AbbVie Announces Winners of Inaugural Migraine Experience Contest

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AbbVie announced the winners of a contest created to support the career aspirations of people living with migraines.¹ The contest, the AbbVie Migraine Career Catalyst Award, had 20 winners who all submitted material detailing their experiences with migraines and how it had impacted their careers. Among the winners were engineers, scientists, teachers, and a variety of other careers.

This was the inaugural event for this contest.

AbbVie’s senior vice president and president of neuroscience and eye care Jag Dosanjh said, “Migraine can significantly affect an individual's career trajectory and long-term potential. Despite these challenges, the recipients of the inaugural AbbVie Migraine Career Catalyst Award have shared their remarkable determination to overcome disease-related obstacles as they work toward their professional aspirations. As the only company with three treatment options that collectively address the entire spectrum of migraine, we have a deep understanding of the challenges that people living with migraine can face in the workplace, and we're proud to support these individuals as they lead lives that transcend obstacles often imposed by the impact of the disease."

One of the contest winners, Melissa from Davis, West Virginia, also said, “Migraine impacted my life in ways that I hadn't anticipated. I spent most of my career working in state parks, outdoor recreation, and tourism. However, the demands of public service combined with the unpredictability of migraine have made life incredibly challenging. This award will allow me to create a mentorship program in my small town and share my experience and knowledge in outdoor recreation with the next generation, ensuring that they are better equipped to navigate the challenges of their careers with or without migraine."

Another contest winner, Anjali from Washington, D.C., added, “As someone living with chronic migraine, it never fails to surprise me how often this condition is misunderstood. My migraine has allowed me to experience a greater depth of compassion and empathy for others and has led to my passion for women's health and social equity. [This award] will help me pursue law school so that I can dedicate my career towards advocating for healthcare providers and patients."

Not all of the contest winners focused on their careers. Laura, from Mount Juliet, Tennessee, spoke about her issues as a mom. She said, “As a mom of four with a fifth on the way, there's so much going on that I don't have time for my head to hurt. I work from home, but balancing work, my kids, and migraine is a daily struggle. Migraine doesn't just affect me – it affects my whole family. [This award] means so much to me. I can finally set up a real working space to allow me to work more comfortably and efficiently, reducing the strain that contributes to my migraine in the first place."

Walter from Lexington, Kentucky, added, “I've been battling migraine for over a decade. I work in video production where bright lights are everywhere–that's a real challenge. I will use the award to get more training and acoustic foam treatment for my workspace to create a quiet work environment. This isn't just about me. This is about showing that with the right support, people with migraine can thrive in their careers."

Source

1. AbbVie Awards 20 Individuals Living with Migraine To Support Career Aspirations. AbbVie. November 14, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/abbvie-awards-20-individuals-living-with-migraine-to-support-career-aspirations-302305019.html