How it started...a mom addressing an unmet need:
For those of you who know me, I am a fan of word play and when I think about how Young Adults with Epilepsy (YAWE) came to be, I can’t resist tapping into the expression “necessity is the mother of invention”. When we face challenges, we’re driven to create new solutions. And then when you layer in the “mother” component, that creates another force of nature. That’s exactly how Young Adults with Epilepsy (YAWE) came to be.
In 2022, I found myself searching for something that didn’t exist—a supportive community where my young adult son, and others like him, could connect, find resources, and feel understood. With the encouragement of his Epileptologist, Dr. Stella Legarda, I set out to fill that gap. What started as a deeply personal mission quickly gained momentum, evolving into something bigger than I ever imagined. In March 2023, we officially launched YAWE as a nonprofit.
Now, just two years later, YAWE has grown into a national—and even international—community. As we celebrate this milestone, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for how far we’ve come and the impact we’ve made together.
Building a Stronger Community Through Epilepsy Peer Support Groups
At the heart of YAWE is our commitment to peer support. We know that epilepsy can feel isolating, and that connecting with others who truly understand makes all the difference. Over the past two years, our peer support groups – led by Abby, our true “OG” Support Lead, will be expanding to an additional time zone and in Spanish, as we bring Teresa and Sam onboard. In 2024 we reached over 500 young adults and we are expecting to reach a far greater audience this year with the additional peer support leads, alternative ways to connect like “Discord” and convenient, “on demand” content. With the addition of our Board Member, Daniel Cohen, PhD we are also adding in the rigor of measurement with our peer support participants so we can continue to optimize our approach and ensure we are truly improving mental health outcomes.
Abby, our Peer Support Lead will be joined by Teresa and Sam to grow our program.
Workshops & Panels That Empower and Educate
From “Mastering Self Care” to “Reclaiming Control & Autonomy Over Your Life”, our monthly workshops have provided essential knowledge and tools for young adults navigating life with epilepsy. Abby’s leadership in program development has been invaluable in ensuring that we continue to offer meaningful, relevant sessions that address the real challenges faced by our community.
One of our standout initiatives was a Panel we hosted in October, "Epilepsy and Mental Health", featuring health professionals alongside young adults with epilepsy, available on Instagram Live. This panel provided critical insights into the intersection of epilepsy and mental well-being, offering both expert perspectives and personal experiences to help our community navigate these challenges. Due to the great response we had in person and online, we plan to host more of these in 2025.
We also had the opportunity to present to Neurologists at the California Neurology Society Conference in Santa Barbara. It was a great opportunity to share the patient perspective with a room full of neurologists. We will be returning again this year at their conference in Sacramento.
Milestone Events: Walk 4 Epilepsy & Tee Off for Epilepsy
Bringing people together in person has been another highlight of our journey. In partnership with the Northern California Epilepsy Foundation, our https://www.youngadultswithepilepsy.org/walk4epilepsy was an incredible success, with over 200 attendees coming together to raise awareness and support for young adults with epilepsy. The energy, enthusiasm, and community spirit at the walk were truly inspiring!
We also launched our Tee Off for Epilepsy golf tournament, a fantastic event that not only raised critical funds but also brought together supporters, advocates, and young adults in a fun and engaging way. These events have been powerful reminders that we are stronger together, and they have helped us expand our reach and mission in ways we never imagined.
Carpe Seizen: A Podcast BY Young Adults FOR Young Adults
Our podcast, Carpe Seizen, has become a platform for powerful storytelling and is now ranked in the top 20% of podcasts on Spotify. We’ve had the honor of featuring incredible guests—athletes, advocates, and young adults living with epilepsy—who have shared their journeys, insights, and triumphs. Jordan’s dedication, along with Chelsea's production expertise, has been essential in making this project a success, ensuring that our community has access to authentic conversations that inspire and inform.
A Small but Mighty Team & Global Reach
None of this would be possible without our small but mighty team. Their passion and dedication fuel YAWE’s growth, and I couldn’t be more grateful to work alongside them.
Thanks to generous funding from Epilepsy Wellness Advocates, and other supporters like Montage Health and Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, we have been able to expand our impact, providing essential resources and opportunities for young adults with epilepsy.
Looking Ahead
As we enter our third year, we remain committed to expanding our reach, strengthening our programs, and continuing to advocate for young adults living with epilepsy. We have big goals, and with the support of our community, we know we can achieve them.
To everyone who has been part of this journey—our young adults, families, donors, volunteers, and supporters—thank you for believing in our mission. YAWE exists because of you, and together, we are creating a future where young adults with epilepsy are seen, heard, and supported.
Here’s to another year of growth, impact, and community!
With gratitude,
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