Those privileged to know Brian Pereira recall him as a gentle giant—someone whose presence brought comfort, whose actions inspired trust, and whose unwavering kindness left an indelible mark. His journey through life was defined by a steadfast dedication to his family, friends, and, in particular, the PRISMS community.

In memory of Brian’s remarkable life, the Brian Periera 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.

PRISMS is proud to announce the recipients of the inaugural Brian Pereira Memorial Grant. Each recipient received $1,500 to be applied toward tuition at their chosen post-secondary institution.

Meet the Recipients

Avery Zemlak

My name is Avery from Pacific Palisades, CA. I’m 18 years old and in the fall, I will be starting as a freshman at the University of Colorado at Boulder! I love to cook, spend time with friends and family, dance, shop, listen to music, and more! When I was 3 years old, my younger brother, Logan, was born, and when I was 5 years old, he was diagnosed with Smith-Magenis Syndrome. Anyone living with someone who has SMS knows that it inevitably changes your life. Over the past 15 years, I have chosen to find out how Logan and his diagnosis can change my life for the better.

Being a sibling to someone with special needs is no small feat, but the lessons I have learned, the communities I have supported and been supported by, and the person I am because of it makes every challenge worth it. Throughout the course of my life, I have held many titles from daughter to friend to student, yet my favorite and proudest will forever and always be “Logan’s sister.” I am truly filled with gratitude for receiving the Brian Pereira Memorial Fund Grant and I would like to greatly thank PRISMS for honoring me and for all the work they do for the SMS community, you are all so important to our community. 

Sophia Gerberg

My name is Sophia Gerberg. At six weeks old, my sister, Abby, who has Smith-Magenis Syndrome, underwent open-heart surgery, an experience that became a defining moment not just in her life, but in mine. I was young, but I remember the hospital visits, the fear in my parents’ eyes, and the strength it took for our family to move through each uncertain day. From that moment forward, I began to see the world through a different lens: one shaped by love, advocacy, and the deep desire to make things better for her.

Growing up as her older sister‚ and one of her primary caregivers‚ taught me more than any textbook ever could. I learned how to interpret her needs when she couldn’t express them. I learned to celebrate small victories, to practice patience even on the hardest days, and to stand up for her when the world didn’t understand her. These lessons shaped the core of who I am: someone who leads with empathy, finds strength in service, and believes that care must extend far beyond clinical knowledge.

Everything I do, I do with her in mind. She is my why. She is the reason I don’t give up, even when the road is hard. I want to build a life where I honor her, every single day‚ not just in memory, but in action. And one day, I hope to care for children like her, with the same tenderness and hope that my family always fought for her to receive.

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 2025-2026 grant will open in January 2026. 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.