2026 MitoScholars Helping young adults living with mitochondrial disease pursue their academic dreams

Jillian Grace Railton | Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan | Psychology (third 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, “Thank you so much for selecting me as a MitoScholars recipient again! I am forever grateful for MitoCanada’s ongoing support. Receiving this scholarship relieves a big load off the financial stress of being a student so I can put more focus and energy into my studies. I am looking forward to beginning my third year of studies!”