A teen's epilepsy journey.
I used to say & think epilepsy seizures controlled my life. But after having 3 beautiful children, that changed.
Jack began experiencing tonic-clonic seizures – forcing him to medically retire from his beloved career as an infantry officer in the U.S. Marine Corps.
A brave young boy and his family battle Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and "medication roulette."
The minute he arrived into this world we adored him.
I want to be an inspiration to others to fight and not give up.
At 9 years old, I had surgery and have been seizure free for 5 years!
So far I’ve been seizure free and my device has been stopping a seizure every 8 or fewer minutes.
We met epilepsy nine years ago. We were on holiday, walking on the beach. It appeared out of nowhere.
No explanation was given as to why I have epilepsy but it ended my military career.
The keto diet lowers the amount of carbs you eat and teaches your body to burn fat for energy instead. Now this keto diet is working for Avery.
I may have epilepsy, but epilepsy doesn’t have me! I am so proud to be a warrior and fight every day for the epilepsy community.
I am 60 and am living my life seizure free for 10 years! I can drive now. I am positive proof that sometimes there is a way!
Keep doing what you are doing, putting one foot in front of the other and continuing to push forward. I believe you will find the tools needed to help your little warrior.
Determined to follow his dreams, Roi earned his bachelor’s degree in the Philippines in 2016 at age 20 and then moved to the U.S. to study music.
Cormac’s tough exterior hides the challenges of living with a chronic health condition that could come roaring back without notice.
When I was twenty-three years old, I underwent five hours of brain surgery. I woke up knowing that I made it through surgery and with a renewed hope of having a better quality of life.
I admire Virginia’s bravery, curiosity, and compassion, and I can’t wait to see what she does and where she goes.
During this journey I have learned that when there is a purpose bigger than ourselves, when we believe in a cause worth fighting for, then we can do anything.
I don’t know why this happened to Hadley and to our family. And, I don’t know when this will end, if ever, but I do know we have to keep fighting for Hadley and for her future.
Though there are still many unknowns about the role of genetics in epilepsy, these tests and databases can help advance progress toward treatments for people like Ellie and, ultimately, a cure.
I learned to adjust. I kiss the ground I walk on, to have a second chance.
A lifelong battle with epilepsy doesn't stop Gillian from living her best life.
What we want is a seat at the table- the regular table.
Despite my epilepsy, I kept pursuing an active life when I met my caring and wonderful husband.
When someone informs me I should NOT participate in a situation due to my “epilepsy”, I immediately take note “this human being obviously does NOT know me”.
I’ve had one of the rarest types of epilepsy ever since I was 3.
Sometimes I wish I was normal but I know God put me here for a reason.
I fight every day as Bradley’s advocate alongside his dad.
After battling epilepsy for years, a young woman achieves seizure freedom.
My epilepsy does not define me, but it is a huge part of who I am.
A brother's experience with epilepsy inspires his sister's career in biology and neuroscience.
I cannot stop the seizures, I cannot control the side effects, I cannot protect her from epilepsy – but oh yeah, I can be a voice, I can share my story as a parent, I can do what I can to raise funds. I can advocate for her.
I am accepting that I have epilepsy, and I want to make a change. I want to help raise awareness and break the stigma that surrounds epilepsy.
“Rachel, your sister has epilepsy.” I clearly remember the day my mom shared this with me.
Everyone who knows Sean Matthew Rabus loves his ear-to-ear smile and infectious laughter.
To see how much her physical therapists positively impacted Maddie’s physical and emotional well-being, I knew this was the career path I wanted to pursue.
I underwent surgery in 2017 and have been seizure-free since then.
Back in the day, bike helmets were not even a thought.
We left the hospital with a plan of care for Ella but not a cure. The plans and dreams I had for her were changing, but my love for her stayed constant.
Being a caretaker of a child with epilepsy is heartbreaking and the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I want to help other families who are walking this same path.
I became interested in campaigning for change politically after learning more about our healthcare system through being a patient for so many years.
