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Faces of Epilepsy
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the STUDENT Christa WhittleGainesville, Florida
Christa Whittle was a 19-year-old freshman at the University of Florida when she fell from her bunk bed, hitting her head on a chair. This head trauma immediately caused her to have a grand mal seizure, and after being rushed to the hospital, she experienced a second grand mal seizure. After spending two days in the hospital while doctors performed various tests, Christa was diagnosed with epilepsy. Christa has tried several different medications to control her seizures (one even caused a potentially life-threatening rash). Now Christa takes two differents medications twice a day to control her seizures and must rely on others to drive her places, as her condition is not stable enough for her to drive. |
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the POLICE OFFICER
Matt BaxterPalm Beach County, Florida
Matt Baxter was 32 years old when he suffered two grand mal seizures during police training. A month later, he suffered at least six back-to-back grand mal seizures that could have been fatal if his wife and daughters had not found him and called 911 in time. After being resuscitated by paramedics, he spent six days in the Intensive Care Unit. Having no history of seizures, Matt was soon diagnosed with epilepsy upon his release from the hospital. Once diagnosed, Matt was prescribed his current anticonvulsant medication. Since then, he has been seizure-free and able to serve his communitty without limitations. |
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the MOTHER
Danielle DuceJacksonville, Florida
Danielle's five-year-old son, Joshua, has experienced multiple seizures every day since the age of two. On more challenging days, he's had seven grand mal seizures, and over the years has experienced numerous hospital stays. His epilepsy has changed in the past three years, adn he now experiences more manageable, drop seizures (which means he suddenly loses strength and falls if unsupported). While Joshua is not seizure-free, his cuurrent medications ensuure he no longer experiences life-threatening grand mal seizures. |
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the DANCER
Noevia LopezMiami, Florida
Noevia began experiencing seizures at a very young age, beginning a lengthy struggle to find the right medication to control her epilepsy. After trying several anticonvulsant medications, and in the process experiencing side effects that led to seven gum surgeries, she finally found an anticonvulsant medication that stopped her seizures with no negative effects. In spite of her epilepsy, Noevia excelled at dancing, eventually becoming Prima Ballerina for the America Ballet Theater in New York City and appearing in numerous commercials and music videos. |
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