My Epilepsy Story

Brandy's Personal Posts

17 Feb
0

Heavy with All: My Journey to Cry, Fight, and Rise

It’s 2 am, and I am lying here as my heart is heavy with all that is going on. I watch him struggle each day. What am I to do?…

Read More
27 Apr
0

WWE C.A.R.E. Seminar Series Event

WWE C.A.R.E. Seminar Series Event Neurologic Co-morbidities in Women with Epilepsy My Epilepsy Story invites all healthcare professionals and students to REGISTER TODAY for the next installment in the W.E….

Read More
03 Mar
0

Shelter From the Storm

Blue Raider Contracting Epilepsy is often described as a lightening storm in the brain.  For women and girls living with epilepsy,  seizures are not the only thing that impact their…

Read More
12 Jan
0

Dear Doctor

Dear Doctor,

As I sit here to write you this note there are so many things to be said… We were supposed to be on the same team, fighting for my healthcare yet the “Healthcare System” has stolen you from my team.

Read More
01 Mar
1

Collaboration is Key

Collaboration is Key Today is our 3rd Annual International Women With Epilepsy Day!  WOW, this has been an AMAZING journey to get us here!  As I sit here thinking about…

Read More
22 Feb
0

The Epilepsy Transition Clinic

The Epilepsy Transition Clinic Sponsored by: Ohio State Wexner Medical Center About the Author: Sarita Maturu, DO Sarita Maturu, DO is an Epileptologist at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center in…

Read More
Artwork by Betty
18 Jan
0

Meet Betty, An Ohio State Employee Living with Epilepsy

My Epilepsy Story (MES) is partnering with The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center (OSU) to EMPOWER Women and Girls Living with Epilepsy this year.  OSU is contributing to some…

Read More
01 Jan
0

Ohio State University & MES Partnership

We are excited to announce our partnership with The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center to EMPOWER women and girls living with epilepsy in 2021. Their center includes physicians, whom…

Read More
31 Dec
0

Making Sense of 2020

As I sit here wondering  what to write my heart aches for so many this year all across the world…. The heartache, pain, and loss can be so overwhelming to comprehend….

Read More
06 Dec
0

2020 Kimford J. Meador Research in Women with Epilepsy Award

The Kimford J. Meador Research in Women with Epilepsy Award is awarded to provide support for ealy career clinician scientists who have made significant contributions to understanding and better care…

Read More
05 Dec
1

Dr. Sandra Helmers Memorial Scholarship

I wanted to unveil this exciting news during our annual American Epilepsy Society (AES) meeting! I am writing to share with you about our newest award from the My Epilepsy Story…

Read More
04 Dec
0

Primary Care Physicians and Neurologist

Primary Care Physicians (PCPS) and Neurologists should be working hand and hand to provide quality healthcare to patients across the country.  We should be working together within our residency programs…

Read More
25 Nov
0

Thanksgiving 2020: Safer At Home

Thanksgiving 2020 2020 has been a long, eventful year with the Covid-19 pandemic. Many will be tempted to reconnect with family and friends across the country or your home state…

Read More
26 Oct
0

I See Your Eyes Above Your Mask

I see your eyes above the mask you are wearing each day while you are at work, at the grocery store, on the bus or walking on the street. I…

Read More
29 Jul
0

Homeschool vs. Traditional School during COVID-19

COVID-19 has ushered in a new normal in many aspects of our lives.  Along with the drastic changes in our basic social behavior and habits there are many new questions…

Read More
Dr. McAuley
22 Jul
0

Dr. McAuley’s Story

In my crazy busy weekly schedule, I look forward to Wednesday mornings.  I enthusiastically anticipate this 4-hour block of time as I know I will be working in our outpatient…

Read More
07 Jul
0

The “Doctor Is In” but Should I Go?

