Scholarships

In May of 2021, Kaden’s life changed forever after a boating accident resulted in the loss of his right leg. While his recovery was physically and mentally challenging, Kaden is grateful for the crucial role JTF played in his journey toward reclaiming his life. JTF showed him that while his physical abilities may have changed, his resilience and determination were stronger than ever. Through JTF, Kaden also found wheelchair basketball, which he now plays at the Division I level at the University of Alabama. Kaden is focusing his studies and future career plans on working in a field that combines his love for sports and his desire to help other with disabilities find their own paths to success. Kaden has already accomplished so much and we can’t wait to see all his future holds for him.

Born premature at 23 weeks in the midst of her family being displaced from Hurricane Katrina, Victoria has been a fighter since day one. When she was six months old, she developed a severe infection after an IV was left in her leg for too long which ultimately required a below knee amputation. Throughout grade school, Victoria struggled with her mental health, dealing with unkind remarks from her peers. When she became a JTF Kid in 2020, she was able to gain confidence through her activity limb and was motivated by Jordan’s dedication to other kids like her. Through these difficult years, Victoria also discovered a refuge in makeup and the ability to enhance natural beauty became a source of self-expression for her. Victoria is currently enrolled in the Aveda Arts and Sciences Institute where she is in the process of earning her esthetician license. Her ultimate goal is to open multiple salons, where she can empower others through the art of makeup.

Katelyn was born missing her right arm above the elbow but has never let her limb difference stop her from achieving her dreams. She views her limb difference as motivation to excel as an athlete and strives to inspire and encourage everyone around her. During her high school years, Kate was a standout softball player and was selected by the Brevard Spots Network to receive the Courage Award her senior year. Katelyn is a student at Florida Atlantic University where she is majoring in Mechanical Engineering. After graduating, she hopes to use her engineering degree to create adaptive tools for others like her. Kate is also an amazing big sister to fellow JTF Kids, Bella and Nico!

Samantha is one of our longest JTF Kiddos - A congenital left above knee amputee, Samantha first joined JTF back in 2009 when she was only 6 years old – making her one of the original JTF Kids! Sam is an incredible athlete, and is an avid wheelchair basketball player, rock climber, and track and field competitor. In 2023, Sam was featured on the television show All Round Champion where she and 8 other para-athletes learned from and competed against each other in their respective sports. Samantha is currently a sophomore at the University of Arizona where she plays Division I wheelchair basketball and is majoring in Leadership Learning and Innovation.

Sydney has been an amputee almost her whole life, after having her left leg amputated below the knee when she was two due to a congenital limb difference. Until she was near adulthood, Sydney only ever had a basic walking leg - until she became a One Time Young Adult JTF Recipient in 2021. Sydney is grateful for JTF for giving her hope, encouragement, community, confidence, and comfort. As a third year student at Bethlehem Global University, Sydney began an incredible adventure last year when she left for South Africa to spend her fall and spring semesters continuing her studies and training to be a missionary. Over the course of the fall semester, Sydney was involved in several programs, including helping in a classroom with pre-kindergarteners and at a school for children with disabilities.