Elin’s medical journey began before she was born. During my pregnancy, she was diagnosed with multiple brain malformations that placed her at high risk for developing epilepsy, including arachnoid cysts, partial agenesis of the corpus callosum, ventriculomegaly (which later progressed to hydrocephalus), polymicrogyria, and hemimegalencephaly. Beginning at 27 weeks, our family attended two prenatal appointments each week, with every visit including both a non-stress test and an ultrasound. Although the uncertainty was overwhelming, we leaned on our faith and welcomed Elin into our family following an uneventful birth.
At just 14 days old, following a five-day inpatient hospital stay, she was diagnosed with epilepsy.
Now, two years later, Elin has undergone five brain surgeries, battled meningitis, experienced multiple medication changes, had more than 30 MRIs, and completed countless EEGs. Her epilepsy remains refractory, and we are still working to find the right path forward, but Elin continues to meet every challenge with incredible strength. She walks, talks, reads, and inspires every person who has the privilege of knowing her.
