The Audrey Tribe Memorial Scholarship

We are honored to share that another scholarship opportunity is now available for families attending the 2026 NKH Crusaders Conference. The Audrey Tribe Memorial Scholarship will award $1,000 to cover travel and lodging expenses for an NKH family attending the conference for the first time families. 

We invite you to take a moment to read Jeanne’s heartfelt letter below and learn more about Audrey’s story and the inspiration behind this gift. 

Scholarship Applications open November 1, 2025

“Audrey was the greatest gift God ever gave me.”

Audrey Marianne Tribe, November 15, 1972 – December 19, 1992 A Letter from Her Mom, Jeanne I first met Audrey in the summer of 1981. She was nine years old, and I had just started working for her father. It didn’t take long for us to bond—we were two tomboys who loved horses, skiing, and all things sports. Audrey became my mini-me tomboy. She absolutely hated dressing up. Sweatshirts, jeans, and tennis shoes were her daily uniform—just like mine outside of work. The very first time I got her into a dress was for our wedding. She resisted the entire time… until I caught her checking herself out in the mirror before the ceremony. 

At first, I thought I’d be a part-time parent. But Audrey made her own decision—she chose to come live with us full time. It wasn’t a smooth transition. Shifting from being friends to being a stepmom brought its challenges. Over time, her mother stepped away, and her father became less involved. Before long, it was just Audrey and me. And together, we found our rhythm. We became best friends and fell in love. We went trail riding, tackled early mornings getting ready for horse shows, and cheered on the Seahawks from our couch every weekend. Audrey went from a shaky, unsure rider to a multi-category Grand Champion at the Washington State Horse Show Championships—year after year. Neither of us liked shopping, so we only went when we had to. But we did everything else side by side. The first time she had the flu I had no idea what to do.  Set her up on the sofa with a bucket and juice (remember - I never wanted children and yet I had one.)  She kept crying for me to sit with her - soon I had no choice - I caught her flu and we spent almost a week on our corners of the sofa with our own buckets. 

Audrey was the greatest gift God ever gave me. I never thought motherhood was in the cards for me, but Audrey made me a mom—and loving her became the best and most natural thing I’ve ever done. She needed me, and I needed her. I would not be who I am today without her. Since her passing on December 19 1992, she’s never left my heart. Every decision I make—big or small—starts with the question, “What would Audrey want me to do?” She is, and will always be, the love of my life. I thank God every day for the blessing of being her mom. 

My Connection to NKH I met Mark Newbold during my very first week at Olympia High School. I was new, having transferred from a school in Seattle, and Mark quickly became a friend. That friendship grew over the years, and we truly reconnected at our 20th high school reunion. That’s when I met his wonderful wife, Judy, and our bond deepened even more. When their daughter Tempa was born and later diagnosed with NKH, I asked Mark what I could do to help. At the time, there wasn’t much.

 But then they introduced me to NKH Crusaders. Not long after Tempa’s first birthday, I had the honor of holding her. Shortly afterward, Mark and Judy invited me to join a Zoom meeting with NKH Crusaders. I accepted—and that one call changed everything. As they say, the rest is history. Audrey gave me my purpose. NKH Crusaders gave me a mission. Together, they continue to guide my heart. The Audrey Tribe Memorial Scholarship Today, I am proud and honored to announce the creation of the Audrey Tribe Memorial Scholarship, in partnership with NKH Crusaders. This scholarship has been established to support families attending the annual NKH Crusaders Family Conference—offering them the opportunity to connect, learn, and find strength in community. This scholarship is a tribute to Audrey’s life, her spirit, and the incredible love we shared. Through it, her legacy will continue to shine, helping others in ways she would be proud of.

It is given with all my love—from Audrey's mom, Jeanne Carras