This year, we were honored to join the Epilepsy Foundation’s 2021 Teens Speak Up! & Public Policy Institute, to advocate for those living with epilepsy in Central and South Texas and across the country. Two of our very own Teen Epilepsy Advocates, Freeman Dando (Austin) and Lily Flowers (RGV), met virtually with our Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz and Representatives Vincente Gonzalez and Roger Williams. 

Our advocates discussed critical issues, including funding for epilepsy programs and research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and policies to improve and protect patient access to medications and treatment.

Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder but does not receive nearly enough funding for research. Lily and Freeman represent the 470,000 children affected by epilepsy in the United States. Their advocacy and bravery are helping improve lives in our community. 

“Today was a great day…TSU 2021! While we were not physically walking the halls of Capitol Hill in DC, these two dynamic kids turned up the heat today to virtually meet with our state Senators and Congressional Representatives. 

When you are 15 years old, it takes a lot of bravery, tons of courage, a little push from us moms, and a nice purple shirt to share those life stories and their journey with epilepsy.”

Leanna Dando, mother of Freeman Dando

Thank you, Freeman and Lily, for advocating for the more than 155,000 people living with epilepsy in Central and South Texas!

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