Being able to spread awareness and advocate for people with epilepsy within my community has been incredible, and I know I will never stop doing this.
Although it is extremely difficult to live with epilepsy, it has given me the ability to identify with a community that feels unheard and marginalized.
As a librarian, I want to facilitate better learning and communication about epilepsy among those with epilepsy and throughout the community.
Mitchell’s diagnosis led me to study neuroscience in college and toward my career goal: to attend medical school to become a neurologist.
Overcoming my self-imposed stigmas of epilepsy, while advocating for others with epilepsy, was something I never thought that I would feel so strongly about.
Epilepsy has changed my outlook on healthcare, because it gave me an insider’s perspective of the concerns that accompany chronic conditions.
Epilepsy has changed my life in a number of ways and has shaped me into the person I am today.
In the future, I hope to one day work in a state-of-the-art lab where I can study diseases and disorders, including epilepsy, with the intention of finding a cure.
I want to go that extra mile, as my doctors did for me, and be an agent of change when I am a physician assistant in pediatrics.
Over the last two years of living with epilepsy, I think I’ve accepted it and come to find some meaning behind it.
My ambition is to become a physician-researcher, taking the concerns of patients and families from clinic to the lab, to translate clinical and scientific findings into tangible outcomes for patients.
There is no cure for my epilepsy, but it would make me ecstatic to help rehabilitate others and give them hope of living in their new normal.
My life with epilepsy, personally, professionally, and athletically, has developed me into a practical optimist, who looks to improve access to medicine.
I decided that I would not let Epilepsy control my life. I started to research nonstop and change my whole life around.
Jack is an incredible person who constantly inspires us with his intelligence, strength, kindness, sense of humor and warmth.
My goal is to send other students with epilepsy to college with scholarships.
The day I was diagnosed with epilepsy was the day that changed my life forever.
Rob speaks at Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyland in 2019 about his journey with epilepsy.
Jessica at 2019 Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyland; she is the mother of an amazing little girl who was diagnosed with epilepsy at 6 months old.
It truly is my assistance dogs (both Zern and Alepo) that are responsible for returning a sense of normalcy in my life and taking away the control that epilepsy had on me and I am truly grateful.
My message to families: never lose hope.
Without her epilepsy, she never would have discovered her passion and skills for neuroscience or her passion to help others.
Sara's goal is to be an agent of hope for the epilepsy community, using her platform to tell her story and encourage others to not allow their epilepsy to define nor limit them.
Epilepsy has been a part Kelli’s life for as long as she can remember.
Because of Mariah’s time in and out of the hospital throughout her life, she plans to be a pediatric nurse, specializing in childhood epilepsy.
I watched my son go from an energetic, gregarious toddler to having over 1,000 seizures in a single day.
For Gillian, a career in health administrator is a platform to bettering epilepsy advocacy. It creates wider access to the resources needed for epilepsy patients.
An older sister's love for her brother with epilepsy inspires a career in biomedical engineering.
Emma is eager to be at the forefront of this movement so her sister and others like her can live a life seizure free.
An inspiring young woman creates her own online community of people struggling with epilepsy.
I finally reached the point when it was time to break through the stigmas and share my experience to provide hope to others.
My only regret is I never told anyone. I suffered in silence. I could of gotten help sooner.
I felt called to advocate, to help everyone who has been affected by the same condition.
The brain surgery lasted 13 and half hours. It was very successful.
Matthew may never have a mom like other moms. I hope that someday soon he will have a mom without seizures.
I live life with my head held high.
A mother and grandmother shares her struggle with epilepsy.
I felt like I was limited in what I could and couldn’t do; I felt like I had to be watched all the time; and I really felt like a burden to many people.
If you’re reading this particular story right now, you’re probably either a person with epilepsy or a caregiver of a person with epilepsy.
I believe knowledge is power, and one day there will be a cure for epilepsy.
At the encouragement of my family, I am electing to move forward with surgery. I now wait to hear back from the doctors, and I can only hope for the best.
