All 4 Jake

Jake's story

July 21st was a normal day, as were the days of summer before. Everything was in it's place. School days were approaching and the family was enjoying the last days by the pool, ignored bedtimes and high popsicle counts.

Then July 22, 2008 came....

Jake had his first seizure. I did not recognize it as such. It was not until he had several more of these "little jerks" and bloody noses that I thought this could be seizure activity. We were scheduled to see a neurologist on August 4th, after going through our pediatrician, however we didn't make it that far. I was awakened August 1st, by Jake in a full seizure (6 minutes long)...he started to turn blue so I called 911....

Here begins our journey......

...we were taken by ambulance to the hospital. Checked in. Released. 3 more grand mal seizures after being released. Checked back in. Sent home 3 days later. Another grand mal, this one lasting a whopping 11 minutes and taken by ambulance again. Stayed at Childrens Dallas for a week. Upping meds, changing meds and mixing meds.
Diagnosis: Epilepsy
Cause: Unknown
We have now found, through some absolutely amazing family and extended family, whom I will NEVER be able to thank enough, the wonderful doctors and nurses at Cook Childrens Hospital in Fort Worth, who are continuing to help us through this. We have had another grand last thursday, and are averaging anywhere from 5-30 seizures (jerks, drops, stares) a day. I was to begin back teaching at Apollo, but am having to put that on hold until the seizures are controlled. Jake is not able to go back to school until he is 30 days seizure free. We are still waiting for that ONE day. Please pray for our family and for little Jake. Although this is not the end of the world, it is a huge hurdle we WILL overcome. Pray for courage for Jake, understanding as parents, good doctors and for the right medicines.

Jake's mom, Christine

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Apollo Junior High teacher Christine Peters holds a special place in her heart for those affected by Epilepsy. Her three-year-old son suffers from unexplained seizures and after many tests, hospital stays, ambulance rides, stitches and medicines, has become very knowledgeable on the subject. Christine shared her story and what she had learned with her colleagues. In support of Christine and in recognition of Epilepsy Awareness Month, the Apollo staff wore purple. Below are some of the facts Christine gave her fellow staffers.

Epilepsy Facts:

Epilepsy affects over 3 million Americans of all ages, more than multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and Parkinson’s disease combined.

Almost 500 new cases of epilepsy are diagnosed every day in the United States.
Epilepsy affects 50,000,000 people worldwide.

In two-thirds of patients diagnosed with epilepsy, the cause is unknown.

In over thirty percent of patients, seizures cannot be controlled with treatment. Uncontrolled seizures may lead to brain damage and death. Many more have only partial control of their seizures

Epilepsy is the second leading cause of disability and death in children under the age of 14 - second only to automobile accidents

Research on epilepsy has historically been underfunded. Federal dollars spent on epilepsy pale by comparison to those spent on other neurological diseases, many of which affect fewer people than epilepsy.

For many soldiers suffering traumatic brain injury on the battlefield, epilepsy will be a long-term consequence.

The above was posted in our district newsletter. To say the least I was BLOWN away by the support of my amazing coworkers!! They have taken up slack while I was away and continue to "accomodate" me , as we try to get to a seizure free day, or rather 30 days at that.