I am seeking financial support to pursue a Master of Science degree in Narrative Futures: Art, Data, and Society at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, University of Edinburgh. This unique interdisciplinary program explores how storytelling can shape our understanding of global challenges, training students to create narratives that drive social change. Through my Futures Project, I aim to bridge the gap between rare disease researchers and the public by fostering understanding and empathy through storytelling. This work will bring greater visibility to the rare disease community—a large, underserved population—and support disease prevention and treatment efforts by promoting more informed, compassionate dialogue. Your support will enable me to gain the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful difference in this community.

I am a senior double-majoring in biology and studio art, committed to rare disease advocacy that began when I was 15. My drive started earlier, though, when I lost my best friend at age ten to a rare disease that went undiagnosed for too long. His story fuels my mission to transform how the rare disease community is understood and supported. Since then, I have volunteered at Rare Disease Day, an event that unites this often-overlooked community, and interned at Rein in Sarcoma, where I helped raise awareness and funds for rare cancer research. These experiences highlighted the need for better communication about rare diseases and for advocacy groups to collaborate more effectively with healthcare systems. I envision a future where patients, families, and healthcare providers connect with the human side of rare diseases and work together more effectively.

My passion for this mission deepened while studying abroad in Aberdeen, Scotland, where I felt a powerful connection to the land and culture my ancestors left over 300 years ago. During a visit to Edinburgh, I fell in love with the city’s blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant modernity. On a return trip, I discovered the Edinburgh Futures Institute—a place whose very name sparked my curiosity. Learning more about the Institute, I was inspired by its commitment to curiosity and innovation—two qualities that have driven me and my art. This program feels like the perfect place to deepen my skills, where I can learn to create narratives that resonate and help people connect with the experiences of rare disease patients. Storytelling has the unique power to make complex information accessible and build emotional connections, essential for fostering a healthcare system that listens to and responds to the rare disease community’s needs.