At the same time as losing my license, ability to go out with friends, and my general freedom, I became a burden on the people who loved me.
Right now I feel so alone, because the doctors have told me Mirai’s case is rare—so all I can do is try and raise awareness.
Jenna passed doing what she loved to do; running. It was her passion.
Payton has shown remarkable strength, courage, and tenacity through it all. We learn about what is most important in life because of him, and we don’t sweat the small stuff.
A strong little boy battles epilepsy while living with autism.
We had no idea that he was at risk of losing his life to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)—that epilepsy kills tens of thousands of Americans a year.
Parents should not have to lead their children into operating rooms, knowing they are sacrificing their child’s arm and hand for the mere chance at seizure control.
She’s a resilient kid, but she needs more than hugs from her helpless parents. She, like millions of other people with epilepsy needs a cure for this devastating disease.
He has taught all of us so much about enjoying the simple pleasures in life, like Winnie the Pooh, Stitch, Dr. Seuss, taking naps, and giving hugs.
It has been four years since we lost our little girl. At times I miss her so much I can barely breathe.
Writing this is not easy, but I had to tell Gen’s story; that’s how she would have done it.
Because Stacy has shown us so much strength and endurance, it has made us push for better solutions for all children with epilepsy.
Epilepsy robbed Amanda of her ability to walk, eat, dance, run, sing, be a cheerleader, play with her faithful companion Snoopy, keep up with her friends, or date a boy.
As I pray every night for Gianna’s seizures to stop, I also pray for a cure—and for much comfort for the millions of people and their families affected by epilepsy.
My mother’s seizures should not have been treated as inevitable, just as her death should not have been viewed as inevitable. In CURE, I have found hope for all patients and family members who suffer from epilepsy.
When a Harvard football player's dreams are threatened by epilepsy, a new passion emerges.
Ultimately, the cure for my affliction is dependent on the funding CURE receives, in order for neurologists to be able to conduct their research. At the moment, my life is on standby.
At this time his seizure medications are working, I pray everyday that it continues that way. I also pray everyday for a cure for epilepsy.
A dedicated athlete refuses to let epilepsy stand in the way of what he's passionate about.
Calvin is my hero, my little muse, my inspiration and the one who makes me want to be a better person every day.
Even though I have epilepsy and a learning disability. I have accomplished a lot of things throughout the years.
We have come a long way in that there is a better understanding of epilepsy. With research, awareness, compassion and caring, epilepsy can become a thing of the past…or at least a cure of the future.
Hopefully one day there will be a cure and we will not have to live in constant fear of another seizure coming.
Living with epilepsy is not just a daily burden, but in fact an all- encompassing reality.
According to my records, I’ve witnessed 18,737 seizures—a remarkable number even for a medical professional. But I’m not a doctor. I’m a mom.
I wish I didn’t have to live with it. But I do, and I do it with the strength of knowing that someday I will find a way to conquer this.
A strong young boy keeps his spirits high as he battles epilepsy.
A young lawyer's life is turned upside down by an epilepsy diagnosis.
Kaleb has taught us what it truly means to have unconditional faith, hope, and love.
Turning personal triumph into a mission for change—raising awareness, inspiring others, and running toward a future free from epilepsy
We understand the heartache and lives that are destroyed by epilepsy and while our daughter has been one of the lucky ones, there is a very scary reality that is constant in our minds.
I have come to believe that unless you have experienced it yourself, or walked that path as a caregiver, parent, or significant other, it is very hard to comprehend the full impact of this disease.
After years of struggling with epilepsy, brain surgery gives young man a new lease on life.
Michael's diagnosis and seizures changed his life in some ways, but it didn’t change his drive to give back and change the world.
Epilepsy ended up making Brook a stronger person and taught him to persist and work hard to achieve success.
Tired of battling epilepsy in the dark, Matthew advocates for awareness and seeks to become a neurologist.
A student who also has epilepsy inspires her teacher to pursue a career in healthcare.
Parents of children with epilepsy… never give up hope!
