I was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2001. I had frequent seizures for years and had exhausted all of my medication options. My senior year in high school I started looking into other treatment options with hopes of becoming seizure free. In June of 2009, after months of research, consultations, tests, and so many prayers, I underwent elective brain surgery. I have been almost completely seizure free since surgery, except for about 3 months during my first pregnancy when I was having weekly seizures. I am grateful every day that I was a candidate for surgery and that it worked. I still take medication every day, but having seizures disrupt my life isn't something I have to worry about anymore.
Did you know that epilepsy is the 4th most common neurological condition behind migraines, stroke and alzheimer's disease? 1 in 10 people will have a seizure in their lifetime and 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy. Epilepsy does not discriminate. It effects all ages, races, genders, and socioeconomic classes.
I started volunteering for the Epilepsy Foundation of MN in 2009 after attending a conference in the cities. I've served in various capacities since then... the Youth Advisory Council, Board of Directors, helping out at Camp Oz, guest speaking at a conference in Duluth, to most recently, serving on the Duluth Regional Advisory Committee. I've seen and experienced first hand how much this organization does for families affected by seizures and am passionate about their programs.
The Stroll for Epilepsy is an annual event that gathers people together to bring awareness, honor loved ones with epilepsy, and raise funds for the programs EFMN provides. Please considering donating to this organization or joing my walk team!
