Kayla was a typical twelve year old girl with no prior health problems. In February of 2004, she began having seizures and was brought to an area hospital. After four days we left with Kayla still having seizures, on anti-seizure medications, and with no answers. I decided to make an appointment with the pediatric epilepsy team at the Cleveland Clinic as they came highly recommended. I was impressed with the advanced technology and the well trained staff at the Pediatric Epilepsy Monitoring Unit.

Kayla's seizures started very rapidly and progressed fairly quickly. After several different medications and tests, Kayla's seizures did not stop and were becoming more frequent. In less than 3 months, we were faced with a very difficult decision.
I remember the day the neurosurgeon entered the room to talk to us. I could not believe this was happening, especially so quickly. The neurosurgeon recommended the removal of the area of the brain where the seizures were originating from. I found out that removing this area of the brain could cause temporary weakness on the opposite side of the body and difficulty with speech. Kayla would probably need physical, occupational, as well as speech therapy.

Even though I knew in my heart this was what she needed, a part of me was scared. I wished I had someone to talk to, who could relate to what I was going through. Through the Cleveland Clinic's Pediatric Epilepsy Support Group, I was given the name of another parent to speak with whose little boy had the same surgery for his seizures. Talking to her made such a difference. She was able to answer so many questions and calm so many fears. The support she provided to me, Kayla, and my family was priceless.

Kayla went through with the surgery, and she woke up able to move and talk. We are so grateful for physicians like her epileptologist and his partners. They not only have great knowledge and expertise, but also showed compassion. We are also thankful for the team of nurses and techs in the Pediatric Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. They loved and cared so much for Kayla! These men and women will always hold a special place in our hearts.

The care she received at the Clinic was more than I could have ever asked for. From day one I knew and trusted that she was in the right place being cared for by the right people. Today Kayla is a normal teenage girl living a very normal life. She does continue to have an occasional seizure and still has to take medications, but she is far better than she was.