05/29/2026
DOLORES & RENATA WITHERS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
For the 19th year and for the first time at this ceremony at Government House, the Foundation is presenting the Dolores and Renata Withers Memorial Scholarships. Including our two winners today 35 people have received scholarships. Many have gone on to pursue careers in the healthcare field and our winners today are both headed in the same direction.
Rebecca Collier is currently enrolled in the Faculty of Medicine at Memorial University with a goal of achieving her Doctor of Medicine degree. In 2022 Rebecca graduated from Western University in London, Ontario with a B.HSc. In 2025 Rebecca undertook research into illness and treatment experiences of male-identifying children enrolled in a paediatric eating disorder program under the supervision of Dr. Anna Dominic. Through this work Rebecca has gained firsthand exposure to the unique psychosocial, medical, and systemic challenges faced by young people with eating disorders, as well as the importance of gender-inclusive, trauma informed, and developmentally appropriate care. Rebecca’s ultimate goal is to pursue a career in pediatric medicine, with a professional focus on mental health and eating disorders within this population.
Rebecca is currently travelling outside the province and could not be with us today. Accepting the scholarship on her behalf is Steve Bragg, Chair of the EDFNL Board of Directors.
Lochlan Colbert has just completed his first year at Memorial University. Lochlan is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program majoring in Psychology. His long term goal is to attend medical school and specialize in Psychiatry with a focus on supporting people with eating disorders. After experiencing a serious eating disorder as a thirteen year old, and spending six weeks in the Janeway under the care of Dr. Anna Dominic and her amazing team, Lochlan has returned to the normal life of a young person. While in high school Lochlan took an interest in public speaking. Many of his speeches focused on mental health topics, including eating disorders. And, by the way he has been very successful in competitions! Lochlan has also volunteered with the Foundation for the past year and continues to do so. In November of 2025 he was a guest speaker on both days of a 2 day workshop the Foundation hosted for health professionals and families. Lochlan is currently serving as an ambassador for our 20th Anniversary celebrations.
In recognition of his commitment to the Foundation, and in support of his long term goals the Foundation is pleased to present the Dolores and Renata Withers Memorial Scholarship for 2026 to Lochlan Colbert.
