Hello, my name is Stacey Chillemi and I am the author of this children’s book, “My Daddy Has Epilepsy.” I am writing this piece to you to explain what the book is about and how this children’s book can help you and your family understand, cope and not fear the disorder known as epilepsy. In the year 2000, my husband and I had moved into a new neighborhood with my 2 sons, and my daughter. All three children were toddlers at the time. Even though I developed epilepsy at the age of 5 my kids had never witness me having a seizure. One day I was outside my home and I had an aura I felt a seizure beginning to evolve and before I new it I was having the seizure in front of my children for the first time. My children were scared and even though I had explained my disorder many times they were still a bit confused about what epilepsy is, what happens and what to do if someone is having a seizure. You can explain what a seizure is, but honestly to see someone have a seizure, especially for a child can be scary and very dramatizing. After the seizure my children were very scared, confused, and worried about their mommy and they had many questions to ask afterwards. I tried to explain everything to them in simplistic terms, so they could understand epilepsy better, but everything didn’t seem to click. They were still confused, scared, and worried. They wanted to help me, but they didn’t know how. So one day I sat down wrote a story about the day I had a seizure. I explained what epilepsy is, and what to do if someone has a seizure. My goal was to educate and try to explain to my children why they shouldn’t fear epilepsy and seizures. When someone understands epilepsy and they know what to do you’ll notice that the fear begins to disappear and the situation (having the seizures) is treated with more confidence and children are able to cope with their love one’s disorder better. The story and the illustrations I created helped my children understand my disorder completely. And they’re not afraid of my seizures anymore. They know what to do and the fear of their mommy having seizures has gone away. It’s a part of mommy. It’s a part of her life and now they have learned to accept it. In fact my daughter many times has introduced as, “Hi this is my mommy and she has epilepsy!” I put many epilepsy resources in the back to help educate you and your children. Epilepsy is not going to stop me from enjoying life. In my eyes, I am winning the battle because I have not even up on life. I am determined to live a happy, healthy and productive life with my family and friends. And so you’re not confused I would like to explain why they are two versions of the book. When I first published the book they only allowed me to publish it with black and white illustrations and the size of the book came in 6x9. To their surprise the book did so well that they allowed me to publish the book with all color illustrations and the book is much larger now. Version 1 Black and White Illustrations Version 2 Color illustrations and it is a larger book. Thank you, Mrs. Stacey Chillemi

Stacey Chillemi keeps a positive outlook when disorder poses challenge


BY KATHY BARATTA
Staff Writer

Author Stacey Chillemi, shown here with her husband, Michael, tries to look on the bright side of life as she deals with the effects of epilepsy.

MANALAPAN - Stacey Chillemi is no stranger to a challenge. Since the age of 5 when a viral infection left her with epilepsy, she has been determined to live a life as full and happy as anyone else.

According to the Epilepsy Foundation of America, epilepsy is a physical condition that occurs when there is a sudden, brief change in how the brain works. When brain cells are not working properly, a person's consciousness, movement or actions may be altered for a short time. These physical changes are called epileptic seizures.

Now, as the mother of children ages 3, 6 and 8, and the published author of fiction and nonfiction works, Chillemi, 34, has accomplished the goal she set for herself following that first grave challenge that came at the tender age of 5. That goal was to enjoy life in spite of her disorder.

Chillemi's previous writings for the national Epilepsy Foundation as well as her nonfiction books that include children's books, made her a prime pick for the newest additions to the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series.

Chillemi's original short story "Shop-ping My Way Out of the Blues" is included in the latest addition to the series, "Chicken Soup for the Shopper's Soul - Celebrating Bargains, Boutiques and the Perfect Pair of Shoes," which joined previous series entries on The New York Times best seller list.

If nothing else, Chillemi's message is one of perseverance and positive thinking, one that says physical or material setbacks are no excuse to buy into a victim mentality.

In an interview, Chillemi looked back and ahead with truth, honesty and a little self-effacing humor, the humor she says helps her deal with the harsh realities of life that beset everyone.

