SBHANA is committed to encouraging and empowering our community members. We offer two annual scholarships. The Dr. Peter Bowen Memorial Scholarship is awarded to students who have spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus. The Kailyn Sneath Memorial Scholarship is awarded to nursing students.
Dr. Peter Bowen Memorial Scholarship
The Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Northern Alberta (SBHANA) is committed to encouraging students with spina bifida and hydrocephalus to further their academic education through the establishment of two post-secondary scholarships each year to students who have spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus.
Congratulations to our 2025 Recipient!
Madison Snow
Kailyn Sneath Memorial Scholarship
Kailyn attended many events over the years with the SBHANA. Her mom, Monica Sneath quickly became deeply involved with the SBHANA as the Vice President on the board of directors for many years, planning numerous events and fundraising. Kailyn’s father Del and siblings, Zoe and Jay, were a huge part of SBHANA as well. Humour was important to Kailyn, and she often told jokes and wanted to make people laugh and would share the biggest smile when she heard their laughter. Kailyn had a kind heart and was very empathetic. She was a strong and beautiful person both inside and out.
Due to Kailyn’s complex medical needs, she required nursing level of care 24/7. Monica and her carefully chosen staff, provided that care for her. The decision to hire a nurse or nursing student was taken with great consideration. After all they would be in their family home daily and driving Kailyn on her many outings. These nurses may have been hired to assist with her medical needs, but they quickly made connections with Kailyn and became not just her nurse, but her friends.
To celebrate the nurses it is with great honour that the SBHANA and the Sneath Famiy announce the Kailyn Sneath Memorial Scholarship in memory of Kailyn Sneath. We welcome nurses in undergraduate, graduate, diploma, or certificate programs at publicly funded post-secondary institution in Alberta to apply.
Congratulations to our 2025 Scholarship Recipients!
Roshant Vig
I am a fourth-year Honours Nursing student at the University of Alberta, passionate about advocacy, social justice, and supporting vulnerable populations. Since my first year, I have volunteered with SBHANA (Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Northern Alberta), providing care and support for individuals living with spina bifida. I am especially committed to advocating for Indigenous communities, children with disabilities, and men’s mental health.
In addition to volunteering, I work as an Undergraduate Nurse in the Grey Nuns Emergency Department and serve as a General Faculty Councillor (GFC), representing the Faculty of Nursing at the student union level. Balancing academics, volunteering, and leadership has enhanced my perseverance and maturity while also fueling my passion for making meaningful change in my community.
Receiving this award is an incredible honor, and it inspires me to continue dedicating myself to serving others and advocating for those whose voices are often underrepresented.
Shanzay Mehrani
I’m currently in my final year of the After-Degree Honours Nursing program at the University of Alberta. My research focuses on women’s heart health in collaboration with the Research Institute of McGill (RI-MUHC).
As a first-generation immigrant, I grew up watching my parents rebuild their lives in a new country. They instilled in me that service is core to a meaningful life, and that value continues to guide my journey in nursing.
During my community placement, I had the privilege of working with the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Northern Alberta (SBHANA), which reminded me that joy, creativity, and social connection are all powerful forms of health promotion. At SBHANA’s annual Walk and Roll event, our clinical group set up a rock-painting booth to promote fine-motor dexterity in individuals with spina bifida, while promoting family engagement. In addition, I learned techniques for safe wheelchair navigation, participated in a competitive game of wheelchair rugby, and joined a home visit with a SBHANA mentor – each experience giving me a deeper appreciation for the strength and adaptability of individuals with spina bifida.
Looking forward, I hope to build a career in critical care nursing while remaining involved in research and community service. Whether at the bedside or out in the community, contributing to the well-being of others is how I honour the values that brought me here.
Taylor Hume
I am currently in my second (and final) year of the After-Degree Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Alberta. Prior to this, I completed an Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences degree at the University of Ottawa.
I recently volunteered with SBHANA for the annual Walk & Roll, where I helped organize the craft table. I really enjoyed getting to know the SBHANA community and being a part of such a great event! The SBHANA members were very welcoming of me and I loved getting to know everyone. I would enjoy the opportunity to volunteer with future SBHANA events and continue to get to know this lovely community. I’ve also spent time volunteering with the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and the uOttawa Interprofessional Health Association.
As I continue to embark on this career in nursing, I set a lot of goals for myself as a future RN. I hope to pursue a career in neonatal intensive care nursing and make a real difference for neonates and their families. As someone who spent the first few weeks of her life in the NICU, I have a special place in my heart for the wonderful NICU nurses. I hope to be part of this wonderful field of healthcare and help babies have a great start to life. I am passionate about family-centered care and plan to spend my career caring for patients and their families.
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Recipients
Anne Nitschke Dr Peter Bowen Memorial Scholarship Recipient 2023
Leah Bateman Dr Peter Bowen Memorial Scholarship Recipient 2023
