My Epilepsy Story

Archive for Brandy McFadden

17 Feb
0

Heavy with All: My Journey to Cry, Fight, and Rise

It’s 2 am, and I am lying here as my heart is heavy with all that is going on. I watch him struggle each day. What am I to do?…

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International Women With Epilepsy Day - List of How to Support Research and Women and Girls with Epilepsy
15 Feb
0

Women With Epilepsy Day ’24

National Women With Epilepsy Day: Elevating awareness and supporting research for epilepsy, especially in women and girls, is a collective responsibility.

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03 Mar
0

Shelter From the Storm

Blue Raider Contracting Epilepsy is often described as a lightening storm in the brain.  For women and girls living with epilepsy,  seizures are not the only thing that impact their…

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12 Jan
0

Dear Doctor

Dear Doctor,

As I sit here to write you this note there are so many things to be said… We were supposed to be on the same team, fighting for my healthcare yet the “Healthcare System” has stolen you from my team.

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01 Mar
1

Collaboration is Key

Collaboration is Key Today is our 3rd Annual International Women With Epilepsy Day!  WOW, this has been an AMAZING journey to get us here!  As I sit here thinking about…

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22 Feb
0

The Epilepsy Transition Clinic

The Epilepsy Transition Clinic Sponsored by: Ohio State Wexner Medical Center About the Author: Sarita Maturu, DO Sarita Maturu, DO is an Epileptologist at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center in…

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15 Feb
0

Dr. Margaret Beigel’s Story

Meet Dr. Margaret Beigel, an Ohio State University Neurology Resident   Tell us a bit about yourself. Hey everyone, I am Margaret – a current PGY3 neurology resident at The…

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08 Feb
0

Dr. Marika Antimisiaris’s Story

Meet Marika, an Ohio State Neurology Resident   Tell us a bit about yourself. I moved around a lot growing up – lived in Oregon, California, New Jersey, Hawaii, and…

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31 Jan
0

The Role of the Pharmacist and Epilepsy

Today on our EMPOWERING Women and Girls Living with Epilepsy video series we hear from Dr. James W. McAuley.  Dr. McAuley is Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Neurology…

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Artwork by Betty
18 Jan
0

Meet Betty, An Ohio State Employee Living with Epilepsy

My Epilepsy Story (MES) is partnering with The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center (OSU) to EMPOWER Women and Girls Living with Epilepsy this year.  OSU is contributing to some…

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31 Dec
0

Making Sense of 2020

As I sit here wondering  what to write my heart aches for so many this year all across the world…. The heartache, pain, and loss can be so overwhelming to comprehend….

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06 Dec
0

2020 Kimford J. Meador Research in Women with Epilepsy Award

The Kimford J. Meador Research in Women with Epilepsy Award is awarded to provide support for ealy career clinician scientists who have made significant contributions to understanding and better care…

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05 Dec
1

Dr. Sandra Helmers Memorial Scholarship

I wanted to unveil this exciting news during our annual American Epilepsy Society (AES) meeting! I am writing to share with you about our newest award from the My Epilepsy Story…

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04 Dec
0

Primary Care Physicians and Neurologist

Primary Care Physicians (PCPS) and Neurologists should be working hand and hand to provide quality healthcare to patients across the country.  We should be working together within our residency programs…

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26 Oct
0

I See Your Eyes Above Your Mask

I see your eyes above the mask you are wearing each day while you are at work, at the grocery store, on the bus or walking on the street. I…

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10 May
0

Pregnancy and Epilepsy

Today on our EMPOWERING Women and Girls Living with Epilepsy video series we hear from Dr. Kimford J. Meador, Dr. Meador is a Neurologist and Professor of Neurology in Palo…

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16 Mar
0

School Closings due to COVID-19

We are in uncertain times…. Coronavirus(COVID-19) is spreading, schools are closing and many jobs are transitioning to working from home. We need to remember that we will get through this…

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06 Mar
0

Staying SAFE during the Coronavirus Outbreak

Preparing for the Coronavirus can be stressful so we have compiled a list of things to help you during this time: Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with…

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04 Feb
0

Dr. Sarita Maturu’s Story

I became interested in epilepsy very soon after I started my Neurology residency. The intricacies of the disease, the ability to make a meaningful difference in terms of treatment and quality…

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09 Jan
0

Breastfeeding and Epilepsy

Today on our EMPOWERING Women and Girls Living with Epilepsy video series we hear from Dr. Gholam Motamedi, Professor of Neurology and Director of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at Georgetown…

