Proud day for Carnlough student
Thursday, 22 July 2010
Carnlough student Stephanie Baird who graduated with a BSc in Economics with Finance from Queen’s last week.
A CARNLOUGH student who has bravely battled meningitis celebrated her graduation at Queen's last week.
At the age of five, Stephanie Baird contracted Meningitis B and Meningococal Septicemia - a deadly form of the disease which causes blood poisoning and inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord.
Stephanie rallied to overcome the illness, but lost her left leg as a result.
Last Tuesday, she graduated with a BSc in Economics with Finance, and hopes her story can be an inspiration to others.
Stephanie said: "I feel extremely proud to be graduating from Queen's. I may have been through a lot in my life, but it goes to show that it is possible to overcome anything - including illness and disability - to achieve your dreams.
“I have always tried to be as independent as possible and participated fully in life at Queen's. The University's Disability Services unit was very helpful in providing accommodation at Queen's Elms Village with full disability access. This helped me to meet new people, make great friends and live completely independently.
“Meningitis is a serious illness that can affect anyone, particularly teenagers and young adults. I would urge everyone to familiarise themselves with the symptoms and, if they suspect meningitis or septicaemia, to get medical help immediately. Meningitis can be a deadly disease, but I am living proof that it can be beaten."
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