Announcing our 2025 Hydrocephalus Association Scholarship Recipients!
The Hydrocephalus Association (HA) is pleased to announce the 2025 Hydrocephalus Association Scholarship Award Recipients. We extend our gratitude to everyone who applied for a scholarship and congratulate those selected this year. Established in 1994, HA’s scholarship program provides financial assistance to capable and promising teens and adults living with the ongoing challenges and complexities of hydrocephalus.
Since the program’s inception, HA has awarded 278 scholarships to future leaders of our community. We are proud to honor these remarkable young adults, who in addition to successfully managing their hydrocephalus, continue to excel in the classroom, volunteer, and give back to help their local communities. They are an inspiration to us all, proving that hydrocephalus does not stand in the way of pursuing one’s goals.
These twelve scholarships are funded by:
- Gerard Swartz Fudge Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Baldus Family Scholarship in Memory Gerard Swartz Fudge Scholarship
- Morris L. and Rebecca Ziskind Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Anthony Abbene Scholarship Fund
- Justin Scot Alston Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Mario J. Tocco Hydrocephalus Foundation Scholarship Fund
- Kate Finlayson Memorial Scholarship
- Jacobsen Family Scholarship
- Hydrocephalus Association Scholarship, which is provided by Erik and Lisa Chamberlain.
We’re deeply grateful to our generous donors for making these scholarships possible and to the Scholarship Committee for their ongoing dedication and support..
Congratulations 2025 Scholarship Recipients!
Dana Fink
Recipient of Morris L. and Rebecca Ziskind Memorial Scholarship
Dana is earning her Master of Public Administration degree with a concentration in Nonprofit Management at George Washington University while serving as a Senior Subject Matter Coordinator at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). She aspires to serve as a senior advisor or policymaker, advocating for disability justice.
Diagnosed at birth with congenital hydrocephalus due to spina bifida and Chiari II Malformation, Dana has faced both visible and invisible challenges in her education and daily life. These lived experiences have fueled her passion for public service, from interning with Senator Tom Harkin, where she contributed to research on amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), to her current role at the SAMHSA, where she helps to advance federal programs that improve coordination between disability and mental health services. Dana’s commitment is clear: she aims to build stronger, more inclusive systems where people with complex disabilities are not left behind. She shares, “We deserve spaces where hydrocephalus is not just understood, but where our whole selves are welcomed.”
Outside of her professional work and academic pursuits, Dana has found empowerment and community through adaptive sports, including wheelchair basketball and competitive rowing, and she takes pride in mentoring young adults with disabilities who come to Washington, D.C. to pursue internships. She is also training a new service dog, who helps her stay active and engaged.
Matthew Jewell
Recipient of the Jacobsen Family Scholarship
Matthew is working toward a bachelor’s degree in environmental science at the University of North Texas. He began his academic journey at Tarrant County College, graduating with high honors before continuing his studies to deepen his knowledge of ecosystems and environmental stewardship. Matthew’s passion for nature and education began in his Biology II class and grew through volunteering with conservation projects and leading educational and outreach programs at the River Legacy Nature Center. His long-term goal is to merge his love of environmental science with public education and outreach, inspiring curiosity and care for the natural world.
Diagnosed with congenital hydrocephalus as an infant, Matthew shares, “Hydrocephalus has had a profound impact on my life—physically, emotionally, and academically.” Academically, frequent absences and developmental delays required years of speech therapy and made keeping up in school challenging. Socially, medical restrictions and hospitalizations often led to isolation and missed opportunities for typical childhood interactions. These experiences fostered resilience, curiosity, and kindness, shaping his desire to help others and serve his community.
Matthew has been an active volunteer and participant in the Dallas-Fort Worth WALK to End Hydrocephalus, has organized local awareness events, and coordinated speakers for educational programs at his college, including HA’s Medical Advisory Board Member, Dr. Brad Weprin.
Outside of academics, Matthew dedicates time to community service projects focused on conservation, habitat restoration, and public education, including his favorite seasonal activity: mothing events in spring and summer. He is also a fan of Broadway shows and can often be found unwinding with friends over tabletop games.
Shea Moran
Recipient of the Mario J. Tocco Memorial Scholarship
Shea is enrolled in the five-year accelerated Physician Assistant program at the University of Detroit Mercy while completing a bachelor’s degree in biology. Driven by her lifelong passion for medicine and helping others, Shea’s career goal is to become a Physician Associate (PA), also known as a Physician Assistant. Inspired by her neurosurgeon’s balance of expertise and empathy, she strives to be a provider who listens, teaches, and treats patients as partners in their care.
Diagnosed with hydrocephalus in infancy due to aqueductal stenosis, Shea has faced challenges such as migraines, hospitalizations, and a peritoneal pseudocyst, yet she has persevered with resilience and determination. Shea reflects, “Living with hydrocephalus has shaped me into someone who is strong, empathetic, and ready to use my experiences to help others.” Her experiences have not only strengthened her resolve but also shaped her approach to patient care.
