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JUNE 21, 2005 at 10:42 PM
Posted by CHEESER
Source: FictionAlley.org
This just in from our friends at FictionAlley.org
:
Friends and fellow Harry Potter fans remember a teenaged writer through a scholarship fund, and help others fulfill their dreams.
FictionAlley, the largest Harry Potter fanfiction/fanart/discussion site on the Internet, has launched a fundraiser to raise thousands of dollars for a scholarship fund named after a teenaged writer who died of leukemia earlier this year. The site is selling wristbands online and will have them available at Harry Potter parties around the world on July 15 in conjunciton with the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
In March of 2005, thirteen year old writer Katie O'Brien lost her battle with leukemia. For over two years, Katie had been writing a story based on the Harry Potter books called Anna Grayson & the Order of Merlin,
assisted by her father Dave. Katie was so passionate about her writing; even while she was in the hospital fighting against her illness, she continued to find strength in her writing. As her father said, "Katie always wanted to be a writer, and she used this forum [at FictionAlley] to fulfill her dreams. Correspondence with those who read and enjoyed her story sustained her even during the worst of times."
Katie finished writing her story six days before she died; her father has continued to upload those chapters onto FictionAlley through the spring.
When FictionAlley's staff learned that Katie had passed, they realised that the best way that the site could honour her memory would be to provide other writers, as well as artists and those who give back to the community, with help in making their dreams come true.
With the permission of Katie's family, FictionAlley has established a scholarship fund in Katie's name. Over one thousand dollars have already been raised from the sale of wristbands, and from donations from FictionAlley members and their parents, but the site needs to raise nearly five thousand dollars to fund the three scholarships for three years. FictionAlley is confident that they will reach their goal, and so, beginning in 2006, they plan to award one for writing, one for art, and one for community service; each recipient will receive $500 (US) from FictionAlley to use towards his or her education.
It is thought that this is the first time a fansite has created a scholarship program to assist talented youngsters in paying for their education. And FictionAlley's users, and other donors, have come through in their support of the program. "Lady Unicorn" said, "I think this is an amazing way to keep her memory alive," and other fansites, like Sycophanthex and DanRadcliffe.com, have also promoted the scholarship fund.
Site administrator Heidi Tandy says, "So many of us enjoyed reading Katie's story, and we cried when we learned she had lost her battle. We were honoured by the O'Brien family when they agreed to allow us to name the writers' scholarship after Katie, so her dreams can continue to be a part of FictionAlley forever."
FictionAlley volunteers will have wristbands available at Potter Parties in New York, Chicago (Spellbound2005.com), Los Angeles, London, Ann Arbor, Melbourne, Washington DC, Boston, Houston, Reno, Seattle and at least a dozen other cities around the world. They can be purchased for five dollars at those events, or online via http://www.fictionalley.org/wristbands.html.
CONTACT:
Heidi Tandy, President of FictionAlley.org
(305) 926 2227
Heidi@fictionalley.org
Heidi@heidi8.com
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Squib
Points: 156
hermione_grangerstar0456 says:
Whoa. I feel really bad for her. But, those books she made were wonderful. I hope Katie O' Brian is in a better place now but it's great that they're going to give out wristbands and the fundraiser.
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 10:55 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2401
tonks 27 says:
What an amazing way to honor her. i think it's wonderful that the site has made the scholarships and is letting everyone participate. i'm going to check into those wristbands.
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 10:56 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 464
b34n13 g1rl says:
I remember her. that's so sad i didn't know that she died. i'm glad they're doing that for her. she deserves it.
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 10:59 PM EST
Professor of Seanology
Points: 5283
Dr. Nicole says:
That is so nice of the people from Ficition Alley to do such a nobel thing. From what I have read in the article, the young lady was very talented in writing and used it as inspiration and strength to keep going. Starting a scholarship fund in her name is a great way to honor her. May she rest in peace.
~Nicole
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 11:03 PM EST
Witch
Points: 593
hp_rocks_my_world says:
OO that's soo sad! but it's really good that they are giving away schlorships in her memory! I would really like to purchase one of those wristbands... i'm going to check into that now
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 11:05 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 372
loopy luna says:
Katie was very talented. I hope the wristbands will be available to our HBP release party at Books-a-Million. I fnot, I'll have to go to the fan site. What a wonderful idea to give scholarships.
