For all of you who were moved by my blog last week, I wanted to give you an update.  The miracle of technology, which—at least in this instance—has brought our world closer together—actually allowed me to connect with young Lauren’s family, and we have been receiving updates on her recovery!  I am so pleased to be able to report that–despite a few minor setbacks, she is days from being transferred out of the hospital to where she will be for rehabilitation. She has a lot of hard work ahead of her, but her father has told me that she has made tremendous progress post-hemispherectomy. She is more alert, has begun speaking, and (knock on wood……all you epilepsy parents out there know just what I mean!) has been free of seizures for two weeks. This is the longest she has gone without seizures since she was one year old. We continue to keep Lauren and her family in our thoughts.

Lauren in recovery with her mother Leslee at her side

And out on the west coast, our dear friend Savannah Salazar has finally received her seizure dog, Sandy! She had a long wait for this beautiful companion, but you can tell from this picture how well they have already bonded!

Savannah & Sandy getting to know one another

These are just two of the stories of the tens of thousands of children whose lives have been severely impacted–some might say ravaged–by epilepsy.  Each year, 50,000 more kids are diagnosed in the US alone.  Thank you for listening to and sharing their stories. Thank you for caring.