In this heartfelt episode of Between 2 Sparks, we sit down with Sonya Ferguson, MSW, Director of Client Services for the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana and the mother of a child living with epilepsy. Sonya shares her family's journey through an epilepsy diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic, the hope that came with successfully weaning her son off medication, and the challenges they faced when seizures returned.

Drawing from both personal experience and professional expertise, Sonya discusses the vital programs and services available to families through the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana, the importance of seizure action plans, and why strong advocacy and representation in schools can make a life-changing difference for children with epilepsy.

This inspiring conversation highlights resilience, support, and the power of turning lived experience into meaningful service for others. Join us as we explore what it means to be living, learning, and helping while navigating the challenges and triumphs of epilepsy.

Stacia Kalinoski has lived her fair share of difficult days and persevered. Stacia joins me to share her story of resilience through diagnosis, job changes, surgery, creating a documentary about it all and finding her place as she advocates in the epilepsy community.

Visit https://www.staciaamee.com/ to learn more about Stacia and the work she is doing.

Epilepsy encompasses much more than just seizures. I was joined by Dr. Tim Ainger, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist with the Kentucky Neuroscience Institute to discuss how epilepsy can have an array of effects on the mental health, not only of the person living with epilepsy, but also those caring for and supporting them. This episode does discuss suicidal ideation.

If you or someone you love is struggling with their mental health, please seek help from a health care professional. If you are contemplating harming yourself or others, please call or text 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline to talk with a caring counselor. The 988 Lifeline is available 24/7.

Join us on our first episode of Between 2 Sparks as we welcome our guest, Beth Stivers, the Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana. This episode helps explain what this podcast will be about and why we felt it was important to share with the masses.