2024 MitoScholars Helping young adults living with mitochondrial disease pursue their academic dreams

Jillian Grace Railton | Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan | Psychology (first year), University of Regina

Jillian Railton lives with Kearns-Sayre syndrome (KSS), a rare neuromuscular condition that impacts multiple body systems; most common symptoms include paralysis of eye muscles, limb muscle weakness, and loss of balance or coordination (ataxia).

Despite Jillian’s diagnosis, she has never let KSS define her. She received her diagnosis in early 2020, days before the world shut down due to Covid, and accessed care online. Jillian has always done her best to carry on a “normal” life, knowing her strengths and limitations.

As a competitive dancer since the age of 4, Jillian has had to work extremely hard at times to keep up with classmates due to muscle weakness, but she has never given up. She has faced every challenge with determination and a growth mindset.

Jillian shares, “Getting a university degree is very important to me, and I plan to work hard and succeed! After I get my degree in Psychology, I want to be able to help people! Some may say I was dealt a crappy hand, but I’ve really learned to look at the bright side of life, and I want to help other people who are struggling to do the same. Thank you very much for choosing me as the recipient of the mitoScholars Scholarship Award. I will workhard to make the most of this incredible opportunity!”