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented changes in how patients can receive medical care and access their physicians.  Although telemedicine has been around for several years, use has been limited,…

Read More
09 Jun
0

Addressing Healthcare Disparities in Women with Epilepsy

My Epilepsy Story (MES) was founded based off inequities of research into epilepsy and women’s health, and the consequences of being in an under researched patient population. We see a…

Read More
06 May
0

5 Ways to Help Your Child Cope

Are You a Recently Furloughed or Laid-Off Parent? We live in uncertain times as we are confronted with the collateral damage of the COVID19 pandemic. I understand that not only is…

Read More
01 May
0

Nurse Rachel Ward-Mitchell’s Story

I started working with people with epilepsy without any intention to make it my specialty. I took a position as a nurse at the University of Kentucky on a busy…

Read More
28 Apr
0

Fiscally Surviving Covid-19

CARES ACT (2020) + Unemployment Benefits Millions of Americans have been either laid off or furloughed, and are thus without a reliable source of income. The global Covid-19 pandemic has…

Read More
03 Apr
0

MES Online Support Group

Join Us Every Week! My Epilepsy Story is launching a weekly Online Support Group!  In this globally chaotic time anything can become or seem overwhelming. Whether you have questions about…

Read More
International Women With Epilepsy Day Events
25 Feb
0

2nd Annual International Women With Epilepsy Day!

Facebook Twitter Google-plus Linkedin Instagram Join Us on March 1st To celebrate International Women With Epilepsy Day, My Epilepsy Story will be hosting a Live Chat via Zoom on March…

Read More
22 Dec
0

Season of Giving 2019

Thank you all for your support this past year! Thank your for supporting our mission to advocate, educate, and research for women and girls living with epilepsy! Your contributions this…

Read More
09 Aug
0

Fresh Friday- Its Burger Time!

Hello friends & Happy Friday! Can you believe we’re well into AUGUST already? Where has this year gone? I am starting to see more & more of my friends posting…

Read More
31 Jul
0

Meet our MES Ambassadors and Join With Us

  California Ashley Garcia – CA My name is Ashley Garcia. I am a 23 year old student from CA. I was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 13, and have…

Read More
26 Jul
0

MES Ambassador Program

MES Ambassador Program    My Epilepsy Story (MES) is excited to announce we are accepting applications for our Ambassador Program.  This program will have MES Ambassadors from all across the…

Read More
06 Jun
0

Join MES for Epilepsy Education Day at UK Healthcare on June 8th

We are excited to announce that we will be at UK Healthcare for their annual Epilepsy Education Day!  Please join us and hear our Executive Director/Founder Brandy McFadden as the…

Read More
12 Mar
0

Self-Love

Self-Love is the regard for one’s own well-being and happiness (chiefly considered as a desirable rather than narcissistic characteristic).  Self-love is not a bad thing when we do it correctly… In…

Read More
01 Mar
0

International Women with Epilepsy Day

March 1st is the 1st Annual International Women with Epilepsy Day! Today is International Women with Epilepsy Day!  This has been a vision of mine for several years to have…

Read More
International Women With Epilepsy Day Events
25 Feb
0

Coming Soon: International Women with Epilepsy Day

Coming Soon!! We are excited to announce that March 1st is our first annual International Women with Epilepsy Day!  This day is to EMPOWER Women and Girls Living with Epilepsy in EVERY…

Read More
08 Jan
0

THRIVE

At the beginning of each year my husband, James, chooses a word for our family to be our guidance and focus for that year.  Each year our family waits to…

Read More
30 Dec
0

Reflecting on 2018

As I reflect on 2018 the word that comes to mind is Thankful.  I am thankful for wishes… I am thankful for all that we are are accomplishing at My…

Read More
18 Dec
0

Managing Epilepsy and a Baby in the NICU

Managing Epilepsy with a Baby in the NICU   Last April 2017 my daughter, Zoey, came into this world a lot earlier than expected. She was born at 31 weeks,…

Read More
14 Dec
0

Surviving the Holidays after Losing Your Daughter to Epilepsy

My friend, Brandy with My Epilepsy Story, reached out to me and asked if I would write something that might help others like me, who have experienced the tragedy of…

Read More
27 Nov
0

The Power of Exercise

My name is Mary, and I have intractable epilepsy. I was diagnosed with epilepsy when I was 14, and my seizures are complex partial with secondary generalization. My seizures have…

Read More
26 Nov
0

Please Join With Us

During this holiday season there is a day called #GivingTuesday where everyone joins TOGETHER and gives back to nonprofit organizations.  This year on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 is #GivingTuesday. Please…

Read More
16 Nov
0

Depression and Epilepsy

Depression and Epilepsy You may not know but depression and epilepsy can go hand in hand, so it is prudent to be aware of any potential triggers, such as loss…

Read More
02 Nov
0

CONGRATULATIONS Ladies! We did it!!!

