Financial support to begin this org can be sent here  https://gofund.me/66d45967

I can be reached here epilepsyelpaso@gmail.com

Today, I stand before you not just as an individual but as one of the 10,000 epileptics in El Paso who are left to navigate this journey without local support. Our city is home to thousands of people, and their families battling epilepsy every day, yet we lack the resources and infrastructure necessary to provide adequate help.

Epilepsy is more than just a medical condition; it's a daily battle that affects every aspect of our lives. Physical, mental and financial. Over $25k in one year was spent to get a basic diagnosis. I have seizures daily and so far, I’m in the 1/3 of epileptics that are drug resistant. The lack of local support compounds the struggle for us in El Paso. We are left feeling isolated and forgotten.

Not everyone understands our constant struggles, but we can change that narrative by establishing a local foundation dedicated solely to supporting those living with epilepsy in the El Paso Boderland region. This foundation would serve as an invaluable resource for education and training about epilepsy and provide much-needed emotional support for those affected.

We cannot change our diagnosis or how others perceive us,  but we can control how we respond within our community. Let's use our collective experiences so that no one has to suffer alone anymore. The suicide rate is over 5x higher for people suffering with epilepsy than those that do not have epilepsy. 6x more likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease. We are 3x more likely to experience physical, cognitive, or social challenges than people who do not have epilepsy. Approximately 30% of epileptics also have Autism. And if that’s not enough, life expectancy is reduced by 10-12 years. 

In preparation for the new foundation, I’ve been planting seeds with national organizations, national and local businesses, personal contacts, and I was able to get El Paso City Counsel to make a Resolution to recognize November as Epilepsy Awareness Month on 11/21/23. 

Experience is Knowledge, and knowledge is power - let’s harness ours together for the benefit of all epileptics in and near El Paso.

Some of the goals for the foundation are as follows

Provide assistance for diagnostics, 

EEG’s and other neurological tests

Eyewear/eyecare (including lighting)

Education on Diet and Lifestyle for epileptics

Education for first Responders on Epilepsy 

Transportation

Special Activities & Events 

Training for Seizure Response Dogs

Advocating for Epileptics

Provide emotional support

Address Texas' C.U.R.T. system and compassionate use laws

Travel expenses for out of town specialist

Have an accredited level 4 center that would require a Neurosurgeon  

Please sign this petition today and join me in advocating for the establishment of a local foundation dedicated to supporting those living with epilepsy here at home. Please help

Contact me at epilepsyelpaso@gmail.com