I feel for her family. They have my sympathy and prayers. How awesome.
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 11:06 PM EST
Student
Points: 206
Deeann Black says:
OK.....EVERYBODY BUY A WRISTBAND.... I am so there, if we don't stick together and help each other who will? Helping people, that is what this is about, just like Harry who always wants to play the hero, AND DOES!
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 11:10 PM EST
Witch
Points: 772
fawkes1984 says:
It is so sad that she lost her battle. It is good to know how much writing helped her in her las days. I don't think it was a coincidence that she died only six days after her book was finished. I'm sure she held on just to finish it. My condolences to all of her family.
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 11:14 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1483
DragonTattoo says:
wow that is so sad...i am a member at FA and I didn't know...it's so horrible when good, talented and YOUNG people die
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 11:14 PM EST
Witch
Points: 608
LecHaRry says:
This is really a great way of helping others... i feel sad at the news that she passed away, but i think that Katie will be happy about this news... she can still help others... i've just heard about her fanfiction, but i haven't read it yet... i'm going to read it...
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 11:15 PM EST
Ethereal Fairy
Points: 3077
harrypotterfreak_4life says:
Wow that is so sad, I'm glad that she at least got to finish her story. Now I definately want to buy one of those wristbands.
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 11:16 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1720
hpforever138 says:
Oh that's so sad. The whole wristband thing was a good idea.
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 11:16 PM EST
Witch
Points: 557
Amelia Black says:
That is great. It is terrific that they are doing this in Katie's honor. I was having a really bad day today but this really just brightened it up that someone had the idea to do that.
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 11:20 PM EST
Witch
Points: 992
LoonyLuna11 says:
How sad. I think the wristband/scholarship thing is a great way to honor her memory. I'll have to go read her fic now.
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 11:20 PM EST
Witch
Points: 902
Potter_Pal says:
What an appropriate way to remember Katie. I have been touched many times at the compassion shown by fellow fans and especially those who host and run the fansites. I wish God's peace on Katie and her Family, I know that this must provide a sense of pride for them to see Katie to be honored in such a way.
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 11:20 PM EST
Witch
Points: 971
IceQueen. says:
Wow, just wow! That's so great. I really want one of those wristbands... Haven't read any of her stories, but yes will read soon.
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 11:25 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1782
TheOtherMinister says:
That's so nice. I know she's in a better place right now. She can rest in peace while we honor her work.
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 11:26 PM EST
Keeper of Harry's Fate
Points: 9051
TheOneWhoMustBeNamed says:
Very nice to see and I hope it is successful. In some ways it is reminiscent of Harry and how he was able to ultimately go to school. It is a truly great way to be remembered.
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 11:27 PM EST
Witch
Points: 557
Amelia Black says:
I really have to read one of her fics.
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 11:32 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1023
hpff_#1 says:
It's great to know she'll be honored and let her work be remembered by all as she rests in peace.
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 11:33 PM EST
The Faerie Queene
Points: 3278
merri maven says:
I'm saddened by her death, but it is also inspirational to see that many fans have gathered together to create a scholarship fund in her memory. I like the fact that the scholarships will recognize those who are artists and are committed to community service.
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 11:34 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1369
luv4permboy says:
I think thats great. Once again potter fans from around the world are helping for a great cause. Kudos to her and potter fans around. Deepest Sympathys.
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 11:37 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 487
Gizymotor says:
WOW!! My thoughts and prayers go out to her family!! I will deffinately purchase a wrist band!! Katie sounds like an amazing person, and an inspiration!! I think what the fan sites are doing in her honor is amazing!! I hope that her love of writing inspires artists and writers everywhere!!
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 11:42 PM EST
Seer
Points: 15207
Brittany Radcliffe says:
AWWWWW thats so sweet and such a good idea!
i remember one HUGE HP fan that died...i dont know if it was the same person. but this kid was on Oprah. ok, no that kid was a boy.
but this is so awesome to be doing!
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 11:47 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 479
jenjen220 says:
Thats pretty awesome!! I just might have to buy one of those wristbands. I'll have to read her stories too.
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 11:52 PM EST
Seeker of the Wands
Points: 18200
SunbeamVi says:
That is very sad what happened. Katie does sound like a great person that has talent. I think that it is great to have a scholarship for her writing.
Posted Jun 21, 2005 at 11:55 PM EST
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