proof of successful completion of nursing courses at UOIT.
d)Deadline for al applications shall be Oct. 1st.  Applications must be received in the Foundation office on or before Oct.1st.  No late applications will be considered.



QUALIFYING CRITERIA:

oAny Nursing student enrolled at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) or Durham College, Oshawa, Ontario..
oProof of acceptance/or eligibility for the course/program.
oOne-time funding of $500.00 for the purpose of supporting their educational endeavours.
oNot in receipt of another bursary at the time of this year’s application, i.e. Lakeridge Health Bursary
oLetter of Support from the Program Director/Teacher


PROCESS:

oSelf-application
oApplications are accepted throughout the year with a submission deadline of Oct 1st.
oApplications to be reviewed by The Oshawa Hospital Foundation’s Bursary Committee and/or The Gala of Hope Committee.
oSuccessful applicant will be notified by Oct 10th with announcement at the annual Gala of Hope's Pink Martini. 
oOne-page Letter of Support in 100 words or less - from the Program Director/Teacher to indicate how applicant characterizes the following attributes:
1.Role Model for their chosen profession.
2.Recognized for best effort shown to achieve program credits
3.Recognized for support of fellow students
4.Commitment to community service which benefits charitable initiatives in Durham Region.

2009 Bursary Winner!
Ryan Carr, the inaugural 2009 recipient of the Heather Olivia Colleran Bursary, was born in Oshawa and is a graduate of O’Neill Collegiate. Ryan is an enthusiastic hockey fan and previously had been enrolled in a police course when he was introduced to the nursing opportunities at Durham College. He immediately was fascinated and is now completing his second year towards achieving the Practical Nursing Diploma.

Ryan has demonstrated his leadership qualities while assisting  his fellow students in a collegial, supportive environment. His passion for his vocation blossoms with his sensitivity towards patients. He is a team player, a genuine person and will be a notable individual as his experience grows in the nursing profession.