The Brian Pereira Memorial Fund was established to recognize and support a unique group: siblings of those affected by
Smith-Magenis syndrome. These individuals walk a path shaped by both challenge and love. The fund seeks to honor siblings who, like Brian, demonstrate empathy, resilience, and a profound sense of responsibility—not just within their families, but within the wider SMS and PRISMS communities.

This year, two exceptional recipients will each receive a $1,500 scholarship to support their post-secondary education.

Our first recipient is Ainsley Bale

Ainsley attends Indiana University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, a minor in Social Science in Medicine, and an Honors Certificate while preparing for medical school.

Growing up alongside her brother Sawyer, who has Smith-Magenis syndrome, Ainsley witnessed firsthand both the challenges and triumphs that families face while navigating healthcare systems. Those experiences ignited a passion for patient advocacy and inspired her goal of becoming a physician who provides individualized, compassionate care. She hopes to help ensure that families like hers feel heard, understood, and supported.

Beyond her academic achievements, Ainsley has dedicated her time to organizations such as Best Buddies, promoting inclusion and meaningful connections for individuals with disabilities. She credits Sawyer with teaching her patience, resilience, and the importance of celebrating progress in all its forms. Those lessons have shaped not only her future career goals but also the person she is today.

Our second recipient is Kaitlyn Pereira

Kaitlyn is attending the University of Idaho, where she is studying Business Management in the Honors Program while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She has distinguished herself through academic excellence, community service, leadership, and a longstanding commitment to PRISMS and the SMS community.

Growing up with her brother Joey, Kaitlyn learned early the unique balance that many siblings of individuals with SMS experience—the joy of celebrating every milestone while carrying a deep sense of responsibility and advocacy. Over the years, she has raised awareness for SMS, created educational materials, volunteered at PRISMS conferences, and helped support the growing sibling program.

Following the tragic loss of her father, Brian, two years ago, Kaitlyn stepped forward with remarkable strength and compassion to support her family. In many ways, her application reflected the very qualities this scholarship was created to honor: resilience, empathy, service, and an unwavering commitment to others.

While Kaitlyn carries the Pereira name, she was selected by the same independent review panel as every other applicant. This award recognizes her own accomplishments and character. Yet it is especially meaningful that one of the recipients of a scholarship established in Brian’s memory is someone who so clearly embodies the values he lived by every day. We know her dad would be incredibly proud.

Congratulations to both of our recipients, and thank you for carrying forward Brian’s legacy of kindness, compassion, and service.

The Impact of the Brian Pereira Memorial Fund

PRISMS would like to thank all of the sibling applicants who applied for this inaugural grant. Applications for the 2027-2028 grant will open in the spring of 2027. Keep watching PRISMS’ social media pages and the website at www.prisms.org for the announcement.

The Brian Pereira Memorial Fund stands as a living tribute, not only to the man for whom it is named, but to the enduring spirit of compassion, integrity, and perseverance that he embodied. If you would like to contribute to this fund in honor of Brian, you can make a donation here.