It took eighteen years to find a therapy to control Lauren's increasingly debilitating seizures. Those years took a toll on her that will last a lifetime.
Just after turning one, Ella experienced her first seizure. After failing several medications and the ketogenic diet, her parents explored surgical options. Each doctor visit was met with poking and prodding, sleep deprivation, weaning from medications, and being tethered to an EEG monitor for days. Ella was denied surgery and despite 18 failed medications, her parents continue to search for alternatives. Like many sufferers, Ella has significant developmental delays, but remains a happy child who inspires others with her bravery and indelible spirit.
Just after turning one, Ella experienced her first seizure. After failing several medications and the ketogenic diet, her parents explored surgical options. Each doctor visit was met with poking and prodding, sleep deprivation, weaning from medications, and being tethered to an EEG monitor for days. Ella was denied surgery and despite 18 failed medications, her parents continue to search for alternatives. Like many sufferers, Ella has significant developmental delays, but remains a happy child who inspires others with her bravery and indelible spirit.
For 18 years, Lauren’s seizures were relentless - wreaking havoc on her developing brain. Their origin was, and still is, a mystery. After countless hospitalizations, brain surgery, special diets, and over 20 failed medications, doctors found a combination of therapies that controlled her seizures. But the damage from those years remains with her today and her ability to lead an independent life is compromised. However, Lauren is considered one of the ‘lucky’ ones. For far too many, the struggle to simply find seizure control goes on.
For 18 years, Lauren’s seizures were relentless - wreaking havoc on her developing brain. Their origin was, and still is, a mystery. After countless hospitalizations, brain surgery, special diets, and over 20 failed medications, doctors found a combination of therapies that controlled her seizures. But the damage from those years remains with her today and her ability to lead an independent life is compromised. However, Lauren is considered one of the ‘lucky’ ones. For far too many, the struggle to simply find seizure control goes on.
When Adam was diagnosed with epilepsy at age three, his parents were devastated. The combination of countless seizures and the side effects of medications have caused developmental delays for Adam. Despite these setbacks, Adam fought on. He found solace in running, as a member of his school’s cross-country team – benefitting mentally, physically and emotionally from races. Adam’s parents grieve the loss of the dreams they had for Adam, but he keeps them redefining hope. They hope for seizure-free days for their son and for epilepsy sufferers everywhere.
When Adam was diagnosed with epilepsy at age three, his parents were devastated. The combination of countless seizures and the side effects of medications have caused developmental delays for Adam. Despite these setbacks, Adam fought on. He found solace in running, as a member of his school’s cross-country team – benefitting mentally, physically and emotionally from races. Adam’s parents grieve the loss of the dreams they had for Adam, but he keeps them redefining hope. They hope for seizure-free days for their son and for epilepsy sufferers everywhere.
After her first seizure at seven years old, Carol decided to keep her epilepsy a secret. For more than 50 years, she kept her struggle hidden until she met other patients and families in the CURE community. After this, Carol realized she needed to share her voice, advocate for those suffering, and show others it’s possible to live a productive life with epilepsy. And now, with her many accomplishments, she is living proof of this vision. Carol continues to fight for a cure and to eliminate the stigmas so many face.
After her first seizure at seven years old, Carol decided to keep her epilepsy a secret. For more than 50 years, she kept her struggle hidden until she met other patients and families in the CURE community. After this, Carol realized she needed to share her voice, advocate for those suffering, and show others it’s possible to live a productive life with epilepsy. And now, with her many accomplishments, she is living proof of this vision. Carol continues to fight for a cure and to eliminate the stigmas so many face.
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