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Dr. Anup Patel Headshot
17 Dec
0

Transitioning from a Pediatric Neurologist to an Adult Neurologist

Today on our EMPOWERING Women and Girls Living with Epilepsy video series we hear from Dr. Anup Patel, Associate Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics, at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The…

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04 Dec
0

Fertility and Epilepsy

Today on our EMPOWERING Women and Girls Living with Epilepsy video series we hear from Dr. Page B. Pennell, Professor of Neurology, at Harvard Medical School and Director of Research…

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27 Nov
0

Managing your Medication during Pregnancy

Today on our EMPOWERING Women and Girls Living with Epilepsy video series we hear from Dr. Torbjörn Tomson, Department of Neurology, at Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden on: “Managing Your Medication During Pregnancy“ …

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22 Nov
0

Dr. Deepti Zutshi’s Story

Taking care of others has always been strong personality traits instilled in me by watching my mother do the same for her family.  Transferring that quality to becoming a doctor…

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20 Nov
0

Managing Your Epilepsy & Tracking Your Seizures

On our series to EMPOWER Women and Girls Living with Epilepsy, today we hear from Robert Moss, Co-Founder of SeizureTracker.com on: Managing your Epilepsy & Tracking your Seizures    Robert Moss knows…

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19 Nov
0

Tiffany’s Story

My name is Tiffany.  I’ve lived with epilepsy for over 10 years, having survived a seizure-car crash.  I’d been married for only four months at this time.  After diagnosis, I…

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12 Nov
0

Maci’s Story

With November being “National Epilepsy Awareness Month” I thought now would be an appropriate time to put something out there about the invisible disability that I have lived with for…

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17 Sep
0

Christina’s Story

When I was in 8th grade I had my first seizure. After not being able to see and then losing all motor skills, my feet were shaking and I was internally yelling…

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20 Aug
0

It’s Back To School Time

BACK to SCHOOL TIPS from MES!   Yes, Folks, it’s that time of year again…so here are 10 tips to help prepare your child and yourself for the upcoming school…

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31 Jul
0

Meet our MES Ambassadors and Join With Us

  California Ashley Garcia – CA My name is Ashley Garcia. I am a 23 year old student from CA. I was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 13, and have…

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26 Jul
0

MES Ambassador Program

MES Ambassador Program    My Epilepsy Story (MES) is excited to announce we are accepting applications for our Ambassador Program.  This program will have MES Ambassadors from all across the…

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Healthy Chicken Salad
14 Jun
0

Fresh Fridays! New Summer Recipe Series

Hello friends! Jodi Suglio, MES Health & Wellness director here. As promised in my lil Facebook teaser post earlier this week (if you don’t follow us on our socials, do…

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06 Jun
0

Join MES for Epilepsy Education Day at UK Healthcare on June 8th

We are excited to announce that we will be at UK Healthcare for their annual Epilepsy Education Day!  Please join us and hear our Executive Director/Founder Brandy McFadden as the…

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20 Mar
0

Sara’s Story

I was 18-months-old when I had my first seizure.  It was during a very high fever, so considered a febrile seizure, but it was a seizure nonetheless.  My father was…

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12 Mar
0

Self-Love

Self-Love is the regard for one’s own well-being and happiness (chiefly considered as a desirable rather than narcissistic characteristic).  Self-love is not a bad thing when we do it correctly… In…

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01 Mar
0

International Women with Epilepsy Day

March 1st is the 1st Annual International Women with Epilepsy Day! Today is International Women with Epilepsy Day!  This has been a vision of mine for several years to have…

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International Women With Epilepsy Day Events
25 Feb
0

Coming Soon: International Women with Epilepsy Day

Coming Soon!! We are excited to announce that March 1st is our first annual International Women with Epilepsy Day!  This day is to EMPOWER Women and Girls Living with Epilepsy in EVERY…

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Physician Mental Health - My Epilepsy Story
05 Feb
0

Epilepsy & Stress

  Today on our EMPOWERING Women and Girls Living with Epilepsy video series we hear from Dr. Michael Privitera from the Epilepsy Center at the University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience…

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09 Jan
0

Women with Frontal Lobe Epilepsy Most Likely to Have More Seizures While Pregnant

Women with Frontal Lobe Epilepsy Most Likely to Have More Seizures While Pregnant   In a new finding, 53 percent of women with frontal lobe epilepsy, in which the seizures…