Chillemi said perhaps it was because she never saw herself as handicapped that she did not want to embrace limitations but knew she would have to be realistic and set a list of goals, not a wish list; like when she had to surrender her driver's license after suffering a slight seizure while driving and rely on her friends and family to be her transportation.

It was while in college that she wrote her first book, a book she said came from her own experience of dealing with "the strain of college and the effects of epilepsy medication."

She said when she went looking for books to help her deal with her problems, she found there were none and so she decided to write one. That first book, she said, was a self-help book.

Chillemi said she has written several self-help books since the first one, which was a compilation of her own experiences and those of others with epilepsy who shared their stories with her through the auspices of the national Epilepsy Foundation.

"They were stories of struggle and triumph," Chillemi said.

Chillemi said there are still hurdles to overcome, stereotypes and myths that are attached to the stigma that is still attached to epilepsy. She said that in spite of the technological and medical advances that have been made, people still tend to fear what they do not understand.

Always keeping in mind that epilepsy is a "disorder, not a disease," Chillemi said it is people like that woman who inspire her to write stories and to work to dispel the myths that stunt happiness and fulfillment in anybody, for any reason.

Words can make a difference in a person's life.

I just wanted to write to you and let you know how much you have inspired me.

My daughter bought me your book, "Epilepsy Your Not alone." You wouldn't believe all the highlighting I've done in it. It only took me 2 days to read.

In my town in OKLA. Or anywhere close. It is hard to find any support groups.

So I decided to start my own with the help of the Epilepsy Assoc. of OKLAH.

I worked as a LPN for 15 years. I was very involved in my children's activities. Never missed their functions. I was diagnosed in Jan of 2004n and have found this very difficult after being so independent,

I have tried about 6 different meds just minimal help, and side effects are terrible. Two of my EEG was normal; I have had 5 convulsions and once even thought about taking my life. I thought it would make things easier on my family, (expenses, taking care of me etc...) I have been in and out of the hospital

People always asked what caused them. And I can't give them an answer. At this point I would just like them to get them under control.

I would like to feel needed instead of me needed every one else’s help so that's were starting a support group came in. I wanted to get information to others just as much as receiving it. At some point in time I would like to be a speaker so the people in our community will understand more.

It is really needed here. One time I had an aura by the mailbox. The cars kept driving by. Finally a car stopped because he thought I might have been run over. (Bless him)

At 45 years of age and have worked since 14 I am going stir crazy. My family has been very helpful. But don't really understand.

Thank you for writing the book.

I just wanted to write to you and let you know how much you have inspired me.

My daughter bought me your book, "Epilepsy Your Not alone." You wouldn't believe all the highlighting I've done in it. It only took me 2 days to read.


In my town in OKLA or anywhere close. It is hard to find any support groups.
So I decided to start my own with the help of the Epilepsy Assoc. of OKLAH.
I worked as a LPN for 15 years. I was very involved in my children's activities. Never missed their functions. I was diagnosed in Jan of 2004n and have found this very difficult after being so independent,


I have tried about 6 different meds just minimal help, and side effects are terrible. Two of my EEG was normal; I have had 5 convulsions and once even thought about taking my life. I thought it would make things easier on my family, (expenses, taking care of me etc...) I have been in and out of the hospital


People always asked what caused them. And I can't give them an answer. At this point I would just like them to get them under control.


I would like to feel needed instead of me needed every one else’s help so that's were starting a support group came in. I wanted to get information to others just as much as receiving it. At some point in time I would like to be a speaker so the people in our community will understand more.


It is really needed here. One time I had an aura by the mailbox. The cars kept driving by. Finally a car stopped because he thought I might have been run over. (Bless him)
At 45 years of age and have worked since 14 I am going stir crazy. My family has been very helpful. But don't really understand.

Thank you for writing the book.

"My Daddy Has Epilepsy," is children's story book with illustrations on each page. The author included extra pages on the back to write notes about any important factors about epilepsy.

The author was motivated to write this book after she had a seizure with the kids (ages 7, 5, and 2 years) while walking the dog. Chillemi feels it is important for a child to understand what epilepsy is, not to fear epilepsy, and what to do if someone you love is having a seizure.
This is what the book entails.

