The Maine Brain Aneurysm Awareness Committee was pleased to award $2,000 scholarships to five students at the KAT-Walk & Karo-5K for Brain Aneurysm Awareness on September 21, 2025.
Our congratulations to:
These scholarships were established in memory of four young ladies from Maine that passed away from ruptured Brain Aneurysms or Brain Tumor: Kimberly Tudor was a graduate from UNE with a CNA certificate and BS in Sports & Fitness, Karolina Kurka graduated from UNH with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, Cheyanne Audet received her BS in Nursing from the University of Maine, and Jessica K. Heath, Brain Aneurysm Awareness Committee member and tireless supporter of the National Brain Tumor Society. A fifth scholarship was award this year for all Brain Aneurysm Survivors. It was funded and presented by aneurysm survivor Dilia Holmes.
— Ryan Kirschner (from his scholarship application)
“I have experienced the devastating effects of traumatic brain injury, cerebral aneurysm, and stroke through the suffering of people I love dearly. These events not only shaped my personal and academic path but also gave me a profound understanding of the silent struggles that follow brain injury. All three of these men; my uncle, my grandfather, and my friend Matt—have shown me different sides of brain injury and its aftermath: long-term recovery, sudden loss, and permanent change. These experiences have deeply shaped my perspective, my compassion, and my career goals. They are the reason I want to work in the neurologically-focused field, helping patients and families navigate recovery and loss, and advocating for more awareness and research around brain health.”
We once again thank all those that participate & donate to the KAT-Walk & Karo-5K for Brain Aneurysm Awareness and for your continued support of our efforts to increase Brain Aneurysm Awareness, Education, and Research in Maine and northern New England.