Women living with epilepsy CONGRATULATIONS most of us have been successful…. we have sent the message to our daughters that you keep secrets. We have taught them that it is…

Read More
25 Oct
0

Traveling with Epilepsy

The captain’s voice breaks through my efforts of ignoring my talkative seat mate, who is practically sitting in my lap. “Due to a severe thunderstorm and circling the airport for an…

Read More
28 Sep
0

I am just a teenage girl….Why do I have to have epilepsy?

Why ME???  I know it just isn’t fair!  You were just like all the other girls just last week… Then it happened… You had a seizure and now your life…

Read More
12 Sep
0

Celebrating the Little Boy That Started it All

As I sit here thinking of the My Epilepsy Story (MES) organization and how far we have come it is bittersweet…. Hearing the voices and stories of women and girls…

Read More
03 Jul
0

Kimford J. Meador Research in Women with Epilepsy Award

In life, there are few people that are true world changers. I believe that the medical community has the opportunity to be full of world changers if they stop, pause,…

Read More
10 Jun
0

The Strength of a Movement: Her Epilepsy Story

When I initially started my senior project, I knew that I wanted to combine my interests of psychology/science and dance to create a piece. I didn’t have any clue as…

Read More
11 May
0

SeizureTracker.com isn’t just for tracking “SEIZURES”

In today’s world we are all busy with LIFE… We never seem to have enough time in the day to get everything accomplished.  Whether it is getting things done at…

Read More
26 Apr
0

Seizure Freedom is NEVER Promised

Seizure freedom is never promised…. As I wrap my brain around the fact that I have just had my first seizure in years, the emotions are overwhelming.  First, the utter…

Read More
21 Apr
0

Depression, Anxiety, & Epilepsy……

Depression, Anxiety, and Epilepsy….. How to know if I have Depression or Anxiety?  This is such a great question!  Many people are stressed over things in their lives yet that…

Read More
10 Apr
0

Epilepsy Birth Control Registry

What is safe and effective contraception for women with epilepsy? Background We know that reproductive hormones such as the ones that are in various forms of hormonal contraception can affect…

Read More
20 Mar
0

Death is Hard….Yet We Celebrate a Life Fulfilled

When you hear the news that one of the women that was such a huge influence on your life as a young teenage girl has passed away there is first…

Read More
19 Mar
0

Proclaim Your Story

The first time I genuinely told my story, it was to complete strangers. I was shadowing a pediatric neurologist and knowing my background, he asked me to share my experience…

Read More
13 Mar
0

What about the Women and Girls?

The world seems ever changing and yet I feel as though so much still remains the same…Each day new things are being presented to us to explore and experience, but…

Read More
06 Jan
0

Be BOLD while living with Epilepsy in 2018

It’s New Year’s Eve, the end of 2017, and the time of year when everyone is setting their New Year’s resolutions and goals for 2018.  As I reflect on the…

Read More
04 Oct
0

College is a time of “Self-Discovery”…..

“College is a time of self-discovery and growth, but it can also be an intense four years of stress.”  My first two years in college were especially hard on me;…

Read More
14 Dec
0

Beauty is Right in Front of You

As we head into the coldest months of the year we all need a pick me up to make us feel better especially after the hustle and bustle of the…

Read More
01 Dec
0

Holiday Event Planning

At My Epilepsy Story,  we love to share with you what other Women With Epilepsy are doing in their lives while managing their epilepsy.  I want to introduce you to…

Read More
23 Nov
0

A Partnership is Blooming

At My Epilepsy Story, we are partnering with different companies to help “Bridge the Gap“ for women and girls living with epilepsy. In forming partnerships, this allows us to serve women…

Read More
21 Nov
0

Epilepsy Safety with your Newborn Baby

Your new baby has arrived and you are excited, tired, sleep deprived and on emotional roller coaster.  The joy of having that precious baby in your arms brings a full…

Read More
15 Nov
0

November is Epilepsy Awareness Month

It is that time of year again… Epilepsy Awareness Month!  November is the month where many organizations promote Epilepsy Awareness.  Here at My Epilepsy Story (MES),  we are joining with…

Read More
17 May
0

The Future Belongs to You

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt   As we begin the graduation season, I am reflecting on what these young graduates…

Read More
07 May
0

“It always seems impossible…..”

