NeuraHope is a fiscally sponsored 501(c)(3) youth organization whose mission is to raise awareness about neural tube defects among marginalized communities.
Neural tube defects (NTDs) occur in 300,000 pregnancies worldwide every year (BMC Pediatrics, 2021). NTDs can result in devastating birth defects such as Spina Bifida (affecting the spine), Encephalocele and Anencephaly (where a child is born without a skull).
NeuraHope has reached over 25,000 people represented by over 12 countries. Through impressive fundraising efforts, they raised over 12,000 clothing items and 2500 dollars. Every summer, the organization implements a Summer Scholars program and they partnered with over 15 nonprofits to coordinate these initiatives. Students are offered a platform to share their stories via a monthly newsletter and compelling podcast episodes.
I interviewed high school senior Jasmine Liu from Massachusetts, co-founder of NeuraHope. She spoke on behalf of herself and the other co-founder, high school senior Natalie Osorio from New York.
What was your inspiration for starting your organization?
"We were inspired to start this organization after learning about the disparity in neural tube defect occurrence," Jasmine said. "When our co-founder, Natalie, learned about neural tube defects at a CDC camp in July 2023, she was taken aback and felt that she had to take action."
As a result, when Natalie Osorio met Jasmine at a Kode with Klossy camp later that summer, they discussed this idea to conduct their final project. They became closer friends and realized they had a lot in common, including their passion for neuroscience advocacy. Jasmine brought up the idea of continuing this project further at the camp's conclusion. Soon, these two teens brought their idea to life.
Image from the NeuraHope website
What major issues or complications have you faced, and how did your team overcome them?
Consistent with many previous interviews I conducted, keeping reliable schedules across a global taskforce is a prevalent obstacle, especially when platforms like Zoom have some features behind a paywall. Both Natalie and Jasmine manage design and operations well, but coordination is overwhelming for new organizations.
"It has been very difficult at times to recruit passionate team members to help out, and to keep everyone on a similar schedule. All of our members are from different parts of the world, making it especially difficult to ensure our members are contributing through virtual communication and establish meetings with the different time zones," Jasmine said.
"Since we only have two co-founders, there is a lot of work to be done in general. Therefore, we are truly looking to expand our team in order to alleviate some of the workflow that we have, and further accomplish our goals."
(That's dropping a line for all you driven students who chanced on this post - go get involved in healthcare sciences by volunteering with NeuraHope)
What goals does your organization have for future projects, and where do you see yourselves expanding over the following years?
"Our organization has several goals for future projects. For instance, we are currently conducting a fundraising project called “Hope for All." This is one of our biggest projects for the summer," Jasmine said. "We have set a goal of raising $12,000 in order to support the nonprofit organization, Children’s Surgery International, in providing surgeries for children with birth defects, specifically neural tube defects. We are conducting a summer webinar series to bring awareness to this cause, alongside several other exciting projects in the upcoming months!"
In the following years, NeuraHope plans on expanding to include US-state ambassadors, and eventually expanding to include ambassadors across international borders. Already, Hope for All is making waves in their global community.
"Moreover, we hope to conduct even more community presentations, and raise money to donate folic acid supplements to mothers," Jasmine said.
Image from NeuraHope's website: an educational presentation spreading awareness about neural tube defects
What advice would you give to aspiring young innovators and youth who want to make a difference in their community or on a national scale?
"If you want to make a difference in your community, go ahead and start today! Although it is important to gather an organized team and make a plan for your organization, the sooner you start, the better, as the learning process is extended," Jasmine said.
While she encourages young people to pursue their passions and chase large goals, she continued by maintaining the need for self-assessment. Starting a nonprofit, fundraising effort or mobilizing a community around advocacy efforts are difficult to organize from the ground up. Learning to be flexible is essential as an entrepreneur.
"Please note, though, that these types of initiatives take up a huge amount of time and effort, so please evaluate your current motivations and whether you are available if you ever decide to start up an organization from scratch. In addition, identify a mentor that can guide you throughout your experience. It is very important to also have an expert opinion as you grow your organization. Don’t be scared to step out of your comfort zone and ask for help. You got this, and [Natalie and I] wish you the best of luck."
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