Dearest family, friends, loved ones, and fellow givers!

My name is Sofía Aguilera and I appreciate your time and consideration in learning more about my godson and nephew, Jeremiah James (JJ) López

In 2012, when Jeremiah was just turning 3 yrs old, he began experiencing a series of unexpected, unexplainable, “drop” seizures. This would be the first signs and symptoms of what would later become diagnosed as, Doose Syndrome.

Doose syndrome, also known as Myoclonic-atonic seizures (EMAS) is a rare form of childhood Epilepsy, characterized by extremely unpredictable or preventable “drops”. These “drops”, would require numerous visits to the nearest ER, for treatments and/or stitches, necessary for addressing/treating secondary injuries due to the “drop” and falls.

As time progressed, Jeremiah’s Doose Syndrome/Epilepsy became more difficult to treat, due to the fact that he began experiencing a significant number of “other” types of epileptic-type seizures. His initial diagnosis, was then changed to Lennox-Gastaut Epilepsy.

Due to the increased number and severity of his seizures, and the difficulty in identifying specific oral medications that could be administered and tolerated by Jeremiah; and to help address and minimize the increasing number of his epileptic seizures, his parents, Ashley and Danny López, (in June of 2019) agreed to a surgical procedure called, “Vagus Nerve Stimulation,” hoping to obtain some type of “relief” for Jeremiah. This procedure involves surgically implanting a device, under the skin and above this collarbone, that would send electrical pulses to the vagus nerve, then send signals to the brain in hopes of helping to intercept and prevent or stop some seizures.

In September, 2022, due to Jeremiah’s ongoing battle with numerous, uncontrollable epileptic seizures, Jeremiah’s, incredible Children’s Hospital team of Neurology medical team, in collaboration with Neurological experts from the Mayo Clinic, jointly and collaboratively, recommended to Ashley and Danny to consider another procedure called, “Responsive Neurostimulation” (RNS unit). This procedure involves surgically removing a small part of Jeremiah’s skull and implanting a small device, with depth and strip electrodes, into the brain. The hope would once again be, to try to treat (and minimize) Jeremiah’s increasing seizures.

Both of the above surgical procedures have provided Jeremiah’s team of neurological experts, critical information gathered by the VNS, which has helped to inform his medical team, in determining which medications and/or treatments would be the most effective in treating his (multiple) seizures.

This coming Thursday, August 21, 2025, Jeremiah will be undergoing a 3rd surgical procedure called, Corpus Callosotomy at Children’s Hospital in Aurora, CO. The Corpus Callosum, is a structure in the middle of the brain that connects the right and left hemispheres (sides). The structure is made up of “nerve fibers”. These nerve fibers help the left and right sides of the brain to “talk to each other” by sending signals. Consequently, Epilepsy is a brain disease where nerve cells don’t signal properly, which causes seizures. This operation may limit the spread of epileptic activity between brain hemispheres.

Most of Jeremiah's life these past ten years, have required extensive medical care/needs related to targeted diagnoses and intervention(s), intended to treat, address, and control his unique Epilepsy diagnosis. This BEAUTIFUL family continues to struggle, to seek out and “try” any and all types of non-invasive treatments and therapies (i.e. Ketogenic diet, CBD oils, RNS and VNS implant device surgeries), and continue to work in collaborative care between his existing neurology team at The Children’s Hospital (Colorado) and the Mayo Clinic (Minnesota).

Over the past 10 years, there have been numerous ambulance trips required for getting Jeremiah to the hospital for emergency treatments. Most recently, on August 12th, Jeremiah experienced a 30 min. seizure, followed by an additional 19 min. seizure, which required him to be transported by ambulance (once again) to the hospital.

These ER visits, subsequent (and sometimes lengthy) hospital stays, numerous medications and treatments and out-of-pocket expenses, in addition to Danny having to lose work (and salary), have placed them in a situation, that NO ONE should ever have to experience. Ashley and Danny have truly demonstrated what is means, to love unconditionally. They have worked overtime as a team, trying to be the best parents for Jeremiah and continue to advocate for his medical care and needs.

Jeremiah, Ashley and Danny are surrounded by so much Love and Faith, that I am asking on their behalf, if you would consider, participating and/or sharing in this GoFundMe opportunity. My hope or goal, is that together, we may be able to help support them financially and help these MUCH-needed raise funds, that they may be less burdened in worrying about finances and helping to compensate loss of income, so that they can focus on their #1 priority of being there for Jeremiah journey of healing and recovery.

Your generous donations will help;

1. Out of pocket expenses that the insurances do not cover

2. Loss of income/salary (Danny)

3. Groceries and Hospital meals (Ashley & Danny)

4. Gas (to and from hospital)

5. Any medical equipment for Jeremiah (future)

This has been an extremely difficult and heartbreaking journey to witness, not just for me, but for our entire family. Ashley and Danny have accepted all of this with profound Grace, immense patience, and unending Hope and Faith. They are the epitome of what everyday heroes look like. And as for Jeremiah…well, in spite of ALL of these challenges and set-backs, he has never complained. He is witty, funny, smart, … he loves to dance, and has a passion for Legos, puzzles, monster trucks, to name a few of his interests. He was also recently recognized by his Special Ed teacher team as “Most Likely to become a Lawyer!”

On behalf of Jeremiah, Ashley and Danny, I want to thank you for taking the time to learn more about my Amazing Godson. I am asking if you would join me, in making any type of donation to this fund. ALL donations will be extremely appreciated! If you are unable to make a contribution at this time, we understand. Please hold this beautiful family in your prayers and if you would please consider sharing this information with friends, family and colleagues, I would, and I know Ashley and Danny will forever Grateful to each of you!

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” -Jeremiah 33:3

THANK YOU for your donation, prayers and support!

Peace and Blessings,

Sofía