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The Cute Syndrome Foundation

Dr. Mandy Harris Travel Grant

If your family would like to attend the 2026 SCN8A Clinician, Researcher, and Family Gathering in Denver, Colorado, on December 4-5, but needs help with travel costs, we encourage you to apply for the Dr. Mandy Harris Travel Grant.

This year, we expect to award approximately 12 grants, depending on available funding and the number of applications received. Unfortunately, we are unable to award grants to all applicants.

The 2026 application
is now closed

Dr. Mandy Harris ​Travel Grant

Key dates
  • Application Deadline: September 1, 2026
  • Notification Date: On or before September 14, 2026
  • Accept/Decline Deadline: September 28, 2026
  • Hotel Booking Deadline: November 1, 2026
Who can apply?
  • SCN8A patients and caregivers who are members of the TCSF Family Network
  • Bereaved families are also warmly encouraged to apply
  • Not a member yet? Contact Shelley Frappier at supportgroup@thecutesyndrome.com
What does the grant cover?

Hotel

  • One hotel room for up to 3 nights at the Embassy Suites Denver Downtown
  • Approximate value: $730
  • TCSF pays the hotel directly
  • Families are responsible for any additional hotel nights, additional rooms, parking fees, and incidental expenses. Parking reimbursement is only available to families receiving a driving grant.

PLUS ONE transportation option:

Travel Fare

  • Up to $500 for one traveler or up to $1,250 per family (2+ people)
  • Covers economy-class airfare, train, or bus tickets
  • Eligible travelers include the SCN8A patient, up to two adult caregivers, and siblings
  • Receipts required. You will be reimbursed either the actual cost or the maximum award amount, whichever is lower.

OR

Driving Reimbursement

  • $0.50 per mile, up to $750
  • Hotel parking for up to 3 nights ($70/night, $210 value)
  • Mileage documentation required: either a photo of your odometer (start and end), or a route map showing total distance
What is not covered?

The grant is intended to offset approved hotel and transportation expenses only. It does not typically cover:

  • Meals
  • Hotel incidentals
  • Baggage fees
  • Seat upgrades or premium seating
  • Rental cars and rental car parking
  • Rideshare services
  • Airport parking
  • Passport, visa, and other travel document fees
  • Entertainment or personal expenses

If your family needs assistance beyond what is typically covered by the grant, you may request additional support in your application. Requests are reviewed individually and are not guaranteed.

Important information
  • Families are responsible for registering for the Gathering and making their own travel arrangements. Receiving a grant does not register you for the conference or reserve travel accommodations.
  • Travel reimbursements are issued after the Gathering by PayPal or check.
  • Hotel rooms are limited. We encourage families to book as early as possible.
  • Refundable tickets and/or travel insurance are strongly recommended. TCSF is unable to reimburse expenses related to canceled trips.
Other conference assistance opportunities

We understand that the cost of attending TCSF’s Annual SCN8A Gathering can be a challenge for some families, and a limited number of Travel Grants are available. Additional organizations that may assist with travel, lodging, conference expenses, or other family needs are listed at the bottom of this page.

Eligibility, funding availability, and application deadlines vary by organization.

Participation Expectations

Grant recipients are encouraged to attend as much of the Gathering as possible. A short feedback survey must be completed after the event to receive reimbursement.​

Questions? Email Jen Patrick, Travel Grant Administrator, at jen@thecutesyndrome.com.

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.

Other Conference Assistance Opportunities

If you are aware of additional funding sources that may benefit SCN8A families, please contact jen@thecutesyndrome.com so we can consider adding them to this resource list.

National Organizations

Angel’s Hands Foundation (AHF)
This nonprofit organization supports individuals living with rare and undiagnosed medical conditions and may offer conference scholarship opportunities. Eligibility requirements apply.
Learn more at: https://www.angelshands.org/services

 

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
NORD’s Rare Disease Educational Support Program may reimburse registration costs for rare disease educational conferences and, in some cases, provide limited assistance with travel and lodging expenses.
Learn more at: https://rarediseases.org/patient-assistance-programs/

Local funding sources

Additional support may be available through:

  • Community foundations
  • United Way agencies
  • Faith communities (churches, synagogues, mosques, etc.)
  • Rotary Clubs
  • Lions Clubs
  • Kiwanis Clubs
  • Other civic or service organizations

Local Chapters

The Arc of the United States
Services and programs vary by local chapter. Some chapters may offer family support services, educational assistance, respite funding, or other resources that could help offset conference-related expenses.
To locate your local chapter, visit: https://thearc.org/find-a-chapter/

 

National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD)
Every state and territory has a Developmental Disabilities Council that supports individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Programs vary by state, and some councils may offer funding opportunities related to family education, leadership development, or conference participation.
To find your state’s council, visit: https://nacdd.org/councils/

 

Medicaid Waiver Programs
If your child is enrolled in your state’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver program or another Medicaid waiver, contact your case manager or support coordinator. Some waiver programs may offer funding for educational opportunities, caregiver training, or conference attendance.