Levi’s Legacy is proud to offer a $1,000 scholarship to two heart warriors pursuing higher education.

This scholarship seeks to support a heart warrior as they continue on their education journey.

Any high school senior born with a congenital heart defect may apply to this scholarship opportunity.

To apply, please tell us about how you have charged the storm in life and what impact having a CHD has had on your life.

APPLICATIONS DUE BY MAY 15, 2027

Please note, the form on this page does not save your progress. We recommend typing your essay in another program and then submitting once it is complete.

Eligibility Requirements

• High School Senior
• Born with a CHD

2026 Buffalo Scholarship Winners

Meet Kate

When people look at the forecast and see rain coming in, most will cancel their plans for the day. I, on the other hand, see it from a different perspective. Rain has followed me through childhood, not always literally, but it felt like it. It has rained on memorable times in my life like my first birthday, open heart surgeries, and first dance recital. Rain has always been present, and brought positive outcomes after the downpour. I always felt like it was God’s little “wink” at me, saying that he’s got my life all under control. Rain doesn’t always mean a storm. Sometimes, especially in my case, it brought growth. I don’t just live with my heart disease, I live for the possibility of what comes next. I am constantly growing with it. I’m living proof that limits can be redefined. You can have a heart that beats differently and still have the heart and strength to do things you set your mind to.

My congenital heart defect (Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome) has given me limitations. However, I have seen the most beautiful rainbows after a storm. At the age of four, my mom bought a leotard and put me in dance class. Not just for my heart health, but because I was also just a kid who wanted to be a part of something. However, this turned into a lifelong passion that I am still doing today. Dance is great for me mentally and physically. I can always just be myself when I’m dancing. No one knows what I can or cannot do; they just see the smile on my face when I’m doing what I love most. Dance has not only benefited me health wise, but it’s also a passion that I plan to use in a future practice of mine as a Child Life Specialist.

I don’t often talk about living with HLHS. It’s a part of me, but not my whole story. There is more to me than the surgeries, needles, appointments, and the constant, but subtle daily reminders that I will always have my congenital heart disease. There will always be things that I struggle with, fear for the future and navigating my healthcare now as an adult can be challenging. But I have learned to do hard things.

While serving as a National Youth Heart Ambassador for the American Heart Association, I’ve had the opportunity to work in unison with the American Heart Association instructors who train in first aid, CPR, AED, and advanced cardiovascular care. As an advocate for heart disease, I saw the need for more awareness in schools. I was able to present to my district principals the importance of starting the Heart Club at my high school, with the hopes that more heart health awareness is brought to the surface. As the founder of the Heart Club at my high school, I consistently work with schools within my region to create Heart Clubs that will impact their students for years to come. Being able to help teach others how to save a life can truly be life-changing.

I love getting to be a part of the change happening within the next generation and building more awareness around heart health. I’ve also quietly contributed to science: I participated in a nationwide research study testing new heart medication, helping pioneer treatments that may improve outcomes for others born like me. I believe that everyone can make a difference, and I believe that there are many ways to spread more awareness and education for congenital heart diseases.

CHD will continually cause setbacks. After my third open-heart surgery, I got ICU delirium. I was confused, I didn’t know day from night. I started refusing food and drink, and got easily agitated. This made my recovery process come to a halt. However, a Child Life specialist intervened and saved me from a downturn and it forever changed my future. I am where I am today because of Child Life. As I approach my college journey I will be working towards a Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Child Life, to become a Certified Child Life Specialist.

Living with a congenital heart disease has allowed me to look at life from a different perspective. I have truly realized that through all of this, I can’t control much, but one thing I am fully in control of, is my attitude. Throughout this short time of my life, I have experienced and endured more than most have. I could view this as unfair, frustrating, and even somber. Or, I could view this special heart of mine to have a purpose. To stand out boldly. To live faithfully. Nobody is promised tomorrow.

Through all of this, rain has become my quiet companion. It has shown up at every turning point, like a subtle reminder that growth and beauty often comes from storms. It shows up when I least expect it to. It seeps in, waters the roots, and lets life blossom. I’ve embraced every opportunity, not despite my medical history, but because of it.

I know college will bring more rain, new challenges, bigger decisions, and unexpected detours. But I’m not afraid of getting wet. I’ve spent my whole life learning how to bloom in the midst of the downpour.

Meet Marianne

A Heart That Learned Strength Early
Living with a congenital heart defect has shaped my life in ways that are both challenging and meaningful. Before I was old enough to fully understand my condition, I already knew I was different. While many children spent their days on playgrounds or sports fields, much of my childhood was spent in hospitals, therapy appointments, and recovery rooms. Growing up with a congenital heart defect meant learning strength long before I truly understood the word.

Growing Up Through Challenges
I have undergone three open-heart surgeries since I was six months old. Some of my earliest memories are filled with medical equipment, long drives for specialized care, and the comfort of my family standing beside me during difficult moments. Because of developmental delays caused by my condition, I spent time in physical and occupational therapy and often missed school throughout the years. Catching up academically became a routine part of my life. At times, I also faced teasing from classmates because I could not run as fast or participate in activities the same way they could. As painful as those moments were, they taught me resilience and patience at a very young age.

Charging the Storm
The theme of this scholarship, “Charge the Storm,” deeply resonates with me because living with a congenital heart defect often feels like learning how to move forward during life’s storms instead of waiting for them to pass. There were moments filled with uncertainty and fear, moments when I wondered what my future would look like or whether my condition would hold me back. But rather than allowing those fears to define me, I learned how to face challenges with determination and hope. I discovered that courage is not always something dramatic; sometimes it is simply choosing to keep going when things feel difficult.

Finding Purpose Through Compassion
Having a congenital heart defect has also changed the way I view other people. Because I understand what it feels like to struggle silently, I have developed a deep sense of empathy and compassion. I try to treat others with kindness and understanding because I know that many battles are invisible. My experiences have made me more appreciative of relationships, opportunities, and everyday moments that others may take for granted.

Turning My Story Into Impact
One of the most meaningful ways I have used my journey to help others was through the American Heart Association’s Teen of Impact program. In the spring of 2023, my sister and I raised more than $29,000 for the American Heart Association and became the top fundraisers for the San Antonio chapter. Sharing my story publicly was emotional and vulnerable, but it also showed me how powerful personal experiences can be in creating awareness and inspiring support for congenital heart defect research. It reminded me that even painful experiences can become a source of hope for others.

A Future Built on Advocacy
My experiences have also inspired my future goals. I plan to study political science and attend law school so I can become a lawyer who advocates for children and families facing hardship. Living with a congenital heart defect has taught me the importance of having someone who will fight for you, encourage you, and make sure your voice is heard. I want to become that person for others. My lifelong care at Texas Children’s Hospital has also influenced my decision to attend University of St. Thomas so I can remain close to the medical community that has supported me throughout my life.

Carrying Hope Forward
Through every challenge, my faith has grounded me. It has reminded me that even during uncertain moments, there is purpose in perseverance. While I would never have chosen this journey, it has shaped me into someone who faces adversity with gratitude, compassion, and hope.

To Levi’s family, I want to express my deepest respect and sympathy. Although our stories are different, they are connected by a shared understanding of how fragile and precious life truly is. Levi’s legacy continues to inspire others like me to keep fighting, keep hoping, and keep making the most of the life we are given. I am truly honored to apply for the Levi’s Legacy Scholarship and would be sincerely grateful for your consideration.