Virtual Mardi Gras Gala: Carnival Weekend 2022 supporting The Epilepsy Foundation Eastern PA
Nicole Spross
I have had epilepsy for 35 years and have been involved with EFEPA for 20 years. Fundraising is important to keep all their programs free.
Nicole Spross
I have had epilepsy for 35 years and have been involved with EFEPA for 20 years. Fundraising is important to keep all their programs free.
My Epilepsy Story
I had my first seizure at 2 years old. My parents were told there was a possibility I would have epilepsy. I was born at 28 weeks gestation. I have a twin brother and I'm twin B. I had 2 brain bleeds. I had a Grade 4 on the left and Grade 3 on the right side. After having my first seizure I was put on Tegretol. I started on chewable pills which I took 3x's a day. I would have 1 or 2 seizures a year. When I was younger I had static seizures, prolong seizures more than 5 minutes. Every time I had prolong seizures I would need to go to the hospital for medication to stop them. My neurologist eventually prescribed me what we now know as Diastat to stop the seizures. (TMI) It's distilled water and valium the you put in a syringe and inject rectally. Once I could swallow pills I only took it once a day (extended release). I was prescribed Topamax as a teenager to prevent migraines which is also an anti-seizure medication. I went 10 years without a seizure and asked my neurologist if I could wean off medication. So he approved and I slowly weaned of medication in May of 2012. Unfortunately, 12 days after my last dose I had back to back seizures. Thankfully my sister was home and was able to go next-door and get our neighbor whose a nurse. I woke up to her next to me and my sister talking to 911. I was put on Keppra at the hospital per my neurologist suggested to the ER doctor. I was only on it a short time because it made me too tired and just started a new job, so my neurologist weaned me off Keppra and put me on Lamotrigine XR. I have been on that ever since and I've had a few seizures, but still well controlled. I AM 1 IN 26.
Thank you for your support for me and everyone with epilepsy. Without your support events such as Camp Achieve (a camp for kids with epilepsy), Adult Wellness Weekend, Young Adult Retreat, Conferences and much more couldn't be free. 💜💜💜
Please consider making a contribution to my fundraiser or joining me for the Carnival Weekend and sharing this page with your network.
Adult Wellness Weekend
