The Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota periodically features a “Thriving with Epilepsy” story about everyday heroes living with epilepsy in our community.
Derrick Dawson is a social person. When he lost his warehouse job in 2019, it meant less time with his friends and co-workers. When COVID forced us to bring organizational events online, it meant he wouldn’t be able to attend the in-person events he enjoys, like Studio-E Art Sessions, Connect
Read MoreAdvocacy can be done in many ways, in many places, and for many reasons. Kyah Altiere has made advocacy an important part of her life since the time she was prescribed toxic levels of her anti-seizure medication. This is when she became an advocate for herself, which transitioned into her
Read MoreThe Bauer family includes parents Jenny and Allen, as well as five boys who range in age. The youngest is Allen Jr, who developed epilepsy after severe head trauma at the age of six. The entire Bauer family supports Allen Jr, and his victories are family victories.
Read MoreHannah Poshek had quite the childhood, and now as a teenager, she’s accomplishing even more. She first joined the Minnesota Wild Special Hockey program as a kid, and after gaining greater seizure control as an 8-year-old she started even more activities, like swimming, gymnastics, dance, and competing in Special Olympics.
Read MoreBryant’s favorite classes are gym, math, and science. But it’s the group work and big projects that get him excited since it means he will be working with others.
Read MoreRyan has faced challenges as both a child and adult with epilepsy. The one he didn’t expect to face, was that of his daughter also being diagnosed.
Read MoreThe Haggbergs live in the small town of Isle, Minnesota, right on the edge of Mille Lacs Lake. Hunter was just turning 12 years old when he was diagnosed with epilepsy, and locally they couldn’t find the resources they needed. Hunter’s parents did a lot of research on their own
Read MoreIn addition to visits to a neurologist, PaKong’s family, who immigrated to the US in the 1990’s as refugees, held traditional Hmong values and beliefs when it came to Western medicine, treatment, and seizures.
Read More*Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan or diet. There are many hidden elements to an epilepsy diagnosis. Those on the outside may think of seizures when they hear a friend or family member has epilepsy. But those close by know epilepsy is so
Read MoreGrowing up with epilepsy is hard. It’s scary and isolating. Some know this first-hand, while others know it from raising a child with epilepsy. Parents and family members give much-needed support, but for kids with epilepsy, finding others who understand what they’re going through is important. This is the reason
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