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”  ~Nelson Mandela As I begin to think about Mother’s Day, I am reminded of all the wonderful women that have been brought into…

Read More
12 Mar
0

Mosaic

A mosaic is something that resembles a picture or decoration that is made up of diverse elements. These broken pieces are what makes a mosaic beautiful.   In our brokenness of…

Read More
Harper-Story
11 Jan
0

I Have Lost……..

These past few days have been just overwhelmingly hard for our family. We have had to process the death of a beautiful little girl named Harper Howard and the daughter…

Read More
31 Dec
0

Memories in the Making

As I sit here thinking of 2015 and all that has happened this year, I am tearful. This year has been filled with many great memories. I am blessed to…

Read More
18 Sep
0

Living Without A Filter

“Never let the odds keep you from pursuing what you know in your heart you were meant to do.” – Satchel Paige As I sit here this evening, I sit…

Read More
21 Jun
0

Happy Father’s Day

I read this saying last week and thought I would share it with you on Father’s Day. “The GREATEST thing a Father can do for his children is to LOVE…

Read More
19 Jun
0

Time, Where have you gone?

Where has the time gone???? My baby has now turned 6! Life gets busy and time passes so quickly. We think that we will have time to treasure every moment…

Read More
22 May
0

Don’t be a “Yes-Man”…. Advocate

As I sit and reflect on things that I have heard from parents and the things happening in society I am reminded of what my role is as an ADVOCATE….

Read More
10 May
0

This isn’t what I would have chosen

As Mother’s Day is here, I have thought about what Mother’s Day means to me personally. For me at times, it has been hard to juggle three little children especially…

Read More
11 Mar
0

Silence

When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful. ~Malala Yousafzai In this world we don’t always see the reason why things happen. I often find myself thinking…

Read More
18 Nov
0

Struggle

Fall has set in and winter is approaching quickly…. I have not written in quite some time. I have been asked, “When are you going to write again? I am…

Read More
02 Oct
0

The Wall Street Journal

We have EXCITING news to announce…. We were featured in The Wall Street Journal this week. Dr. David Loring’s PCORI Funded project, COPE, that follows children that are newly diagnosed…

Read More
25 Sep
0

Are You A Force To Be Reckoned With?

Today is a beautiful Fall day here in Nashville. As, the leaves are beginning to change and my windows are open so that I can feel the beautiful Fall winds…

Read More
17 Sep
0

Can You Help Us Make A Difference?

The past few months have been so busy. School has started for the children, and my husband is back to work nonstop as the Headmaster at the school where Samuel…

Read More
06 Aug
0

Are We Really Educating Our Children?

This week was the start of school for my three young children. The “rat race” has begun here in Tennessee, like so many other places across the country. As we…

Read More
15 Jul
0

Amor Vincit Omnia

“Amor Vincit Omnia” in latin means Love Conquers All….. In my life, love has conquered all. On July 6, 2014 I married the love of my life. Our love story…

Read More
10 May
0

Mother’s Day 2014

As we approach Mother’s Day this Sunday, I have been pondering what I should write for this blog post. In fact, I have rewritten this post several times only to…

Read More
01 May
0

Relationships….

Over the last few years I have focused on others quite a bit. I have had friends and my board members constantly reminding me to slow down, breathe, and focus…

Read More
28 Apr
0

Missed Opportunities

I sit here in Nashville on this rainy day to share with you some of my thoughts that have been circling around in my mind. A few weeks ago I…

Read More
lightning
05 Feb
0

Is it REALLY worth the pain and heartache?

Adversity is the mother of progress. ~Mahatma Gandhi In life we face challenges that can be EXTREMELY hard. We have to sit down and decide if it is worth the…

Read More
Brandy Parker
16 Jan
1

Strength, Courage and Tears…

Over the last few years people have been saying over and over to me, “Brandy you are so strong!” “We don’t see how you do everything that you are doing.”…

Read More
02 Jan
0

Keep Walking

“The world is looking back on a year that was, but what matters is what’s in front of you. KEEP WALKING.” I read this quote in The New York Times…

Read More
Samuel in Math Class
22 Nov
0

Our New Journey

As we begin to prepare for the Thanksgiving season I wanted to share with everyone some things that are on the horizon and that I am thankful for. Our story…

Read More
13 Nov
0

“Retarded or World Changer? You Decide……”

I have spent the last few days recovering from my trip to the American Epilepsy Society Annual Meeting.  This year it was held in San Diego.   I was gone…

Read More
Visiting family in Louisiana
07 Nov
0

The Road Not Taken

Tonight as I sit here thinking of this past week and the week ahead I am filled with mixed emotions. My long weekend started in my home state of Louisiana….

