Hi, my name is Beth Starocci, the grandmother of Mila Starocci. When Mila was first born 5 years ago, she was diagnosed with intractable epilepsy—a condition that causes multiple daily seizures that cannot be helped by medication.

At age 1, Mila had her first surgery—a hemispherotomy. This disconnects half her brain where the seizures were coming from, with the hope that her seizures would stop. Mila was seizure-free for three months after the surgery, and then her seizures continued.

Mila’s second surgery was at age 3. She underwent a laser ablation of her brain. The reason for this surgery was to ablate what appeared to be a connection on the right side. This surgery did not help, as the seizures continued immediately after.

Within the last couple of months, Mila’s seizures have worsened. This has been affecting her everyday life and causing her to not act like herself. After many tests and medication trials, the doctors informed the parents that there appears to be a connection from the original surgery. This leads to a revision hemispherotomy surgery. This means they will go back in and disconnect the spot that they believe to be causing Mila's seizures. This surgery is the only choice to try to ensure Mila is seizure-free and increase her quality of life.

Mila is now 5 years old, and our family is devastated to know that her 3rd brain surgery is scheduled for November 25th, 2024.

While Mila’s parents, Brandon and Camryn Starocci, are focusing their energy and attention on Mila and her pending surgery and recovery, our family is asking for financial assistance to help offset travel, daily living expenses, time off work, and special equipment that Mila needs in the home.

Our family is humbled when asking for financial assistance, so we will be very grateful for any financial relief that will enable us to continue to support Mila. Thank you, in advance, for your kindness and generosity.

We have faith that this will stop Mila's seizures once and for all. Mila has been through so much—yet enjoys every day she can. All this for Mila to have a better quality of life. We ask that you please keep Mila in your prayers. A miracle is in the works.