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Help My Niece Living with Epilepsy
Hi, my name is Melissa, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my younger sister, Janice, and my niece, Gia. Gia has been living with epilepsy since she was 10 years old.
Now 15, her condition has become more severe. What started as absence (petit mal) seizures has progressed to more dangerous myoclonic seizures, which require constant supervision and specialized care.
Janice has given everything she has as a full-time mom to care for Gia. I’ve seen her pour her time, energy, and finances into keeping her daughter safe and supported. But after years of this constant struggle, the financial and emotional toll has become overwhelming. She needs help now more than ever.
Why My Family Needs Support:
- Full-time supervision - Gia’s seizures can happen at any time and without warning, so she can't be left alone near stairs, water, or even in certain rooms, due to the sudden nature of her seizures.
- Emergency expenses - Gia's seizures have led to unexpected medical needs and forced Janice to miss work, creating further financial (and emotional) strain.
- Daily transportation - Because Gia cannot safely travel on her own, Janice has to cover the cost of daily rides to and from school, therapy, and medical appointments. It’s one more burden that adds up quickly and isn’t covered by any form of assistance.
- Mounting Medical Costs - Over the past five years, Janice has spent more than $16,000 out of pocket just to meet Gia’s essential care needs--including medications, supervision, transportation, and emergency responses. This doesn’t include the income lost from time away from work.
- No Child Support - Due to a legal decision made when times were more stable, Janice is unable to reapply for child support until Gia turns 18. That ruling has left her with no financial help from Gia’s father during the years she’s needed it most.
- Delayed SSI - Although Janice applied for SSI benefits over two years ago, Gia qualifies, but the case is still pending due to bureaucratic delays. She’s done everything by the book, but the system simply hasn’t come through. Their case is in limbo.
Your donation would go toward easing the financial weight on Janice’s shoulders and giving Gia the care she deserves.
Your support will go towards covering ongoing treatment and medication; whether continuing with Gia’s current regimen or exploring more therapies, the goal is to improve her quality of life.
Paying down medical-related debt – Relieving this financial pressure would give Janice & Gia room to keep going without falling deeper into debt.
Why I’m Speaking Out:
I’ve seen firsthand how hard Janice fights for her daughter every single day. She’s not someone who asks for help easily but the truth is, the system has failed them so far. Her daughter has been denied support from both her absentee father and government programs that should have stepped in by now.
That’s why I’m turning to our community. If you’re able to donate - even a small amount - it would mean the world. Even if you’re not in a position to give, please consider sharing this post. Every bit of support counts.
For those able to give a larger gift, Janice is willing to provide documentation, including proof of her daughter’s condition such as documentation and video evidence of past seizures (only with Gia's blessing, of course).
Thank you so much for reading, caring, and supporting a mother who’s doing everything she can to give her daughter a chance at a safer, healthier life. Janice is doing her part but now, she needs us to show up for her.
With gratitude,
Melissa
Organizer
