Hi, my name is Nicolas, I am 23 years old, and I have been living with drug-resistant epilepsy for the past 5 years. Suffering from 1-2 grand mal seizures every month (up to 24 seizures a year).

After exhausting every option in Canada with no success, I'm now seeking treatment in the U.S., where surgery is my best — and only — hope for relief.

Unfortunately, getting help outside of the Canadian healthcare system means the costs fall entirely on us. We're doing everything we can, but as newly weds you can imagine how it’s been a struggle. We need your support to make this life-changing surgery possible.

The funds will all be going towards the medical bills that we’ve been quoted for our appointments, testing, and surgery. Our first step is an appointment at Florida's Mayo Clinic on December 16th, where I'll be seen by a neurologist who specializes in drug-resistant epilepsy and surgical treatment. The estimated cost for this visit and all required testing is around $8,000, not including travel. If surgery is scheduled afterward, the estimated cost of the procedure is $120,000.

An added challenge is that we cannot leave the U.S. until everything is fully paid, which means fundraising ahead of time is absolutely critical. The sooner we can raise the funds, the sooner we can move forward with care — without the fear of being stuck far from home with mounting bills.

Most people with epilepsy who respond to medication have fewer than 1-2 seizures per year - some even become completely seizure-free. But my seizures continue despite multiple medications, making my condition extremely high risk.

Many people don't know that epilepsy can be life threatening, and that the risk of premature death in people with epilepsy is up to three times higher than that of the general population. In fact, up to 1 in 1,000 people with epilepsy die suddenly each year from SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy). That is 50,000 people a year. This isn't just about improving my quality of life, it's about saving it.

Every donation brings me closer to a safer, seizure-free life. If you're not able to give financially, your prayers mean just as much and would be just as life changing.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Nicolas and Saige