Beyond the classroom, Shea enjoys music, having played bass in a rock band, and STEM activities such as Destination Imagination. She is passionate about leadership and community service, taking on roles that allow her to guide and support others. Shea also embraces opportunities to learn and engage in healthcare-related experiences, reflecting her deep commitment to medicine and patient advocacy.
Michael “Steele” Funches
Recipient of the Gerard Swartz Fudge Memorial Scholarship
Steele is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Finance at Lipscomb University. He plans to pursue an MBA and build a career that combines his business knowledge with his passion for music. Inspired by the “music man” at Seattle Children’s Hospital, Steele plans to continue to give back to hospitals and medical communities through music programs.
Diagnosed with Crouzon Syndrome and hydrocephalus at birth, Steele had his first shunt placed at age four. While undergoing numerous surgeries and ongoing medical care, Steele has excelled both academically and athletically, competing in state championship races, maintaining high grades, and developing skills in music production and songwriting.
“Hydrocephalus and Crouzon Syndrome have presented challenges throughout my life, but they have also taught me resilience, creativity, and perseverance,” Steele shares. He is also passionate about raising funds for the Partners in Africa Cleft-Training Craniofacial Outreach Program (PACT) through Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Outside of his studies, Steele enjoys running and working out, and he is an accomplished musician, songwriter, and producer, having released two songs and is currently working on an album. Steele plays guitar, sings, and dabbles in piano. Steele is also active in leadership roles through his youth group, student council, and sports teams, and he founded and leads a chapel band at his school.
Brea McGinnis
Recipient of the Justin Scot Alston Memorial Scholarship
Brea is working towards a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She plans to use her chemical engineering degree to specialize in chemotherapeutic engineering, developing innovative cancer treatments in honor of her late father. She also aims to inspire more young women to pursue STEM careers and raise awareness of hydrocephalus through advocacy and community outreach.
Diagnosed with hydrocephalus as an infant, Brea has faced numerous challenges, including multiple surgeries and social and physical obstacles during her school years. In navigating these experiences, she has remained resilient, sharing, “Living with hydrocephalus requires ongoing management and support, but it is not a life sentence of limitations. With the right care and resources, individuals like myself can thrive and live fulfilling lives.” Her journey has instilled determination, problem-solving skills, and empathy—qualities she applies both personally and through her involvement in the Champion’s Program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, where she supports others navigating similar challenges.
Beyond academics, Brea has excelled in leadership and extracurricular activities, serving as varsity basketball captain, yearbook editor, media arts intern, and youth leader at her church.. She has also participated in STEM programs, including a summer engineering internship at Toyota, an engineering camp at the University of Texas, and local STEM clubs, all of which strengthened her interest in chemical engineering and innovation.
Avery Sycko
Recipient of the Anthony Abbene Scholarship
Avery is attending the University of Michigan, where she is pursuing a degree in Biology with an interest in medicine. From the start of high school, she knew she wanted to enter the medical field and has even considered combining her love of football with her passion for healthcare. Avery gained hands-on experience through a full-time internship at Henry Ford’s Pancreatic Cancer Center, where she learned about laboratory research and saw firsthand the real-world impact of science in medicine. This experience has sparked her curiosity to explore other medical fields, but no matter the path she chooses, her goal is to build a career that she loves.
Growing up with congenital hydrocephalus has instilled in Avery a deep sense of resilience, understanding, and determination. She shares, “Although hydrocephalus has caused many ups and downs, those trials and tribulations have allowed me to grow into a more empathetic person.” Even with challenges including tremors, hospital visits, and uncertainty about her condition, Avery has remained focused on her education and personal growth.
Avery is also passionate about raising awareness of hydrocephalus. She has participated in the annual Detroit WALK to End Hydrocephalus and joined virtual support group meetings to connect with others living with hydrocephalus. As part of a school project, she created a website to share her experiences and provide a donation link to the Hydrocephalus Association.
In her spare time, Avery has a wide range of interests, including dance, baking, playing pickleball, listening to music, and spending time with her family and her dogs, Lucy and Pablo. She plans to continue her advocacy and volunteer work with the Hydrocephalus Association to support others affected by the condition.
Lucy Bremberg
Recipient of the Hydrocephalus Association Fund Scholarship Supported by Erik & Lisa Chamberlain
Lucy is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Special Education at Franciscan University of Steubenville. She has a passion for helping students who need extra support in school, inspired by her own experiences navigating education with hydrocephalus. Lucy has participated in dual enrollment courses at Franciscan, taking classes in foundational principles of education and an introductory class to individuals with disabilities, further cementing her goal of becoming a licensed special education teacher. She hopes to one day work as a private tutor for families of children with disabilities.
