(PRWEB) August 07, 2014 -- On her Sweet 16, Myleeah Chapman was not enjoying the carefree, limitless life of a typical teenage girl. Just weeks before, Myleeah and her mother had received devastating news. Myleeah had epilepsy. Her future was immediately clouded by the grim reality of frequent, random seizures; a plethora of medical tests and trials; and a loss of independence, privacy and social opportunities – all of which are vital to a young girl her age.
As an epileptic, Myleeah endures multiple seizures every week and sometimes several in a day. The severity of these episodes, which can happen at any time without warning, have injured her on many occasions. Myleeah’s bravery and good spirits remain high despite the setbacks experienced because of her health condition. Her courage and strength are an inspiration to many.
The costs associated with caring for someone with a chronic condition like epilepsy are staggering. And Myleeah’s single mother is struggling to pay for the medical care and devices Myleeah needs to maintain her safety and a semblance of a normal life. Family and friends have pulled together to help with a crowd-funding site on gofundme.com. The goal is to rally support for this wonderful young lady, to spread awareness of this debilitating disorder, and to raise enough money to cover her medical expenses.
Thus far, in the website’s first month, Myleeah has received more than $2,645 from 35 donors. This has paid for new safety equipment (an impact helmet and head guard) that will allow her a great deal more independence and freedom.
Myleeah’s greatest wish is for a specially-trained service dog that will enable her to go back to school and finish her senior year of high school with her friends. Service dogs help alert epileptics when a seizure is happening, keep them safe during the seizure, and provide comfort after the seizure has run its course. Unfortunately, service dogs cost thousands of dollars which is currently out of reach for Myleeah’s family.
Please help this Myleeah with your donations at: http://www.gofundme.com/9mmmus. All funds received will go towards the equipment and services Myleeah needs as she deals with this serious medical condition with tremendous courage and grace.
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that causes unprovoked seizures. Seizures occur when electrical signals in the brain misfire and impede communication between nerve cells. This can result in a loss of consciousness, involuntary body movements (jerking or thrashing which the person cannot control), or unusual feelings and sensations (such as unexplained fear). Following a seizure, an epileptic typically feels tired, weak, and/or confused. Additional information about epilepsy is available from the Epilepsy Foundation at http://www.epilepsy.com.
Sarah Chapman, +1 4243338890, [email protected]
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