HISTORY OF C.E.A.S.E.
( Childhood Epilepsy And Seizure Episodes )
The C.E.A.S.E. FOUNDATION was born out of a very frightening and extremely alarming occurence. On May 9, 2006, my eleven year old daughter Mary Kate, was at school sitting in her 6th grade social studies class. It was a day like any other day. She was listening attentively, when all of a sudden she stood up without cause, walked to the front of the classroom, proceeded to walk to the other side of the room and began starring out the window. The teacher tried to get her attention with several verbal commands but there was no response. Puzzled with curiosity, he walked towards Mary Kate when all of a sudden she fell to the floor and began to have a tonic-clonic (Grand-mal) seizure. Moments later, Mary Kate turned blue and she stopped breathing. Instinctively, the teacher did all the right things. The seizure lasted in excess of six minutes. Mary Kate was rushed to the hospital where over the course of the next forty-eight hours the seizures continued; (multiple tonic-clonic seizures and many absence/petit-mal seizures). The doctors administered several tests and examinations. She was discharged forty-eight hours later against our wishes as she continued having seizures.
Needless to say, Mary Kate received less than adequate care. We aggressively sought medical help elsewhere resulting in treatment at New York Presbyterian-Cornell/Weill Hospital, (Pediatric Epilepsy Center). The care was superb. Mary Kate's attending physician is the very best in the field of pediatric neurology. She sees her regularly. Her Depakote levels are monitored frequently and her treatment is keeping the seizures to a minimum.
As a result of this traumatic experience, my wife and I felt the need to start an organization that could be helpful to children afflicted with this neurological condition. Our daughter is doing well and we are confident that the adjustments and sacrifices that she has had to make due to her disorder will be minimal. However, during this journey we have seen others who have not been as fortunate as we have been.
As we reach out to others, it is our prayer and deepest desire that the C.E.A.S.E. Foundation will be a ray of hope and a pillar of support for children and families affected by this medical anomaly.
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Mary Kate's 6th grade Social Studies teacher. ( We Love you !)
MK's school nurse and her whole team of teachers and adminstrators. (You are the best)
These teachers are the finest in the business. Every single one of them came to visit MK in the hospital.
All our family and friends.
Thank you! We love you all dearly.
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