After years of serving his community as a police officer and battling seizures, Matt now serves his community in new ways.
A brave little girl's battle with infantile spasms.
Sudden Unexpected Death In Epilepsy (SUDEP): No one told us.
Her brain tumor and epilepsy have been the hardest experiences of her life, yet they have been the biggest blessings in disguise.
Derek plans to use his prior experiences to pursue a career as a physician assistant and a biomedical engineer.
Cote hopes to one day donate his time and use his legal knowledge and privileges to protect and provide services to families and foundations that want to cure epilepsy.
Epilepsy is the second most common neurological disease. For far too long, it has been misunderstood as a treatable, benign condition.
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.
Our lives changed forever that day, and we hope that there is a cure out there for Ella.
How the keto diet transformed a young boy's life and kickstarted a foundation.
From a life-long battle with epilepsy to seizure freedom.
It’s that face and that smile over all these years and through all the challenges that serve as our source of hope.
We hope for seizure-free days and a life for our son without the side effects of treatments. We hope for a cure.
My heart shattered into a million pieces as I received the devastating news.
There were days where we could almost forget about epilepsy. Almost.
It has been an incredible journey and test of faith, but we fight this disease with everything we’ve got.
I wish I could have protected him from SUDEP. I wish epilepsy had not taken him from me.
“Cameron is a reminder that we study SUDEP because it has a real human toll. The people and families who suffer SUDEP are not just a statistic.”
I often wonder what Pat’s recovery would have been like without PTE.
"Epilepsy takes a lot from you, but on the other hand it gives something to you."
One family's journey through heartbreak and hope, as they uncover the genetic mysteries behind their son's epilepsy, paving the way for future breakthroughs.
New parents and a brave little boy named Jack rally an entire community to uncover the mysteries of a rare genetic mutation.
As her parents, we make the absolute best of the times when she is healthy and happy, and we continue to hope for a cure.
Michelle's ten-year journey through the world of epilepsy has motivated Michelle to become an advocate not just for her son, but also for others dealing with epilepsy.
Loving his sister with epilepsy has made Daniel the person that he is today. He wants to make a difference in the epilepsy community until a cure is found.
A sibling's battle with epilepsy inspires a career in research and pediatric neurology.
Logan is determined to continue advocating for research in epilepsy and spreading epilepsy awareness.
Ever since my diagnosis, it has been my mission to spread epilepsy and SUDEP awareness—no matter where and what I am doing.
Drake's mission and passion is to bring about substantive change in the world for people with epilepsy.
March 3, 2013 a day etched in my memory forever. I woke early to find Reagan, then 15 months old, drooling, gray and unresponsive.
Jaqueline felt powerless in that moment, just like so many others do when confronted with seizures, and has since dedicated her life to understanding this disease.
Since her brother’s diagnosis, Brianna has watched her family struggle with the financial and physical burdens of this disease.
Like many people with epilepsy, for years Casey chose to keep her disease a secret.
As a child with epilepsy, he used to wander the halls of Texas Children’s Hospital and admire the doctors on their rounds.
By the time he reached 4 1/2, he was seizing every two minutes and no medicine was working. In fact, he was on the maximum that an adult would be taking on two of the four medicines.
I found out at 23 that I have Epilepsy.
I will never forget the night that my older brother, the boy whom I loved and looked up to, had his first seizure. He was 18, and it came out of nowhere.
Little did I know that October 9, 2013 would be the day my life changed forever.
With the help of her family, she continued to grow professionally in the political arena and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Health.
A mother who struggled with not knowing the answer to her child’s epilepsy and who never gave up.
Life took an unexpected turn as my best friend, the soul who filled my world with laughter and shared my deepest secrets, was diagnosed with epilepsy.
I’m now 25 years old, and I reflect on a journey that began with an epilepsy diagnosis at the age of 13.
Sophie watched her little brother battle seizures daily and struggled to find a way to help him improve his quality of life.
Sign up for our emails to get more personal stories right in your inbox.