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08 Jan
0

THRIVE

At the beginning of each year my husband, James, chooses a word for our family to be our guidance and focus for that year.  Each year our family waits to…

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30 Dec
0

Reflecting on 2018

As I reflect on 2018 the word that comes to mind is Thankful.  I am thankful for wishes… I am thankful for all that we are are accomplishing at My…

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28 Dec
0

Exercise During the Holidays

Happy holidays friends! I hope this finds you well, I know it’s been awhile since I’ve last posted. I imagine, like me, you are diligently preparing for some amazing time…

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18 Dec
0

Managing Epilepsy and a Baby in the NICU

Managing Epilepsy with a Baby in the NICU   Last April 2017 my daughter, Zoey, came into this world a lot earlier than expected. She was born at 31 weeks,…

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14 Dec
0

Surviving the Holidays after Losing Your Daughter to Epilepsy

My friend, Brandy with My Epilepsy Story, reached out to me and asked if I would write something that might help others like me, who have experienced the tragedy of…

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29 Nov
0

Virginia Mei’s Journey

My husband and I recently adopted a precious little girl, Virginia Mei, from China. Virginia Mei’s adoption was a special needs adoption. We chose Virginia Mei knowing she had hydrocephalus- fluid…

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27 Nov
0

The Power of Exercise

My name is Mary, and I have intractable epilepsy. I was diagnosed with epilepsy when I was 14, and my seizures are complex partial with secondary generalization. My seizures have…

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26 Nov
0

Please Join With Us

During this holiday season there is a day called #GivingTuesday where everyone joins TOGETHER and gives back to nonprofit organizations.  This year on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 is #GivingTuesday. Please…

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16 Nov
0

Depression and Epilepsy

Depression and Epilepsy You may not know but depression and epilepsy can go hand in hand, so it is prudent to be aware of any potential triggers, such as loss…

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14 Nov
0

Does every woman living with epilepsy need a primary care doctor?

We are launching a new video series to EMPOWER Women and Girls Living with Epilepsy.  Today we hear from Dr. Richmond Akatue from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee on:…

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11 Nov
0

Finding a Doctor & Coordinating Your Care

We are launching a new video series to EMPOWER Women and Girls Living with Epilepsy.  Today we hear from Dr. Gregory Mathews from Silver Springs, Maryland on: How to Find…

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07 Nov
0

Educating the Medical Community with a New Video Series

We are launching new videos this month for patients and the medical community.  We wanted to share with you one of our videos that will be used for educating physicians…

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02 Nov
0

CONGRATULATIONS Ladies! We did it!!!

Women living with epilepsy CONGRATULATIONS most of us have been successful…. we have sent the message to our daughters that you keep secrets. We have taught them that it is…

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25 Oct
0

Traveling with Epilepsy

The captain’s voice breaks through my efforts of ignoring my talkative seat mate, who is practically sitting in my lap. “Due to a severe thunderstorm and circling the airport for an…

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03 Oct
0

Help! My Daughter was Diagnosed with Epilepsy….. I Need a Pediatrician

[title text=”Ask An Expert: Dr. Mukundan”] Today Dr. Chetan R. Mukundan will answer a few questions from parents about finding a pediatrician to care for your daughter and her epilepsy….

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28 Sep
0

I am just a teenage girl….Why do I have to have epilepsy?

Why ME???  I know it just isn’t fair!  You were just like all the other girls just last week… Then it happened… You had a seizure and now your life…

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24 Sep
0

New Research on Prescribing Medication in Pregnant Women with Epilepsy

  Background – Why? In the early 2000’s, results from several antiepileptic drug (AED) pregnancy registries revealed that valproate the highest risks of AEDs for congenital malformations. In addition around…

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21 Sep
0

What is Catamenial Epilepsy?

Catamenial Epilepsy: What is it, and what can be done about it?     Catamenial epilepsy is not a specific type of epilepsy or type of seizure.  The term simply…

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12 Sep
0

Celebrating the Little Boy That Started it All

As I sit here thinking of the My Epilepsy Story (MES) organization and how far we have come it is bittersweet…. Hearing the voices and stories of women and girls…

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26 Aug
0

Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Neurology

Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Neurologist   Transitions are always difficult, but can also be rewarding when done with preparation and awareness of the important issues.  It can be particularly…

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01 Aug
0

So You Are College Bound…..Now What?

