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