New campaign empowers, inspires women and families affected by epilepsy

Epilepsy Advocate- and HealthyWomen join forces to inspire and empower women affected by epilepsy

A new campaign explores the roles and responsibilities women uniquely encounter when living, or caring for a loved one, with epilepsy. "Women Succeeding with Epilepsy" is a collaboration between Epilepsy Advocate and HealthyWomen to educate, empower and inspire women and families whose lives are affected by epilepsy.

"Women Succeeding with Epilepsy" illustrates the multidimensional impact of epilepsy on women through the personal stories of those who have faced-and overcome-the unique challenges posed by epilepsy, such as:

• When to see a specialist and what to expect
• How to help a child achieve independence and transition into adulthood
• How to manage family life while living with a chronic condition like epilepsy

"The challenges and solutions shared by the women featured in this campaign should resonate with those who have either experienced life with a chronic condition, or cared for a loved one," said Beth Battaglino Cahill, RN, Executive Director, HealthyWomen. "As healthcare decision makers for themselves and their families, women need information and tools to help them navigate through some of the challenges posed by conditions like epilepsy."

The Epilepsy Advocate community includes more than 60 Epilepsy Advocates who share their challenges and triumphs so that others are empowered to seek care with a goal of seizure freedom with minimal side effects. HealthyWomen is the leading independent health information source for women. The success stories and epilepsy information featured in the "Women Succeeding with Epilepsy" video series, moderated by Ms. Battaglino Cahill, are available at EpilepsyAdvocate.com and HealthyWomen.org, and include:

• Shelley Kays, Epilepsy Advocate, mother and caregiver of a 21-year-old daughter diagnosed with epilepsy at age six and who is now getting ready for on-campus college life.
• Heather Evrley, Epilepsy Advocate, diagnosed with epilepsy while in college, married for 13 years, raising two young children, and working toward an advanced degree in the legal field.
• Blanca Vazquez, MD, provides perspective on how epilepsy uniquely affects women. Dr. Vazquez is an epilepsy specialist at the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at New York University Langone Medical Center.

"I hope my story will help other women realize they can live life on their own terms by advocating for themselves and their families," said Heather Evrley, Epilepsy Advocate. "This means learning about your medical condition and finding a doctor who not only understands the condition, but also answers all of your questions."

In addition to the new video series, EpilepsyAdvocate.com and HealthyWomen.org contain a wealth of epilepsy data, expert insights and stories of other individuals living with epilepsy.