Congratulations to our 2023-2024 Scholarship Recipients

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ABBI Foundation

We would like to introduce this year’s scholarship recipients. We will be posting bios on each of these amazing students soon. Please come back and read about how they are pursuing their passions in post secondary education.

Jackson – Pickering, ON

2023 ABBI Scholarship Recipient

Jackson has not let MOGAD (Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease) stand in his way of achieving his goals! Through much determination, strength and resiliency, Jackson was able to overcome many challenges and gain his lifeguarding certification where he has worked tirelessly to help fund his schooling. Jackson shows enormous empathy for others and has worked alongside the elderly during his Grade 11 year and also volunteers his time in the community with PAC4Teens. Jackson is attending Trent University for Computer Science. We have no doubt that Jackson will accomplish anything he sets his mind to! Congratulations Jackson!


Justin – Richmond Hill, ON

2023 ABBI Scholarship Recipient

Justin’s brain injury journey started when he was just 3 years old. He was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma. Justin’s ABI has created physical disabilities that make everyday activities challenging. It’s the invisible disabilities that are harder for people to understand. Justin has had to relearn how to eat, talk and walk all over again. Justin made a statement in his application, that is so profound and impactful that we felt it needs to be shared in his bio. Justin stated, “Adapting to this new reality became a necessity as I embraced alternative approaches to overcome these obstacles” That statement is exactly what Achieving Beyond is all about! Justin has devoted his time to advocating and empowering those who live with brain injuries and all forms of disabilities, and we couldn’t be prouder! Justin is attending York University for Speech and Language Sciences. Justin, we wish you all the best and can’t wait to see you achieve in the future! Congratulations Justin!


Shoalan – North Vancouver, BC

2023 ABBI Scholarship Recipient

Stay tuned to learn more about Shoalan


Adia – Thornbury, ON

2023 ABBI Scholarship Recipient

Meet Adia, a resilient individual who started her battle with Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) at the age of 15. Initially misdiagnosed with various ailments, Adia endured weeks of uncertainty before finally receiving a diagnosis. Her journey with ADEM was marked by significant challenges, including the loss of mobility and speech. With her unwavering determination and the support of her family and medical team, Adia slowly began to learn to talk, write, and walk again. Through this adversity, she discovered a passion for neuroscience and a drive to make a difference in the field. Now studying Life Science at Queen’s University, Adia is actively involved in health advocacy and neuroscience initiatives, determined to raise awareness, and promote education about brain injuries. Her journey exemplifies the power of resilience, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit.re about Adia


Petra – Mississauga, ON

2023 ABBI Scholarship Recipient

Stay tuned to learn more about Petra


Megan – Delta, BC

2023 ABBI Scholarship Recipient

In 2021, Megan was working towards her lifeguard/swim instructor certification and at just two classes shy of completing the Water Safety Instructor program, Megan woke up one morning to a terrible headache. Within 48 hours, Megan was confused, unable to talk and move her legs to walk. Megan had suffered Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST). This is a rare form of stroke, only affecting 5 in a million people a year. Even though her senior years at school were challenging and most time spent on her recovery, Megan still generously donated her time within her community, with food drives, assisting on multiple committees and volunteering with the Amanda Todd Legacy Foundation. We wish Megan all the best at Douglas College! Megan, thank you for all that you do for your community – we’re so proud to call you an Achieving Beyond Brain Injury scholarship recipient!


Sarah – Oshawa, ON

2023 ABBI Scholarship Recipient

Meet Sarah, whose journey has been marked by resilience and perseverance in the face of a rare condition. At the age of 15, she began experiencing fainting spells and severe headaches, which disrupted her daily life and academic pursuits. Despite seeking medical attention, a correct diagnosis eluded her until she was 16, when she was diagnosed with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension—a rare brain disease that threatened her vision and hearing. Enduring weeks of hospitalization and medical tests, she received treatment and ongoing care from specialists, including a Neuro-Ophthalmologist. Throughout her academic career, she faced significant challenges due to her condition until the infamous transition to online learning during the pandemic happened, which allowed her to excel learning from the comfort of her own home. Despite some setbacks, she continues to pursue her post-secondary education at Ontario Tech University, studying Criminology and maintaining a good GPA.


Hana – Stouffville, ON

2023 ABBI Scholarship Recipient

Stay tuned to learn more about Hana


Aidan – Toronto, ON

2023 ABBI Scholarship Recipient

Stay tuned to learn more about Aidan

ABBI Charitable Foundation
ABBIFoundation@outlook.com
289-314-0488

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