Hi, I’m Joy. You may know me as a One in 100 Campaign Champion. This Giving Tuesday, I’m sharing my story in honour of my sister, Jill, and asking for your support to help create a better future for other families affected by epilepsy.
Jill and I were only two and a half years apart in age. We were close growing up and remained that way as we became adults, both marrying brothers. Jill was very kind, compassionate and always had time to look out for others, especially the elderly, children and animals. At 21, while pregnant with her son, Jill was diagnosed with epilepsy. Over the years, she endured nocturnal seizures that left her exhausted and in pain. Yet Jill didn’t allow her epilepsy to change her life, she remained happy and made the best of what she had. Unless you knew her story, you would never guess she had epilepsy.
Jill was just 41 when she passed away after a series of seizures during the night. Her heart simply couldn’t cope. I had to call my parents to tell them their daughter had died; it was the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do. Nothing seemed real in the hours that followed. It was like looking into someone else’s window; this couldn’t possibly be happening to our family.
Since her passing, I’ve made it my mission to raise awareness of epilepsy and raise funds for research, as without this, how will there ever be a cure?
My sister no longer has a voice, but I will be her voice and keep her name alive.
This Giving Tuesday, I’m asking you to join me in this fight. A donation to the Epilepsy Research Institute will help fund crucial research innovations that could save lives and prevent other families from enduring this kind of loss.
Together, we can make a difference. Will you help by donating today?
Thank you for honouring Jill’s memory and helping give hope to the One in 100 people living with epilepsy.
Joy