We are very pleased and proud to share follow-up stories from two of our previous $2,000 scholarship recipients. These scholarships aim to support students who have been impacted by brain aneurysm or brain tumor, engage in public outreach and awareness of brain aneurysms and/or work with that population through their area of study.
2025 Scholarship Recipient: Ryan Kirschner, UNE, Doctoral candidate DPT ’27
“In 2025, I was honored to receive the Maine Brain Aneurysm Awareness Scholarship in memory of Karolina A. Kurka. The scholarship not only helped support my education financially, but also strengthened my commitment to neurological rehabilitation and patient care.
Today, I am entering my third and final year of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of New England and expect to graduate in May 2027. I am currently completing a clinical rotation in acute care at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, where I work with patients recovering from strokes, neurological injuries, and other complex medical conditions. These experiences have reinforced my desire to pursue a career helping individuals regain mobility, independence, and quality of life following neurological injury or disease.
The Maine Brain Aneurysm scholarship holds special meaning to me because of my personal connections to stroke, traumatic brain injury, and brain aneurysm through family members and friends. Since receiving the scholarship, I have continued participating in awareness efforts, including the KAT-Walk & Karo-5k and activities supporting the Matthew Friedman Memorial Foundation.
I remain extremely grateful to the Maine Brain Aneurysm Awareness Committee, the Kurka family, and all those who make these scholarships possible. Their support continues to inspire me as I work toward becoming a physical therapist dedicated to helping patients and families facing neurological challenges.”
2024 Scholarship Recipient: Anna White
“Since receiving the Kimberly A. Tudor Memorial Scholarship, I graduated from Southern Maine Community College in December and began the RN-BSN program at the University of Southern Maine in January. I also recently started my new graduate RN position in the Intensive Care Unit at Southern Maine Medical Center in February.
As I begin my nursing career in critical care, I have developed a strong interest in caring for neurological patients. Working with individuals experiencing strokes, traumatic brain injuries, seizures, and other complex neurological conditions has strengthened my clinical ability. I’m fortunate enough to not only care for these patients but also a wide variety of others, pushing me to be a well rounded nurse.
Receiving this scholarship in memory of Kimberly A. Tudor was a meaningful honor and provided valuable support throughout my nursing education. I am sincerely grateful for the encouragement and investment in my professional journey as I continue to grow within the nursing profession.”
The Maine Brain Aneurysm Awareness Committee will award four scholarships in 2026. The scholarships are available for Undergraduate Students attending an accredited Maine institution pursuing a degree in Nursing (ADN or BSN) or Graduate Students attending an accredited Maine institution pursuing a degree in PT (DPT), OT (MS OT), or PA (MS). Academic requirements include a GPA of >3.0, and the student must be an upperclassmen (ADN or BSN programs).
- Deadline: July 20, 2026
- Notification: August 20, 2026
- Awards: September 20, 2026