Graduations have come to an end and the summer is here.   I sit here thinking about attending our “Oldest Daughter, Ire”, from another set of parents, high school graduation at…

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18 Jul
0

FDA Approves Epidiolex

The FDA approval of EPIDIOLEX will soon bring to market the first plant based drug derived from the cannabis plant in the U.S.  Studies in the U.S. of Epidiolex (a…

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My Epilepsy Story
16 Jul
0

Epilepsy and Fertility

The first article I would like to discuss is about fertility in women with epilepsy. This is a topic I (understandably) get many questions about in my clinic and am…

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09 Jul
0

Know your Seizure Type

Know your seizures! A first time and refresher guide to understanding different seizure types for people with epilepsy. Dr. Michael Kinney MB, MRCP (U.K.) and Dr. Kimford J. Meador MD….

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03 Jul
0

Kimford J. Meador Research in Women with Epilepsy Award

In life, there are few people that are true world changers. I believe that the medical community has the opportunity to be full of world changers if they stop, pause,…

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10 Jun
0

The Strength of a Movement: Her Epilepsy Story

When I initially started my senior project, I knew that I wanted to combine my interests of psychology/science and dance to create a piece. I didn’t have any clue as…

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11 May
0

SeizureTracker.com isn’t just for tracking “SEIZURES”

In today’s world we are all busy with LIFE… We never seem to have enough time in the day to get everything accomplished.  Whether it is getting things done at…

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26 Apr
0

Seizure Freedom is NEVER Promised

Seizure freedom is never promised…. As I wrap my brain around the fact that I have just had my first seizure in years, the emotions are overwhelming.  First, the utter…

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21 Apr
0

Depression, Anxiety, & Epilepsy……

Depression, Anxiety, and Epilepsy….. How to know if I have Depression or Anxiety?  This is such a great question!  Many people are stressed over things in their lives yet that…

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10 Apr
0

Epilepsy Birth Control Registry

What is safe and effective contraception for women with epilepsy? Background We know that reproductive hormones such as the ones that are in various forms of hormonal contraception can affect…

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29 Mar
0

Home Exercise 101

Hello friends! I hope 2018 is treating you to lots of health and happiness so far. In my last post I discussed the importance of exercise for everyone, but especially…

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20 Mar
0

Death is Hard….Yet We Celebrate a Life Fulfilled

When you hear the news that one of the women that was such a huge influence on your life as a young teenage girl has passed away there is first…

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19 Mar
0

Proclaim Your Story

The first time I genuinely told my story, it was to complete strangers. I was shadowing a pediatric neurologist and knowing my background, he asked me to share my experience…

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13 Mar
0

What about the Women and Girls?

The world seems ever changing and yet I feel as though so much still remains the same…Each day new things are being presented to us to explore and experience, but…

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11 Jan
0

An Introduction to Health & Wellness

Hello from MES’s new Health & Wellness Director! It’s that time of year again. No, I’m not talking about the holidays, although I do hope you all had a happy…

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06 Jan
0

Be BOLD while living with Epilepsy in 2018

It’s New Year’s Eve, the end of 2017, and the time of year when everyone is setting their New Year’s resolutions and goals for 2018.  As I reflect on the…

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04 Oct
0

College is a time of “Self-Discovery”…..

“College is a time of self-discovery and growth, but it can also be an intense four years of stress.”  My first two years in college were especially hard on me;…

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14 Dec
0

Beauty is Right in Front of You

As we head into the coldest months of the year we all need a pick me up to make us feel better especially after the hustle and bustle of the…

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01 Dec
0

Holiday Event Planning

At My Epilepsy Story,  we love to share with you what other Women With Epilepsy are doing in their lives while managing their epilepsy.  I want to introduce you to…

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30 Nov
0

Exploring What Care a Pharmacist Can Provide for Women with Epilepsy

  Most women with epilepsy take antiepileptic drugs for a substantial portion of their life. This chronic therapy creates an opportunity for pharmacists to play a significant role in the…

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28 Nov
0

Are You Prepared for Your Neurology Appointment?