Diagnosed with hydrocephalus as an infant, Lucy received her first shunt at twelve weeks old and has since undergone three brain surgeries, the last two at age 11. Those experiences led to significant anxiety that she learned to manage through trauma therapy and coping skills. Living with daily pain and frequent migraines has deepened her empathy and resilience, shaping how she views life. As she explains, “Would I have been so gifted with language without my hydrocephalus? I guess I’ll never truly know, but I have decided to chalk it up to the pros column when thinking of my hydrocephalus.”
Lucy has been an active member of the hydrocephalus community, participating in the National Capital WALK to End Hydrocephalus and attending the 17th National Conference on Hydrocephalus, HA CONNECT, held in Austin, Texas, in 2022. She has also participated in events at her local children’s hospital.
Beyond her studies, Lucy loves reading, writing, and acting out stories. She has also been participating in musical theater for more than a decade. She believes that by living her life fully and bravely, she can inspire others with hydrocephalus to do the same.
Marissa Rouse
Recipient of the Morris L. and Rebecca Ziskind Memorial Scholarships
Marissa is earning a bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Arizona State University. She aspires to work in parole or as a post-incarceration advocate, believing deeply in the potential for rehabilitation and positive change within the criminal justice system. Marissa envisions a career where she can directly support individuals reintegrating into society after incarceration and contribute to broader systemic reform.
Diagnosed with hydrocephalus as a senior in high school, Marissa has faced challenges that touch every part of her life. School has sometimes been difficult, with memory and focus struggles that required additional support. Headaches and vision changes have made everyday activities unpredictable. Yet through these obstacles, she has grown resilient, empathetic, and fiercely determined. She reflects, “Hydrocephalus has been a constant companion in my life…These challenges have shaped me into the person I am today – resilient, empathetic, and determined to make a positive impact on the world.”
Marissa has found connection and purpose through the Hydrocephalus Association, participating in the Young Adults in Their 20s Zoom group, advocacy efforts, and the annual WALK to End Hydrocephalus in Fresno, California.
Outside of academics, Marissa finds joy in expressing her creativity and exploring the world around her. She is an avid painter who takes inspiration from light and shadow to convey mood and story through her art. She also finds peace in hiking and nature, and has a passion for food, both trying new cuisines and experimenting with her own recipes in the kitchen.
Cassandra Troy
Recipient of the Kate Finlayson Memorial Scholarship
Cassandra is a medical student at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she is completing her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Her journey with hydrocephalus inspired her to pursue a career in medicine focused on compassionate, patient-centered care and mentoring future healthcare professionals. She aims to make a meaningful impact in neurology or emergency medicine, ultimately planning to open her own practice to offer high-quality care.
Diagnosed with acquired hydrocephalus at age nine due to a brain tumor, Cassandra faced significant medical and personal challenges, including surgery and recovery that affected her physical activity and academics. Despite these obstacles, she remained committed to her education, athletics, and community involvement, competing in hockey and lacrosse throughout college and volunteering with summer camps for children with medical conditions, the American Red Cross, and the Hydrocephalus Association’s WALK to End Hydrocephalus. Cassandra shares, “Hydrocephalus has given me a unique perspective and has shaped my approach to both personal and professional relationships, emphasizing the importance of empathy, patience, and perseverance.”
Outside of her studies, Cassandra stays active through hockey, lacrosse, and regular workouts at the gym. She also loves cooking and reading, which help her unwind from her demanding academic schedule. Cassandra looks forward to continuing her journey of growth, both personally and professionally, as she advances toward her goals in medicine.
Adelaide O’Neal
Recipient of the Baldus Family Scholarship in Memory of Gerard Swartz Fudge
Adelaide is enrolled in a bachelor’s degree at Centenary College of Louisiana, where she is majoring in communications. She discovered her passion for writing and communications during middle school and, by her sophomore year, was writing for the school paper and managing its Instagram page. Her long-term goal is to work for a major news publication, travel the world, and eventually run her own business, combining her love of journalism with entrepreneurship.
Diagnosed with congenital hydrocephalus due to aqueductal stenosis before birth, Adelaide has faced unique challenges with concentration, ADHD, and anxiety, which are compounded by her experiences with hydrocephalus. Adelaide shares, “Ultimately, my experiences with hydrocephalus have instilled resilience in me and shaped my ambitions.” Adelaide has actively raised awareness about hydrocephalus by giving school presentations in support of the Hydrocephalus Association and participating in the annual Greater Dallas/Fort Worth WALK to End Hydrocephalus with her family. These experiences have strengthened her resilience and understanding, and she hopes to continue advocating for and supporting others navigating similar challenges.
