Amber Ross is a fundraiser and team captain in our upcoming IM OK Walk to END Epilepsy. In just a few short days, she’s raised more than $2,000! We’re so thankful to have supporters like Amber who have taken their diagnosis and turned it into motivation to do good. Read Amber’s story below and donate to her fundraiser #MomsGotEpilepsy.

The First Seizure
Amber during EEG testing
Amber during EEG testing

I had my first seizure at the tender age of 33 (statistically, the most uncommon time in your life to present, but I’m special that way). I also happened to be 37.5 weeks pregnant with our second child.

I was taken by ambulance to the hospital, only becoming conscious to notice exit changes on Mopac (a local highway) and to hear them do the “Grey’s Anatomy,” the transfer of information from the first responders to the hospital staff. After a very scary and intense couple of hours, we had a healthy second son. We were all sent home with a clean bill of health after the standard stay in the hospital. They believed the seizure was connected to the pregnancy and a “one-off.”

A Diagnosis
Amber's Tattoo
Amber’s tattoo

Eighteen days later, seizure #2. This time I only remember seeing the lights of the hospital ceiling as they wheeled me through, they’re very distinct. I left that hospital visit with my first seizure medications and the decision to get a tattoo. It was around this time that I was told, “everyone gets one seizure, after two you’ve got epilepsy.” My seizures continued, giving any new medication cocktails the finger. Also, taking from me the ability to carry our newborn, drive, or be alone.

I have Generalized Primary Epilepsy. In short, it comes from both sides of my brain with no known cause. I have tonic clonic seizures (formerly known as grand mal seizures). They are the kind you see on TV, because they’re the most dramatic. Who wants the see the “boring” kind? It took somewhere around a year and a half to two years to get my medication right. Justin can answer most questions better than I can because there are a lot of holes in my memory. Thank you, neurological disorder!

A Helping Hand

At the beginning of this, Justin and I didn’t know how to navigate this diagnosis without Googling it and bracing for the absolute worse. That is where the Epilepsy Foundation of Central & South Texas saved us. The adult support group meetings became an invaluable way for us to get information and support (bet you didn’t see that one coming). We met amazing people who understood what we were going through, were a lot of fun and could put away some pizza.

Amber with her husband and kids
Amber with her husband and kids

This is where it comes full circle. Please, help me reach my Walk to END Epilepsy goal to help provide essential services to people with epilepsy.

Living with epilepsy is a daily challenge. However, with the help of amazing doctors, friends, family, and a plethora of pills, I’ve been seizure free for a long stretch now. Every case is different and others are still trying to find a way to manage their epilepsy. You can help change that.

To support this amazing Foundation you can join us for the walk, or simply donate. Your gift allows people to receive medical treatment, benefit from counseling services, participate in youth camps, and feel part of the epilepsy community.

Much Love, Amber

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