A first-year QUT Creative Industries student who lost her sister to cancer has been given a helping hand with her university study.
Bachelor of Entertainment Industries student Katie O'Hagan has been named the inaugural Amy Clough Scholarship recipient - a recently launched financial scholarship for QUT Creative Industries students affected by cancer.
Katie's sister Emma was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma in 2002. Katie spent much of her school holidays in hospital with her sister while she was being treated, where she used her creative talents to entertain resident children with music and toys.
Emma passed away in 2005 and Katie said that her sister's illness and untimely death had a significant impact on her life.
"I have missed her not being here and I often feel sad when I see my friends having fun with their siblings," she said.
"However I firmly believe that, due to my experiences with Emma, I have become a stronger and more independent person. I have a deep compassion and understanding with people who are struggling or in need of a helping hand like Amy (Clough). I want to enjoy the most out of what my life has to offer."
Throughout high school, Katie has undertaken voluntary outreach programs such as providing meals for the homeless, a solidarity immersion to a remote aboriginal community, and musical performances and activity work at a respite centre.
The award will help Katie with her dream to pursue a career making, performing and producing music.
The QUT Amy Clough Scholarship was launched to assist students undertaking studies in entertainment, journalism or music who have been personally affected by cancer.
The scholarship is named in memory of enterprising music fan and University of the Sunshine Coast student Amy Clough, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma at age 16.
A partnership between QUT, Sony Music Entertainment Australia, Nova Radio 106.9, and the Brisbane Broncos, the scholarship covers first-year tuition fees for a student undertaking a Bachelor of Entertainment Industries, Journalism, or Music.
The scholarship was announced by singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem last November.
Ms Goodrem congratulated Katie for winning the 2013 QUT Amy Clough Scholarship in Entertainment Industries.
"Amy's, and now Katie's sister Emma's, light will continue to shine through this very special program," she said.
Amy Clough passed away in 2012 aged 22. She left behind a legacy of inspiration, a loving family and far-reaching friendships.
Associate Professor Christy Collis, head of the entertainment industries course at QUT, said it was a privilege to be involved in creating the scholarship.
"We're honoured to be a part of the QUT Amy Clough Scholarship, which continues Amy's legacy by supporting students whose lives have been personally affected by cancer," Professor Collis said.
The scholarship will assist with tuition fees for three students over the next three years.
Media contact: QUT media unit, media@qut.edu.au or 07 3138 2361