Beyond academics, Adelaide is involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including Varsity Mixed Choir, Book Club, Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), National Honor Society, Hearts of Servants, Best Buddies, and inclusive cheerleading. Adelaide completed the Richardson Youth Leadership Program, which strengthened her leadership and business skills and prepared her for her educational and professional pursuits.
Hope Hancock
Recipient of the Anthony Abbene Scholarship
Hope is studying Applied Exercise Science at Oklahoma State University. Inspired by her late aunt, who was a chiropractor, Hope aspires to become a pediatric chiropractor, blending her love of movement, health, and compassion to help children live active, healthier lives..
Diagnosed with hydrocephalus at ten days old and undergoing her first surgery at just 21 days old, Hope has faced numerous challenges, including academic struggles. By eighth grade, she developed severe migraines that caused her to miss classes, practices, and social events. A successful endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) helped her return to her normal life. Reflecting on her journey, she shares, “My experience taught me that you never know what someone is going through. I want to be the type of person that is kind and compassionate.” Her goal is to use her skills and empathy to improve the lives of others, supporting and guiding children who face challenges similar to her own. While new to the Hydrocephalus Association, Hope is eager to connect with the community and provide encouragement to others living with the condition.
Outside of academics, Hope is active in athletics, leadership, and community service. A four-year varsity tennis player and senior team captain, she combines her love of sports and service through Aceing Autism, helping children on the autism spectrum build confidence through tennis. She also promotes mental health awareness and peer outreach as part of Hope Squad, and, as a Lubbock Symphony Debutante, embraces leadership and community involvement, reflecting her lifelong passion for helping others and making a positive impact.
Kassandra Baker
Recipient of the Gerard Swartz Fudge Memorial Scholarship
Kassandra recently received her Master of Science in Biomedical Visualization degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She discovered her passion for medical illustration during her undergraduate studies, which led her to a career path that perfectly combines her interests in art, science, and effective communication. Her long-term goal is to create impactful 2D and 3D visuals that educate patients, healthcare professionals, and the public, and to eventually establish her own freelance business in the field. Kassandra has already used her skills to support the hydrocephalus community, creating surgical illustrations of ETV procedures to educate medical students, residents, and practicing surgeons.
Diagnosed in 2024 with hydrocephalus due to aqueductal stenosis, Kassandra experienced numerous symptoms, including daily headaches, vision problems, pulsatile tinnitus, and fatigue, before receiving successful treatment through an ETV. These challenges affected her academic performance, mental health, and daily life, but her resilience and support system helped her recover and continue to thrive. She reflects, “Hydrocephalus challenged me in ways I never expected, but it taught me resilience and the importance of advocating for my own health.”
Outside of her professional pursuits, Kassandra engages in volunteer work and student leadership, helping organize exhibitions for the Student Association for Medical Artists. She also shares her love of music, playing the violin in church. Kassandra hopes to continue using her talents in biomedical visualization to raise awareness about hydrocephalus and support others affected by the condition.
Congratulations to all of our Awardees and Finalists!
You inspire us all!
| Brianna Adrian | Conner Dofelmire | Reese Hamby | Amelia Netherton |
| Jack Albanese | Jonathan Emminizer | Megan Hedrick | Jacob O’Bryan |
| Annabelle Alonzo | Rex Everette | Allison Higgins | Matthew Otzelberger |
| Lindsay Avila | Willa Ferree | Sarah Lawrence | Lucas Owen |
| Kaylee Axtell | Alivia Ferris | Olivia Lewis | Maxwell Pellettieri |
| Maya Bachmann-Delgado | Dylan Folse | Will Logan | Teyton Pressley |
| Lucas Beer | Benjamin Fuscardo | Laney Malone | Natalie Ramirez |
| Matthew Bellanca | Anna Gay | Isabelle Marinello | Chelsea Reddick |
| Predeline Benoit | Audrey Gilzow | Tony Martinell | Cole Rohner |
| Parker Berhorst | Madeleine Golden | Christopher Mathews | Brianna Schmidt |
| Mya Bevan | Michelle Gomez | Luz Maya | Aiden Snow |
| Nicholas Brinkley | Cairo Gordon-Somers-Archer | Cohen McClure | Danan Thomas |
| Brandon Burkett | Benjamin Granas | Logan McGinnis | Kaitlyn Triana |
| Ava Burkey | Haden Greer | Jill Meredith | Olivia Triplett |
| Chloe Buscemi | Evan Gregory | Kacy Miller | Calista “Callie” Vaughan |
| Allison Caffey | Tyler Gunnarson | Annabelle Millsap | Lydia West |
| Brandon Charlens | Alina Haag | Antonio Murillo | Grace Wilbourn |
| Brody Clarkson | Gabriella Hall | Laguna Muto | Norah Williams |
| Meredith DeVries | Benjamin Halsey | Aurora Nelsen |