For so long, epilepsy and seizures have been feared and misunderstood. There has been such a profound lack of awareness for a disease that affects so many of our friends and loved ones. When my daughter Lauren was growing up, I often felt so isolated–we felt like we were the only ones going through this. It seemed like nobody talked about epilepsy; nobody spoke of devastating seizures, trips to the hospital, endless rounds of medications and the horrific side effects… the interrupted family trips, the sleepless nights, the daily uncertainty, the toll it took on the whole family.

Read "Hope," a poem on our website, written by Jane, the mom of Isabella (pictured here with her dog, Stella)

When we finally found others who had also been suffering silently, and started sharing our experiences, it was life changing. We weren’t alone. We could find comfort in similar stories, and hope in the sometimes small breakthroughs. Also, we came to realize just how in the dark the general public was when it came to seizures. We decided to put aside our reluctance to publicly display our worst fears. We had to make people take notice.

Read "Ian's Story" on our website, written by Ian's mom, Laura

It’s not easy to share your story. It takes great courage to tell the world what you and your family have gone through, and in many cases, continue to live with everyday. But, we do it because it’s important–it’s important that others who are suffering realize they aren’t suffering alone. It’s important that we make the world understand that epilepsy and seizures are not benign, and that a cure is not an option, but a dire necessity. It’s absolutely crucial that we raise public consciousness of the lack of funding for research that will one day change the story completely–to one of triumph over a disease that afflicts millions.

Read "Linnea's Story" on our website

CURE is incredibly fortunate to have so many great people willing to help us raise awareness by sharing their stories. One place you can read their touching contributions is in our “Faces of Epilepsy” feature on our website. Their bravery and motivation to educate others is inspiring. Please take the time to read our three newest additions: Linnea’s Story, Ian’s Story, and “Hope,” a poem from a mom whose daughter has epilepsy.

You can do your part, too, to educate others. Send these stories to friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors. And if you can, tell them what a cure for epilepsy means to you. Together, we will make a difference and change so many lives.