Kyleigh Morgan developed hydrocephalus as an infant from an inoperable
benign brain tumour. After being a patient most of her life, 19-year-old
Kyleigh dreams of becoming a registered nurse. She refuses to let the
challenges of navigating life with an acquired brain injury stand in her way.
A scholarship from Hydrocephalus Canada is helping her reach her dream.
Kyleigh chose a nursing career because of her interest in the human body
and especially because she wanted to be able to look after patients in similar
situations as herself. She knows what it is like to live with a chronic, life-
threatening condition and how scary, frustrating and discouraging it can be.
“I want to be someone who listens to my patients the first time, so they do
not have to fight with their words when they already must do so with their
bodies. Having hydrocephalus has made me very aware of the challenges
that patients have to deal with each day, and I want to help my patients
overcome these challenges.’’
Kyleigh applied for the Dr. E. Bruce Hendrick Scholarship Program in April
2024 to help with the many expenses of nursing school such as medical
textbooks, scrubs, shoes, stethoscopes and many costs she did not anticipate.
Kyleigh was awarded a scholarship two months later, just before completing
secondary school.
The Dr. E. Bruce Hendrick scholarship Program was named in honour of the
renowned neurosurgeon at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids)
who dedicated his medical career in treating countless infants and children
with hydrocephalus and spina bifida.
The scholarship is open to Canadian citizens with spina bifida and or hydrocephalus who reside in Canada. Its objectives include encouraging and supporting students with these conditions to develop independence and responsibility for their future educational directions. There is no limit to how many individuals can apply and those who have received an award can re-apply throughout their schooling. Awards are based on the number of applications received and the amount of funds that are available from the interest earned annually.
Kyleigh does not know what she would have done without the scholarship opportunity. “The last thing I wanted to do was ask my parents for help. Although they would have done so in a heartbeat because they already sacrifice so much daily to keep me alive and thriving.
I could have applied for student loans. However, with the help of this scholarship, I was able to get through my first year of school without taking out any loans, which feels amazing.’’
Kyleigh is thriving academically and has just completed her first year of nursing school at St. Lawrence College in Kingston. Her in-class learning accommodations include recorded lectures and a note taker. She has three years left before she graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN).
Kyleigh loved her first year, especially doing hospital placements. With the financial burden of post-secondary education lifted, she can focus on academics and not worry too much about working during the semesters, given the heavy workload of the program. She is thankful for the peace and sense of security that the scholarship provided her.
Looking ahead, Kyleigh’s dream is to work in pediatric neurosurgery or neurology.
“The brain is such a fascinating part of the body. I have spent a lot of time in these areas as a patient at Sick Kids in Toronto and the care was incredible. It made such a positive impact on my life.
“Both my neurosurgeon and nurse practitioner at Sick Kids encouraged me to apply for the nursing program and the support has meant so much to me.
“It would be a privilege to work in this environment and, one day, help one of my patients overcome their own challenges so they can reach their goals.’’
To anyone interested in applying for the Dr. E. Bruce Hendrick Scholarship,
Kyleigh says, “Just do it. Apply and see what happens. If having hydrocephalus has taught me anything, it’s always to expect the unexpected. And in this case, the ‘unexpected’ could literally be receiving the scholarship.
“Taking the time to complete the application is never a waste of time and will greatly benefit you in your post-secondary journey. If you need guidance, reach out to Hydrocephalus Canada. They want to help you and answer your questions. You are not alone in this process.’’
To learn more about Hydocephalus Canada’s bursary and scholarship programs visit: www.hydrocephalus.ca