All my life, I have worked very hard writing books, articles,stories, going to TV interviews, going to washington to talk in front of congress and doing seminairs to help others empower themselves.

I refused to let epilepsy to take control over my life. I am determined to overcome any obstacle in my life caused by epilepsy.

There is no reason to feel different from anyone else. You have the right to be happy, to live life to it's fullest and enjoy the beauty and love ones that surround us.
I'll be honest I did not always feel life this, but I was not going to give up. I was determined to help myself and help anyone who suffered from epilepsy or any disorder or disability.

I interviewed over over 400 people with epilepsy. I created techniques, inspirational words to inspire your soul and much more.

I even had one women email and she told me that if it was not for my books and my regiments she would have committed suicide. It brought tears to my eyes, but I am so happy that I can help others beside myself.

This book has been selling well and the positive feedback we have received is unbelievable.

Iacovos Kyriakides (born December 17th 1981) is an ambitious young artist
from Enfield, Middlesex. At an early age he became interested in fine art
and illustration, taking inspiration from Greek Mythology and other tales of
fantasy. He studied Art and Design at Barnet College and Digital Modelling
and Animation at the University of Hertfordshire. Although his portfolio
displays a wide range of illustrations and conceptual designs from various
projects, his professional career (all thanks to Stacey Chillemi) begins
here with “My Daddy Has Epilepsy”.

Iacovos Kyriakides
Enfield, Middlesex
yags45@hotmail.com

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


Summary


Highly Gifted, creative, energetic and enthusiastic Illustrator and Artist with experience in creating highly compelling computer-drawing and paint illustrations for various media to explain or adorn print or spoken word; designing fine art and illustrations in all areas. Iacovos Kyriakides enjoys creating illustrations from Greek Mythology and other tales of fantasy. Capable of designing graphics and advertising for print and online media as well as maintaining websites and designing monthly print/online newsletters and any area where my artist abilities bring me.
• Sound ability to design web and print media.
• Design illustrations for books
• Uncommon ability and experience in the use of graphic design software.
• Excellent knowledge and ability to use Flash, and HTML, and related Web design software/tools.
• Unmatchable degree of creativity as well as technical production skills.
• Excellent verbal communication skills including the ability to convey ideas and information clearly, concisely and persuasively.
• Flexibility, good judgment and attention to detail essential.
• Remarkable entrepreneurial spirit and strong desire to participate in a high-energy, motivated team
• Solid Project management experience.
• Excellent knowledge and use of Quark, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Netscape Navigator, and Print Scanners.
Education
He studied Art and Design at Barnet College and Digital Modeling
and Animation at the University of Hertfordshire. Iacovos Kyriakides portfolio displays a wide range of illustrations and conceptual designs from various projects, his professional career




Professional Experience

Enfield, Middlesex 2006 - Present

Graphic Artist
• Illustrator in design process from concept to execution; including layouts, updating font/ clip art libraries, and copy writing for ads, product design, and any other requested marketing materials.
• Work with Authors.
• Study layouts, proposed illustrations sketches, and other related materials in order to become familiar with designing the children’s book, “My Daddy Has Epilepsy.”
• Involve in the creative process to determine style, technique, and medium best suited to produce desired results, conforming with reproduction requirements, or following specific instructions concerning these variables.
• Participate in the creative process to formulate concept and render illustration and detail from models, sketches, memory, and imagination.
• Discuss illustrations at various stages of completion, making changes as necessary.
• Select type, draw lettering and lay out materials.
• Draw or design illustrations for children’s book.
Accomplishments
• Illustrated the Children’s Book, “My Daddy Has Epilepsy,” for Author Stacey Chillemi who has written 11 books.

Young and young-at-heart parents, unite! Author and Stacey Chillemi provides spectacular proof that children really understand more than you think.



Illuminating the cartoon illustrations of confusion and fear that epilepsy can cause, this new edition of My Mommy Has Epilepsy uses lively, subversive illustrations to show how to understand what epilepsy is and what to do if someone is experiencing a seizure.



This picture book is sure to elicit a clear understanding—and opportunity to eliminate children's fear of epilepsy—from all who read it.

