My Story

My seizures began shortly after my first baby. I began having headaches and what I now know as small seizures during moments of aphasia and disgraphia (inability to write, read, and speak). I also felt like I got on the screamer at Disneyland and never got off. Predict-a-text was torture because suddenly I couldn't spell. I cried from the buzz of the baby monitor at night seemed so loud. After an lots of tests an MRI finally confirmed a cavernoma in the left temporal/occipital lobe. I cried for several weeks as I rocked my babies to sleep at night wondering what the future held. As the shock wore off and many of the symptoms have improved, the brain and cavernoma jokes have become a constant theme at our house. One of my favorite quotes is from Marjorie Pay Hinckley: "The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laught or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache."
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I haven't driven in nearly six months as I am at risk for bigger seizures as they increase in frequency and intensity. I don't bathe my kids unless my husband is home and we don't get out the kiddy pool. I'll be a bench warmer at Lagoon this year. I depend a lot on friends and family. I am amazed at how many people are willing to go out of their way to come get me, load two car seats and kids and take me swimming, shopping, etc. My husband has never complained once as he now spends a lot of his evenings off running me around to do the errands I can't do myself.
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I have now met with 3 neurologists and 2 neurosurgeons. I searched the Internet for a week as there is little information about cavernomas. When I found Angioma Alliance I knew I had found exactly what I needed. The information and support I have received there has been amazing and life saving! Many people suffer greatly from the devastating affects of cavernomas. I have been very fortunate to only have one cavernoma and minor deficits. I thought to celebrate my upcoming surgery I would try to give back a little to the organization that I could never re-pay.
I am excited for the race and so grateful for your support!
Loads of Love!
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The top 10 benefits to having a cavernoma!

10. I don't have to look like a wimp when I don't want to ride a roller coaster.

9. I just got spend money on new jewelry and order a super cute Medical ID bracelet that looks like I just got back from Tiffany's.

8. I now have a chauffeur to take me places (aka husband, mom, friend, etc.)!

7. Extra dates with my hubby when we stop to grab a bite on our way home from all these dr apt.'s.

6. Thinking twice before judging someone, like the mom who doesn't take her turn driving kids for preschool fieldtrips (or who forgets there was a fieldtrip that day;)).

5. More faith.

4. More sincerity in prayers.

3. More laughing (and crying).

2. More time playing, less time cleaning.

And the number one reason I'm glad I have a cavernoma...

1. It gave me a new perspective on life and what is really important