My name is Tatiana Lopez, mother of Eliana, her caregiver, and her advocate. 

Eliana has Dravet syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes severe, medication-resistant seizures and is considered terminal. Despite two brain surgeries, a VNS implant, and multiple medications taken three times a day, she continues to experience multiple seizures daily some lasting for hours at a time.

She cannot walk or talk and has hearing loss, vision loss, brain damage, and muscle degeneration. She relies on a feeding tube for nutrition. Her condition also affects her development, movement, balance, and overall coordination. Eliana receives frequent feeding therapy, as well as physical, speech, and occupational therapy.

She is unable to attend public school due to her compromised immune system. She lives in a highly controlled environment, as she is extremely sensitive to temperature changes, sunlight, sounds, changes in settings, unfamiliar interactions, patterns, and other sensory stimuli.

Dravet syndrome has no cure. Our journey is difficult, but Eliana's strength continues to inspire us every Single day.

Dravet syndrome is a lifelong, challenging condition-but you can help make a difference!