About the Author
STACEY CHILLEMI is constantly tempted to help others with epilepsy and help their family on what it is, how to cope with it, how to get on with their lives, and more.

Published in the Asbury Park Press

BY ELEANOR O'SULLIVAN STAFF WRITER

For 33-year-old Manalapan author Stacey Chillemi, the first moment of clarity arrived in college.

"I developed epilepsy when I was 5; they believe it was caused by encephalitis," she says. "In those years, epilepsy was so hush-hush. So by the time I got to college, I wanted some information.

"When I checked the college library (at then-Stockton State College, Galloway), they had maybe five books with information and all of it was written by and for doctors," she adds. "It was way over my head. I wanted something that the average person could understand."

Chillemi, who is married to Michael Chillemi, a chiropractor - they have two sons, ages 7 and 4, and a daughter, 2 - figured the most obvious thing to do was to write her own story. In the process, she discovered her story helped others with the affliction.

She began writing books at the end of the 1990s, by which point she had married and, determined to live a full and "normal" life, had become pregnant.

"I actually met my husband in English class," Chillemi says. "He has been wonderful, so supportive during all of this. And so has his family.

"When I was pregnant and I needed to be driven to the doctors, his younger brothers would drop what they were doing to take me."

Chillemi has since written five books, including her debut book, "Epilepsy: You're Not Alone - An Epileptic's View on How to Cope With the Disorder," and another, prompted by raising her own children, "My Mommy Has Epilepsy."

She does not drive because of her epilepsy, and she has had seizures in front of her children. That, she says, moved her to record her own experiences in book form.

"All kinds of people have epilepsy and it's not something you develop only when you're young or because you're poor or any of the usual cliches," she says. "But it is something that you have to believe you can live with, so you can pursue a happy and safe life.

"I had an e-mail from a woman who developed epilepsy in her middle years and she was nearly suicidal because of it. She read one of my books and she said it made her feel there was hope. That's what I really set out to do."

According to the Epilepsy Foundation, based in Landover, Md., epilepsy and seizures affect 2.7 million Americans at an estimated annual cost of $12.5 billion. About 200,000 new cases of seizures and epilepsy occur each year. Ten percent of the American population will experience a seizure in their lifetime, and 3 percent will develop epilepsy by age 75.

Chillemi said her second moment of truth took place in 1995, when she was fired from a job as an intern for a broadcast corporation in New York.

"I was walking down the hall and I had just passed two producers when I had a seizure and I fell. Very shortly after that I was told I was not suitable for my job," she says. "I know it was because I had had the seizure. That's when I decided I would become an advocate for epilepsy."

Chillemi says, "I know my limitations, but I am able to do all the usual household things and care for my family," she says. "I don't rush things - you have tomorrow and the next day. My goal is to help people with epilepsy learn how to accept and love themselves."

'Life deals us many hard that we often don't expect. I admire the fact that someone like Stacey Chillemi was thrown a curve ball that may have knocked many of us down to the point where many of us may not have wanted to get back up, but she did. It wasn't easy but she possesses a determined spirit that won't let her give up. For that reason Stacey will go far and achieve whatever dreams she sets her mind to accomplish.'Della Crew

Published in the Asbury Park Press

BY ALESHA WILLIAMS
STAFF WRITER


Manalapan resident Stacey Chillemi, 33, understands the difficulties inherent in growing up with epilepsy.

Near-death experiences in her early adulthood, such as having a seizure while driving, impressed upon Chillemi the seriousness of her condition.

"My fiance, now my husband, was in the car," Chillemi said. "I realized I could have hurt myself as well as him. I had to accept the fact that I had epilepsy and not hide it from anybody."

Chillemi said she turned to libraries and bookstores to search for answers to her questions about her disorder.

"At that time, all the books about epilepsy were written in medical terminology, so if you were not educated in the medical field, you had no idea what they were trying to explain," Chillemi said.

Chillemi said she published an article asking people with epilepsy to write to her with their stories. She received hundreds of letters from across the United States and Canada and interviewed about 400 people, she said.

