Dr. Mandy Harris
​Travel Grant Application

If your family wants to attend the 2025 SCN8A Clinician, Researcher, and Family Gathering on December 5–6 in Atlanta, GA, but needs help with travel costs, The Cute Syndrome Foundation (TCSF) may be able to help.
TCSF is offering travel grants of up to $2,000 per family to help with*:
  • Hotel stay (up to 3 nights)
  • Airfare, bus, or train tickets OR mileage and parking for those who drive
Grants can cover expenses for the SCN8A patient, up to two adult caregivers, and the patient’s siblings.
This year, we expect to award 12 grants. The final number depends on the number of applications we receive and available funding. While we try to support as many families as possible, we are not able to offer funding to every applicant.

​*For full details, click here to download the 2025 Grant Information.

Key dates:

  • Application Deadline: September 1, 2025 (the grant application is now closed)
  • Applicants will be notified if they received a grant on or before September 15, 2025 (via email from [email protected])
  • We ask that recipients accept or decline their grant by October 1, 2025​
PictureDr. Mandy Harris being presented with a CUTIEs Award by Juliann Bradish in 2016
This grant is in honor of the late Dr. Mandy Harris. Dr. Harris was a Pediatric Neurologist at the Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health and was known throughout the SCN8A community for her endless passion and dedication to not only her patients, but our entire community. Parents often share stories of contacting Dr. Harris at all hours of the day and she would respond within hours with encouraging words and treatment recommendations. She provided hope for our community in our darkest days, and we will continue to honor her by helping families attend the annual gathering to learn more about SCN8A and enjoy time with other SCN8A families.

The 2025 Travel Grant Application is closed.

Other Conference Assistance Opportunities

We are aware that the costs to attend TCSF’s Annual SCN8A Clinician, Researcher, and Family Gathering can be prohibitive for some families. Below we have listed some resources that may help with lodging or travel costs. TCSF encourages you to explore these resources prior to applying for TCSF’s Dr Mandy Harris Family Travel Grant. 
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National Agencies
  • The ARC of the United States: Each chapter offers different programs and services so you should check with  your local chapter to see what is available. https://thearc.org/find-a-chapter/
  • The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACCD):  Every state has a DD Council with different programs and services. Some states set aside money for conference attendance and education. You can find your Council on the NACCD website at https://nacdd.org/councils/

National Organizations
  • Angel’s Hands Foundation (AHF): This all-volunteer non-profit organization made up of a growing community of family, friends, volunteers, partners and donors, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals living with rare and undiagnosed medical conditions in Utah. They offer conference scholarships. You can learn more or apply for assistance to attend national rare disease conferences at https://www.angelshands.org/services
  • National Organization of Rare Diseases (NORD): NORD offers a Rare Disease Educational Support Program that reimburses registration costs for rare disease-specific educational offerings such as workshops, nutrition classes, and conferences, as well as limited financial assistance for travel and lodging costs. For more information and to apply visit https://rarediseases.org/patient-assistance-programs/
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Medicaid Waiver Programs
If your child is enrolled in your state’s Home and Community-Based Services program, check with your case manager. Some waivers offer educational assistance for parents to attend conferences, paying the registration fees.

Other Potential Funding Sources 
Funds may be available through your church or synagogue or through local fraternal organizations or clubs such as Kiwanis, Rotary, or Lions Club.
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If you are aware of other funding sources, please contact us at [email protected] so we may add them here.