Read More
vol state and my epilepsy story
31 Oct
0

Vol State Student Warns of the Impact of Epilepsy Medication During Pregnancy

The following is a press release from Volunteer State Community College about an upcoming speaking engagement with Brandy McFadden and My Epilepsy Story. Brandy McFadden could see that her son…

Read More
redleaves
30 Oct
0

I wish things were the way they used to be.

Someone recently said to me that they “wished things would go back to the way it used to be”. This made me ponder on the things of my past….I have…

Read More
14 Oct
0

Full Plate

Life has been so busy here. I have so many things to update everyone on. We have had two wonderful benefits for the organization since I last blogged. One was…

Read More
06 May
0

A Hundred Reasons To Cry or A Thousand Reasons To Smile

When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile. ~Author Unknown I read this quote several months ago and was…

Read More
29 Apr
0

Full Circle

I have been waiting for the right time to share with everyone about a new board member for the organization. We are blessed here at My Epilepsy Story to add…

Read More
19 Apr
0

Busy Times

Life has been extremely busy over the past few weeks! Samuel has begun taking OT and PT at a new therapy center closer to our home. The therapists have been…

Read More
Spring Deer
10 Apr
0

Spring Has Arrived

Spring is here, and I love it! As I sit here this evening, I am reflecting on Spring and the beauty that is beginning to bloom. I went for a…

Read More
26 Mar
0

Epilepsy Facts

1 in 10 people will have a seizure. 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy. About 50,000 people die each year from epilepsy. This is one of the things that…

Read More
20 Mar
0

Epilepsy Fears

About two weeks ago on our Facebook page, I asked “What is the one thing you wished people knew about epilepsy?”. I received a lot of great responses to this…

Read More
18 Mar
0

Heartache and Joy

Well the weekend is ending and a new week is ahead of us. As I reflect on all the things that need to be done I am tired yet I…

Read More
10 Mar
0

We need to EDUCATE and ADVOCATE!

As I reflect on my weekend this evening I have mixed emotions. I took my daughter, Hannah Kate, to a Vanderbilt basketball game with a friend on Saturday afternoon. We…

Read More
03 Mar
0

What Mountain Are You Climbing?

In life, we have to make choices that are not easy. We can choose to sit in our “place of sorrow” or choose to climb out of it. Not that…

Read More
25 Feb
0

What Do You DREAM?

This evening as I sit here and prepare for my week ahead the word DREAM comes to mind…..You see, dreams do come true when we pursue them. [blockquote cite=”Henry David…

Read More
23 Feb
0

What Do You Dare To BELIEVE?

[blockquote cite=”Albert Einstein”]It is better to believe than to disbelieve; in doing you bring everything to the realm of possibility.[/blockquote] I was reminded of this quote today. I loved it…

Read More
exciting news
14 Feb
0

Exciting News!

Tonight I finally decided to sit down and write about the EXCITING things that are going on with the organization. We just filed our paperwork for the State of Tennessee…

Read More
10 Feb
0

Painful Place or Blossom? You Decide…

“AND THE DAY CAME WHEN THE RISK TO REMAIN TIGHT IN A BUD WAS MORE PAINFUL THAN THE RISK IT TOOK TO BLOSSOM.” ~Anais Nin I came across this on…

Read More

We want to hear from you! We’re an open door, as a resource for women and girls diagnosed epilepsy.
Call Us (615) 822-4224

We are an International, non-profit organization that serves to bridge the gap for women and girls diagnosed with epilepsy.

Disclaimer: Education materials on our website offer general medical information based on up-to-date evidence and, when available, practice guidelines. They are not intended for individual medical advice. Please refer to your treating physician to understand how this information may be applied to your care.

Stay Updated

Receive valuable content and personal stories from other women and children just like yourself.

We are an International, non-profit organization that serves to bridge the gap for women and girls diagnosed with epilepsy.

Stay Updated

Receive valuable content and personal stories from other women and girls just like yourself.

Disclaimer: Education materials on our website offer general medical information based on up-to-date evidence and, when available, practice guidelines. They are not intended for individual medical advice. Please refer to your treating physician to understand how this information may be applied to your care.

Copyright

2024

© All rights reserved. My Epilepsy Story

Website design by Navarro Creative Group

Skip to content