"We were all going through the same issues and emotions," Chillemi said. "I learned, "Hey, I can't feel sorry for myself — I need to do something about it, and try to help others.' "

And so began Chillemi's career as an author, launched in 2000. She since has written eight books about epilepsy, about life and about love, including her latest, "Epilepsy and Pregnancy: What Every Woman Should Know," co-authored by Dr. Blanca Vasques (Demos), due to be published in 2005.

"Basically, in my books I try to focus on trying to help people understand first of all what the disorder is, how to accept it and teach the people in their lives to understand it so it doesn't tear a family apart, how to love themselves and get on with their lives so they can live a healthy and productive life with the disorder," Chillemi said.

In spite of living for 27 years with a condition that keeps some reclusive and anti-social, Chillemi has managed to live by those ideals. She volunteered as a mentor with the Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey and in 2002 won the organization's Outstanding Volunteer Award. She is a featured speaker at schools, organizations and political events and also spoke before Congress with the Epilepsy Foundation in 2004 on behalf of people with epilepsy, she said.

Today, Chillemi lives in Manalapan with her husband Michael, 33, and three children, Michael, 6, Alexis, 4, and Anthony, 2, and said she often is touched by e-mails and letters from readers who say that her books have helped change their lives.

"It's hard to believe that something you wrote helped someone like that," Chillemi said. "It makes me feel very good to give people encouragement, hope, to help them realize that they are somebody — that they all have a meaning in life and just have to find that destination."

For more information about Chillemi's books, visit www.authorsden.com/staceydchillemi
Excellent book


Stacey Chillemi is 32 years old, a mother of three, a wife and writer. Her journey and reason for being is defined each day by the happiness in her children’s eyes and the people with epilepsy she has helped through her writing.
By Jenna Martin, Senior Editor
www.epilepsy.com

I am an H.O.P.E. Mentor, for the Epilepsy Foundation. I have spoken at different events for schools, organizations, political events, I spoke in front of Congress in Washington and anywhere my help is needed to educate people about epilepsy. I was on four talk shows. The interviews focused on the importance of understanding what epilepsy is, how to help someone having a seizure and giving people with epilepsy encouragement and hope for the future.

I have been on radio stations discussing epilepsy and I have appeared in many newspapers all over New Jersey such as, The Leader, Belleville Post and the Star Ledger. In addition, on June 26, 2002, I was honored an award by the Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey for Outstanding Volunteer Award.

I have received awards in my achievements and certificates in recognition for outstanding efforts in trying to improve society. I have been an active participant in organizations and activities.

I have written many published articles. I have appeared on talk shows and I had articles written about my efforts to help people with epilepsy.

1. Epilepsy You're Not Alone
2. Eternal Love: Romantic Poetry Straight from the Heart
3. My Mommy Has Epilepsy (Children's Book)
4. Keep the Faith: To Live and Be Heard from the Heavens Above (poetry book)
5. Live, Learn, and Be Happy with Epilepsy
6. Epilepsy and Pregnancy: What Every Woman Should Know
Co-authored by Dr. Blanca Vasques.
7. Keep the Faith
8. Faith, Courage, Wisdom, Strength and Hope
9. How to Be Wealthy Selling Informational Products on the Internet
10. My Daddy Has Epilepsy
11. How to Become Wealthy in Real Estate

http://www.inspirationallivingonline.com
http://www.authorsden.com/staceydchillemi

By Jenna Martin, Senior Editor ,
Reviewer: Stacey Chillemi "Author" (USA) - See all my reviews

Stacey Chillemi is 32 years old, a mother of three, a wife and writer. Her journey and reason for being is defined each day by the happiness in her children's eyes and the people with epilepsy she has helped through her writing.
By Jenna Martin, Senior Editor
(...)



Easy to read,
Reviewer: Ernest Frost (Florida) - See all my reviews
I found this book a very easy read, which is important in trying to explain epilepsy to children. To educate children of the disorder is something that might seem like an difficult task, something thats pushed off to the side for a later date. However, with this book, its a task that doesn't look so daunting. You can explain epilepsy to your children in language that they understand.

Kathleen Wells -Journalist
Stacey was on their talk show New Jersey women sharing her experiences concerning epilepsy and her book.

Jenna Martin, Senior Editor
Chillemi journey and reason for life is her writing and family.