Meet Our Scholarship Recipients

In 2026, the 180 Medical Scholarship Program proudly celebrated its 15th year of supporting students as they pursue their educational goals. Each year, we’re honored to award scholarships to remarkable students with powerful stories. Some are caregivers for loved ones. Others live with life-changing conditions such as spinal cord injury, spina bifida, or transverse myelitis. All embody resilience and hope, and we’re proud to support their dreams of making a positive impact on the world.

“We’re always in awe of the scholarship applicants’ stories,” says Mark Jassey, President and COO. “It’s moving to see their positive spirits despite the challenges thrown their way in life. Many of them want to use their experiences to help others. It’s an honor to continue our founder Todd Brown’s original vision and help these young students pursue an education so they can achieve their calling.”

Meet some of the inspiring students we’ve had the privilege of supporting through the 180 Medical College Scholarship and the Ron Howell Caregiver Scholarship over the years.

Meet 180 Medical's 2026 Scholarship Recipients

We're so proud of being able to play a part in supporting these students' educational goals. Here's a little bit about them and their stories, as well as what they hope to achieve in college.

Chad Johnson

Chad's path to graduation has been marked by extraordinary resilience. After surviving a severe car accident in 2001 that left him unable to walk for two years, he was forced to put his education on hold while focusing on recovery. Years later, he faced another major challenge when he developed transverse myelitis following a spinal tap procedure, resulting in loss of sensation from his rib cage down and requiring him to learn to walk again.

Despite ongoing nerve damage and chronic pain, Chad returned to school as an adult learner while balancing work, medical challenges, and rehabilitation. Today, he works as a Benefits Coordinator for Medicare, helping individuals navigate complex healthcare systems and access the support they need. As he completes his degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, Chad hopes to continue serving others through healthcare advocacy, benefits coordination, and patient support services.

I have learned to push forward despite the discomfort, refusing to allow my physical condition to define the limits of my potential.

Jonathan Tinney

Jonathan's life changed in 2020 when an accident caused a spinal cord injury that left him quadriplegic. Determined to continue building a meaningful life for himself and his family, he learned to adapt to new challenges while drawing strength from his two children. Along the way, he discovered a passion for encouraging others facing similar injuries and helping them navigate the emotional side of recovery.

Today, Jonathan is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master of Social Work with the goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He interns with a community resource organization and participates in peer mentoring programs, where he supports individuals with newly acquired spinal cord injuries. Jonathan hopes to one day open a private practice focused on helping people adjust to life after injury and overcome challenges with confidence and hope.

I have proven that just because we have a life-altering injury doesn't mean it has to be life-ending.

Kaylaa White

Kaylaa has faced numerous challenges since being diagnosed with severe Crohn's disease. Over the past several years, she has undergone six surgeries, spent more than six months in the hospital, and made the difficult decision to live with a permanent ostomy. Through it all, she has remained committed to her education, returning to New York University after a medical leave and continuing her studies while managing ongoing treatment and recovery.

A writer, creator, and advocate, Kaylaa uses her experiences to raise awareness about chronic illness, disability, and health equity. She has built an online community by sharing her story, published a poetry book, spoken at national gastrointestinal health events, and worked with the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation to support others living with inflammatory bowel disease. Through her individualized studies program at NYU, she plans to combine storytelling, media, and disability advocacy to help create more inclusive spaces for underrepresented communities.

Every day, I'll keep going. Every day, I've kept going.

Melanny Sibri

Melanny has navigated life with spina bifida and a neurogenic bladder since birth, developing resilience and determination through the challenges of managing a chronic medical condition. From a young age, she learned the importance of self-advocacy, adaptability, and staying focused on her goals, even when health concerns required additional planning and flexibility in everyday life.

Today, Melanny is pursuing a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Inspired by her own experiences, she hopes to support individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life's challenges, particularly those affected by chronic illness or disability. Her journey has given her a deep sense of empathy and a passion for helping others feel understood, supported, and empowered.

When challenges arise, I have learned to adapt rather than give up.

Natalie Otto

Natalie has never let spina bifida define what she can achieve. Throughout her life, she has managed complex medical needs, traveled hours for specialized care, and undergone more than 30 surgeries. Despite missing significant time in school due to medical appointments and procedures, she remained committed to her education and learned to adapt when challenges arose.

Natalie's experiences have inspired a passion for service and advocacy. As student council president, she helped organize fundraising efforts for organizations including Ronald McDonald House and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. She also embraced new challenges by studying abroad in Latvia through a U.S. Department of State language program, where she balanced intensive language studies with the responsibilities of managing her health far from home. Inspired by those who have supported her throughout her journey, Natalie hopes to become a lawyer and advocate for others facing unseen barriers.

I am not waiting for life to get easier, I am learning to adapt and find joy in the things I can do.

Sean Abercrombie

Sean's life changed in 2022 when a diving accident resulted in a C5 spinal cord injury and quadriplegia. In the years since, he has worked tirelessly to adapt to new challenges while maintaining a focus on what remains possible. Today, he is a student at the University of Alabama, where he is studying Kinesiology and Sales while building greater independence and pursuing his career goals.

Sean has turned his experiences into a passion for innovation and advocacy. He helped develop an adaptive hunting device designed to make outdoor recreation more accessible for people with disabilities, earning first place at the University of Alabama's River Pitch Competition. He also works in medical technology sales, mentors individuals with spinal cord injuries, and advocates for policies that improve accessibility and quality of life. Sean hopes to continue combining healthcare, technology, and advocacy to create opportunities for others living with disabilities.

My spinal cord injury dramatically changed the course of my life, but it also revealed strengths and purpose I did not know I possessed.

Seth Alexander

Seth was born with bladder exstrophy, a rare condition that required numerous surgeries and medical treatments throughout his childhood. The physical challenges of living with a complex medical condition were accompanied by emotional struggles as he wrestled with feelings of isolation, anxiety, and the desire to fit in. Over time, those experiences shaped not only his understanding of himself, but also his compassion for others facing difficult circumstances.

While in high school, Seth discovered a passion for philosophy and the power of ideas to help people find meaning and purpose. That experience inspired him to pursue higher education, studying philosophy and later continuing his studies in graduate school. Today, he plans to pursue psychodynamic training and a career focused on helping others navigate emotional challenges, drawing from both his academic interests and his own life experiences.

It has made me deeply sensitive to the suffering of others and filled me with a passion to help others as others have helped me.

Laura Hentig (2026 Caregiver Scholarship Recipient)

As the primary caregiver for her husband, a medically disabled Army veteran and former combat medic, this recipient has learned firsthand the challenges that many caregivers face each day. Alongside supporting her husband through medical appointments, healthcare systems, and daily responsibilities, she has balanced caregiving with working full-time in healthcare and completing her Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Science, graduating cum laude.

Her experiences as both a caregiver and healthcare professional have inspired a passion for improving healthcare systems for veterans, caregivers, and underserved communities. Currently working as a referral coordinator in neurosurgery, she has seen how healthcare challenges affect not only patients but entire families. She plans to continue that impact through Yale University's Master of Public Health program, where she will prepare for a future in healthcare leadership, public health, or clinical operations.

I do not see my caregiving story as something that held me back. I see it as something that shaped my strength and gave me direction in my education and career.

Our Scholarship Legacy

For 15 years, the 180 Medical College Scholarship Program has supported students as they pursue their educational and career goals. Browse our past recipients by year and learn more about the resilience, compassion, and purpose behind their stories.