Astellas Awards Educational Scholarships to Six Transplant Recipients Who Embody the Spirit of G...( DEERFIELD Ill. Sept. 22 /...)

DEERFIELD, Ill., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Astellas Pharma US, Inc. has announced the winners of the first annual Astellas Transplant Scholars Awards, $5,000 educational scholarships awarded to six transplant recipients. Entrants were asked to write an essay about how transplant affected their education plans, and how they would like to honor the gift of life they received by pursuing further education and giving back to the transplant community.

"The Astellas Transplant Scholars Awards recognize transplant recipients who have already overcome great challenges and who are ready to take on new academic challenges - whether they're returning to school after surgery or just beginning their educational journeys," said Maribeth Landwehr, Director, Corporate Communications for Astellas. "Astellas applauds them for pursuing the gift of education and using it to raise awareness about organ donation and transplantation."

This year's inaugural contest received a large volume of entries. Due to the exceptional quality of each, this year's contest awarded six winners rather than five. A panel of judges selected the following winners based on the inspiring nature of their stories and how they plan to use their education to benefit the community:

Zachary Brooks, kidney transplant recipient from Burbank, CA

Zachary Brooks is a two-time kidney recipient whose second chance at life compelled him to give back to others. Following his first transplant, Zachary left his job at a start-up company to become a teacher in Los Angeles. Zachary is now pursuing a Master's in Applied Linguistics with the ultimate goal of becoming a professor. Throughout his transplant experience and educational journey, Zachary has been a regular volunteer with the National Kidney Foundation and has participated in the US Transplant Games.

Brianne Catarozoli, liver tra
'/>"/>