At 16 years old, my world changed when I was diagnosed with Epilepsy. At an age when most teens are worrying about prom or driving tests, I was learning to navigate a life-altering neurological condition.

But I refused to let a diagnosis define my ceiling.

I’ve always believed that Epilepsy might be part of my story, but it isn’t the whole book. Driven by a passion for movement, business, and helping others, I pushed myself to achieve things many told me would be too difficult:

• B.S. in Business Management (Minor in Dance)

• M.S. in Sports Management

• M.A.T. in Special Education (where I made a Seizure Safe Schools Professional Development Training for my research project that got selected for the Graduate Research Fair)

For four years, I lived with the incredible freedom of being seizure-free. It was a period of stability that I cherished. However, this past September, the seizures returned. This time, they’ve presented differently, and finding the right balance of medication has been a challenging, uphill battle.

Even on the hardest days, I am reminded of why I fight—not just for my own health, but for the community that has carried me through.

I am fortunate to work with two incredible organizations that give me a platform to raise awareness and support others walking a similar path:

• The Epilepsy Foundation: They have provided me with a lifeline through support groups, walks, and the chance to participate in Advocacy Day to fight for better care and funding.

• Empowering Peoples Independence (EPI): This group is family. From webinars to support groups, they’ve been there. I’ve had the honor of serving as a counselor for their summer camp—a place so special to me that the Camp Director is actually officiating my upcoming wedding!

I am fundraising to ensure that kids and adults living with Epilepsy have access to the same life-changing resources, camps, and advocacy that I’ve had.

Your donation goes toward:

1.    Research for better medications (so others can find the "right fit" faster).

2.    Support Programs for families navigating a new diagnosis.

3.    Summer Camps where kids can just be kids, safe and understood.

No amount is too small. Whether you donate or simply share my story, you are helping us move closer to a world where Epilepsy doesn't stand in the way of anyone's dreams.

Thank you for standing with me!