Today we’d like to introduce you to Ananya Banda.
Hi Ananya, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been passionate about neuroscience, and seeing a close friend live with epilepsy inspired me to combine these interests and start Neuro Aid. Our mission is to support people with epilepsy, raise awareness and funds, reduce stigma, and promote understanding. Through meaningful projects that blend neuroscience, education, and community impact, such as campaigns, collaborations, and our documentary, we aim to give the public more firsthand information, break the stigma around epilepsy, and translate scientific knowledge into real-world action that truly makes a difference.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Balancing school, AP classes, SAT prep, internships, and other extracurriculars has been challenging at times, but I’ve been learning to manage my time, stay organized, and stay committed to Neuro Aid.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about American Red Cross?
Neuro Aid is a youth-led organization dedicated to raising awareness about epilepsy, neuroscience, and brain health. Our mission is to educate, empower, and inspire young people to understand the brain and reduce the stigma surrounding neurological conditions, especially epilepsy.
What makes Neuro Aid unique is that it’s completely student-driven. We combine science communication, advocacy, and creativity; from conducting national awareness surveys and leading school presentations to producing documentaries, children’s booklets, and educational videos. Every project we do blends research-based accuracy with human stories to make neuroscience accessible and relatable.
We’re most proud of the impact we’ve built in a short time: reaching over 78,000 people, raising $1,600+ for the Epilepsy Foundation, and forming two active student chapters. Our team’s passion truly sets us apart is that we’re not just spreading information, we’re building empathy and inspiring the next generation of changemakers in neuroscience and health advocacy.
At its heart, Neuro Aid is about using knowledge to make a difference, turning awareness into action, and science into service.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, I’m really excited to continue expanding Neuro Aid and making an even bigger impact. I’m planning to launch a youth summit focused on neuroscience and epilepsy awareness, which will bring together students, experts, and advocates to share knowledge and inspire action. I’m also working on an awareness course that aims to educate young people about epilepsy, reduce stigma, and promote understanding in schools and communities. Beyond that, I hope to keep growing our projects, collaborations, and campaigns so that we can reach more people and create meaningful change in how society understands and supports those living with epilepsy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sites.google.com/view/neuroaid/home?authuser=3
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_neuroaid?igsh=MWJjczJkaDMxNDQ5OQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
