Brisbane locals take home the Charlie Bell Scholarship award

Last week, Ronald McDonald House Charities South East Queensland (RMHC SEQ) announced the three successful recipients of the 2024 Charlie Bell Scholarship award. 

The scholarship awards $5,000 grants annually to deserving young people aged 15-20 who has had their education impacted by an illness or injury and are planning to go on to tertiary education. 

RMHC SEQ Chief Executive Officer, Emma Thompson congratulated all recipients for this incredible achievement and wished them the best of luck for the future.  

“When a young person is dealing with an illness or injury, other parts of their life, particularly their education, can come to a standstill,” she said.  

The Charlie Bell Scholarship is a valued program of our organisation, and we feel privileged to be able to give young people a chance to reach their goals.” 

The recipients, all local to the Brisbane area, celebrated with their loved ones alongside RMHC SEQ staff and volunteers on the rooftop of the Ronald McDonald South Brisbane House.  

Living with Goldenhar Syndrome (a rare congenital condition), Maryam Moradi describes the hospital as her second home. Miss Moradi’s wonderful medical team have inspired her to support other kids in similar situations by pursuing a career in medicine and becoming a doctor.  

“My education has definitely been impacted over the years due to a number of appointments, surgeries and procedures. Although I had great support from my school, nothing can really replace those vital class times I missed out on.” 

“Despite dealing with a personal illness, receiving the Charlie Bell Scholarship serves as a powerful reminder that I am capable and resilient and has boosted my confidence to take on a difficult career pathway,” she said.  

Diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis with Subpendymal Giant Cell Astroycytoma (brain tumour) and polycystic kidney disease, second recipient, Erin Formann, knows all too well of how a chronic health condition can impact your education.  

“Due to my diagnosis, I have been unable to attend any classes consistently since term four of 2023 and in addition, I have a recognised learning difficulty. My numerous admissions to hospital have impacted both my academic performance but also my social and emotional wellbeing.”  

Miss Formann is hoping to pursue a career in nursing after seeing firsthand the role they play in meeting the healthcare needs of patients.  

“I am so grateful to have been selected as a recipient of the Charlie Bell Scholarship. The grant money will fully fund my Certificate III in Pathology Collection and the purchase of scrubs and other equipment needed to undertake the course,” she said. 

Third recipient, Ella Schwarz, described that living with stage 4 endometriosis involves enduring relentless, debilitating pain that invades every aspect of her life. However, this has not stopped her from excelling in school and accepting an early offer for a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) / Bachelor of Justice at the Queensland University of Technology.  

Miss Schwarz says “my personal journey has taught me the importance of resilience and the value of giving back to the community, inspiring me to make a positive difference. Thanks to RMHC SEQ, The Charlie Bell Scholarship will give me the opportunity to turn my experiences into strengths, as I work toward achieving my aspirations,” she said.  

Mrs Thompson said that “despite their challenges, these three young women are nothing short of inspirational. Showing us all that no matter what, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.”  

The grant money can go towards university or TAFE fees, apprenticeship tools, supplies, or anything that will help recipients reach their tertiary goals.   

Images from the event can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/20w2fewz1es3wjpt1a6dz/AFzDGJbHS8X3iJIKeTUWdII?rlkey=x1dv2o05c9pgaz5j54lj6rkv5&st=4lzc2b6b&dl=0 

For more information, visit: www.rmhc.org.au/charlie-bell-scholarships