So, you’ve scheduled an appointment with a new neurologist and you’ve waited weeks (even months) for the appointed time. But….are you prepared for the visit? There’s much more involved than…

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24 Nov
0

Reasons for Giving Thanks in the Midst of Epilepsy

On this Thanksgiving Holiday, as the Education Coordinator for My Epilepsy Story (MES), I want to reflect on the many things that I am truly thankful for this holiday season…

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23 Nov
0

A Partnership is Blooming

At My Epilepsy Story, we are partnering with different companies to help “Bridge the Gap“ for women and girls living with epilepsy. In forming partnerships, this allows us to serve women…

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21 Nov
0

Epilepsy Safety with your Newborn Baby

Your new baby has arrived and you are excited, tired, sleep deprived and on emotional roller coaster.  The joy of having that precious baby in your arms brings a full…

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16 Nov
0

Women with Disabilities Must Tackle More Hurdles than Men in the Workplace

Women with Disabilities Must Tackle More Hurdles than Men in the Workplace November is Epilepsy Awareness Month, and organizations around the country – like My Epilepsy Story – are spreading…

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15 Nov
0

November is Epilepsy Awareness Month

It is that time of year again… Epilepsy Awareness Month!  November is the month where many organizations promote Epilepsy Awareness.  Here at My Epilepsy Story (MES),  we are joining with…

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17 May
0

The Future Belongs to You

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt   As we begin the graduation season, I am reflecting on what these young graduates…

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07 May
0

“It always seems impossible…..”

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”  ~Nelson Mandela As I begin to think about Mother’s Day, I am reminded of all the wonderful women that have been brought into…

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12 Mar
0

Mosaic

A mosaic is something that resembles a picture or decoration that is made up of diverse elements. These broken pieces are what makes a mosaic beautiful.   In our brokenness of…

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25 Jan
0

Ashley’s Story

My epilepsy story began when I was 3 years old. I came down with a severe case of Roseola and had a really high fever. One morning my mom came…

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Harper-Story
11 Jan
0

I Have Lost……..

These past few days have been just overwhelmingly hard for our family. We have had to process the death of a beautiful little girl named Harper Howard and the daughter…

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31 Dec
0

Memories in the Making

As I sit here thinking of 2015 and all that has happened this year, I am tearful. This year has been filled with many great memories. I am blessed to…

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05 Dec
0

Meg’s Story

It was March of my freshman year of high school. My childhood dream had come true, and I was just finishing my first season on the high school basketball team….

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03 Dec
0

Ashley’s Story

My name is Ashley. I am twenty years old and I have epilepsy. I was thirteen when I had my first grand mal seizure, and admittedly I do not remember…

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23 Nov
0

Elizabeth’s Story

I was diagnosed with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy the weekend after attending my orientation at The Ohio State University. I started treatment with medication just three weeks before I was due…

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17 Nov
0

Choosing the Right Health Insurance Plan

Choosing the right health insurance plan from the exchange Gone are the days of worrying about not having your pre-existing condition covered by your new insurance company. New considerations have…

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13 Nov
0

Governor Bill Haslam Proclaims November Epilepsy Awareness Month

Here at My Epilepsy Story, we do everything we can to make people aware of epilepsy, and how it impacts the daily lives of so many people. Thankfully, Governor Bill…

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13 Nov
0

Rachel’s Story

My epilepsy story is a long and complicated one, with frustrating twists and turns. The journey to my diagnosis was not easy or crystal clear, and I had to fight…

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09 Nov
0

Mariellen’s Story

My epilepsy story started with enjoying the 4th of July weekend out on the lake with family and friends in 2012. It was the perfect weekend filled with boating, fireworks,…

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18 Sep
0

Living Without A Filter

“Never let the odds keep you from pursuing what you know in your heart you were meant to do.” – Satchel Paige As I sit here this evening, I sit…

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MES-Podcast-Artwork-300
16 Sep
0

MES003 – Brandy Interviews Dr. Loring

Brandy McFadden interviews Dr. Loring. Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave us a comment below and a positive review on iTunes. iTunes Link

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We are an International, non-profit organization that serves to bridge the gap for women and girls diagnosed with epilepsy.

Disclaimer: Education materials on our website offer general medical information based on up-to-date evidence and, when available, practice guidelines. They are not intended for individual medical advice. Please refer to your treating physician to understand how this information may be applied to your care.

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We are an International, non-profit organization that serves to bridge the gap for women and girls diagnosed with epilepsy.

Stay Updated

Receive valuable content and personal stories from other women and girls just like yourself.

Disclaimer: Education materials on our website offer general medical information based on up-to-date evidence and, when available, practice guidelines. They are not intended for individual medical advice. Please refer to your treating physician to understand how this information may be applied to your care.

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