Picture of 19 year old Sia Christine Yorker

The Heart of Our Mission

At just 19, while in her third year of college pursuing her dream of becoming a pediatrician, Sia Yorker tragically suffered a sudden, acute brain hemorrhagic stroke. To honor her dream and carry forward her lasting legacy, the Sia Yorker Brain Awareness Scholarship Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was created in December 2011.

Our Purpose and Impact

We exist to transform grief into purpose and purpose into opportunity. Through Brain Awareness education, scholarships for graduating high school seniors, and STEM programs for ages 4–14, we equip diverse youth to become future doctors, neuroscientists, researchers, and medical leaders—students who might otherwise never have the opportunity. By investing in these future healers, we are building a generation prepared to innovate and lead. This is Sia’s legacy—living through every scholar.

Our Community Initiatives

In loving memory of Sia C. Yorker

Sia was entering her 3rd year of college in pursuit of fulfilling her dream of becoming a pediatric physician when a “Sudden Acute Brain Hemorrhage”. transitioned her young life from Earth to Heaven. The Yorker family honors her memory through scholarship and awareness programs nationwide.

STEM Programs & Medical Leadership: Equipping diverse youth ages 4–14 to become future doctors and researchers through hands-on learning.

Stethoscope] Student Services: Providing direct, compassionate support for students within schools and hospitals.

Walking Shoe] Annual Brain Walk-A-Thon: Bringing the Central Florida community together to walk for brain health awareness and stroke prevention.

Safety & Holiday Giveaways: Protecting our youth with bike and helmet giveaways and providing hope through holiday toy and food distribution.

Educational Seminars: Leading expert-driven seminars that educate the public on brain health and medical science.

Community Cares Youth Volunteer Program: Bridging the generational gap by uniting young volunteers with seniors for meaningful connection and service.