CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2025-2026 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

At the age of just 15, Jeshintha survived a traumatic brain injury after being struck as a pedestrian in a motor vehicle accident. Following a coma and an extended recovery at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehab, Jeshintha relearned how to walk and talk, and continue therapies at Holland Bloorview to support her recovery. Taking a gap year after high school allowed her to focus on healing while volunteering in her community. She is an active member of the Brain Injury Association of York Region, where she supports fellow survivors, raises awareness, and shares her story through projects like Unmasking Brain Injury. Blending her passion for nature, photography, and advocacy, she aims to carry this resilience and purpose into her university journey while attending the University of Guelph.

At seventeen years old, Tatiana  suffered a stroke caused by a previously undiagnosed hole in her heart (patent foramen ovale). For years prior, while pursuing her passion for rugby, she battled unexplained symptoms including heart rate spikes, blood pressure drops, and difficulty breathing. Despite repeatedly raising concerns, doctors dismissed them as anxiety until her stroke in 2023 finally led to the discovery of the underlying heart defect. She underwent surgery soon after, and her recovery required stepping away from performance rugby. Now pursuing a diploma in broadcasting and online journalism at BCIT, she has shifted her focus to sports media. Alongside her career goals, she is committed to raising awareness about stroke and heart conditions, encouraging young athletes to trust their instincts and advocate for their health so that others may avoid the preventable challenges she faced.

At age 15, Kate sustained a life-altering pediatric brain injury that shaped her identity and future. Her recovery revealed critical gaps in the healthcare system, particularly the lack of holistic, patient-centered care. This experience inspired her to pursue a career as a healthcare provider who treats patients with compassion and a whole-person approach. Kate recently completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Queen’s University, where she served as President of the Queen’s Naturopathy Society and Outreach Coordinator for the Queen’s Rotaract Club. In these roles, she led initiatives to raise awareness about pediatric brain injury and support marginalized youth. Now pursuing naturopathic medical school, Kate is dedicated to specializing in pediatric brain injury care, using her lived experience to empower young patients and advocate for integrative, evidence-informed treatment.

At 16, Tori survived a life-threatening car accident that left her with multiple serious injuries, including a traumatic brain injury (TBI). She spent three months in the hospital relearning how to walk and adjusting to lasting cognitive challenges such as memory loss, fatigue, and sensory sensitivity. Once an athlete with dreams of playing university rugby, Tori faced an identity crisis as she grieved the loss of her former self. Despite profound physical and emotional hurdles, she rebuilt her life with strength and determination—returning to school, making recovery goals, and eventually running again before the start of grade twelve.

Now accepted to Dalhousie University with the goal of becoming an occupational therapist, Tori is passionate about advocating for youth with brain injuries. She works to raise awareness of invisible disabilities in schools and supports peers in recovery by sharing her story. Tori’s journey has transformed her pain into purpose, inspiring others to find hope and healing.

Mitchell’s journey began with a brain cancer diagnosis that profoundly changed his life. Living with an acquired brain injury from his tumor and treatments, he has faced physical and emotional challenges with resilience and determination. Through his experience, Mitchell discovered a deep passion for service and community. He now volunteers with children and individuals with brain injuries and disabilities, offering empathy and support drawn from his own lived experience. A proud contributor to the Kids with Cancer Society, Mitchell mentors young patients and supports events and camps that once helped him. Today, he uses his story to uplift others and inspire hope. Mitchell will be pursuing a Bachelor’s of Education at Kings University.

After graduating high school in 2023, Amelia faced an unexpected and life-altering health crisis: a rare stroke known as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). The condition led to severe vision loss and months of recovery, delaying their planned university start. Despite these challenges, Amelia emerged with renewed determination and a deepened commitment to pursuing a career in medicine. Now a student at Dalhousie University, they are passionate about raising awareness of youth stroke and advocating for patient-centered care. Their journey reflects resilience, strength, and a dedication to turning adversity into purpose.

At age 12, Blake survived a life-threatening Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) rupture, followed by a successful craniotomy that left a visible scar but no lasting cognitive or physical impairments. Despite enduring years of trauma, including PTSD and multiple surgeries, Blake found purpose in sharing his story to raise awareness and offer hope to others facing similar challenges. He says that his experience taught him resilience and the value of pursuing what he loves. Today, he channels that passion into motorsports—competing in national karting championships and building a future in the industry. This fall, he’ll begin a Bachelor of Commerce Co-Op program at Carleton University, with the goal of merging his business education with his dream of a career in motorsport.