ELLISON

Epilepsy and Cerebral Palsy

MY NAME IS ELLISON.

THIS IS MY STORY.

This is Ellison Olinger. She is 15 months old and has the sweetest spirit and smile!! We are so blessed that she is here and she is our everything!! Ellison was born 3 weeks early with Subgaleal and Cephalhematomas and suffered a brain injury during birth. She has Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy, Periventricular Leukomalacia, Microcephaly, Cortical Vision Impairment, Seizure Disorder (Generalized Clonic & Infantile Spasms), feeding difficulties (has a G-Tube), Infantile Cerebral Palsy, & Developmental Delay. Ellison had her first seizure at 3 days old and was put on Phenobarbital, which she has been weaned off of. She has also been on Klonopin & weaned off and is currently being weaned off Topamax. She is still taking Sabril, which has been the only medication to help with her seizures, going from 75 to 20-40 daily, and is going to start Onfi along with it. Seizures ruin everything and along with worrying about the medication side effects, they also make her tired. Every seizure she has throughout the day is a step back and hers can be caused by the simplest things – a noise, picking her up, wiping her face, putting her paci in, etc. It’s heartbreaking that she has to go through this, her seizures are not in one spot of the brain, but all over. Her neurologist wants her to have the best quality of life in trying to control the seizures with meds, but we think her best option will be Cannabis. How many prescription drugs are we going to have to try, to just be disappointed that they are not helping? We are hoping and praying that Cannabis will be available in Georgia, especially since we are seeing it help other kids who are out of state. We really believe this will help our daughter be able to live a better life!!

Want to become a part of the movement?

Get Involved!