Living life with epilepsy can be a colossal struggle. But, if you are Stacey Chillemi, it is a challenge and an opportunity to help others. 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. “Through this experience with epilepsy I have learned to accept my limitations and to change the way I look at things. Through my writing I am able to help others and just knowing I’ve helped is enough of a reward,” said Chillemi. How it Began At five years of age, Chillemi contracted encephalitis from what doctors’ surmise began as an ear infection. For four days she lay in a coma and doctors were unsure of whether she would suffer from paralysis as well as the extent of the brain damage. Fortunately, she recovered from her bout with encephalitis with no paralysis. However, she was left with epilepsy. Since her diagnosis, 27 years ago, Chillemi has had seizures ranging in severity from mild seizures in her sleep to tonic-clonic seizures. Living with Limitations As a mother of three and a woman with epilepsy, Chillemi is realistic about her limitations, “Having epilepsy and being a mom is difficult at times because I worry that if I have a seizure and I am unable to recover fast enough, that my kids will suffer,” said Chillemi. In fact, the entire time Chillemi has been a mother she has had only one tonic-clonic seizure resulting in serious injury. According to Chillemi, she was walking the dog with her children when she felt a seizure coming on. She immediately instructed the children to go inside and wait downstairs for her. Following the seizure, Chillemi realized she had suffered a head injury and reached out to a neighbor for help. After the tonic-clonic seizure Chillemi decided to write a children’s book, called “My Mommy Has Epilepsy”. Her goal was to help children understand epilepsy in an age appropriate way as well as to help dispel some of the fear she had witnessed her own children experience. “I don’t want my children to get nervous or to worry about my seizures and the tonic- clonic seizure really motivated me to write a children’s book to help them and other kids cope and understand epilepsy.” She admits she is also limited by not being able to drive, but attributes her ability to ask for help when she needs it as one more lesson learned. “At first it was difficult to rely on other people to drive the children and me places. I felt bad asking family and friends. But, now I’ve accepted my limitations and accepted who I am.” Wisdom for Women Chillemi cautions women with epilepsy to monitor their stress level. “Don’t try to accomplish too much. Do as much as you can and remember to set realistic goals and to reward yourself each day.” She also believes that in order to live with epilepsy and maintain a positive attitude it is important to focus on one’s self. “ Don’t look at what other people can do, only focus on yourself and your abilities because if you constantly compare, then you are adding to your stress level, which leads to being more physically drained and ultimately leaves you open to experience more seizures.” She advises women with epilepsy to educate themselves about their epilepsy and believes knowledge helps alleviate stress as well, “Women need to consult with their doctor, but not rely on their doctor for all of their information. In order to really feel empowered it is essential to take the initiative to learn all you can about epilepsy.”

Epilepsy You’re Not Alone is an inspirational self-help book that teaches people with epilepsy how to live a healthy and productive life. The book shares encouraging stories and gives readers a workable program for coping with their disorder enabling readers to overcome their disorder and get on with their lives. Having to cope with epilepsy is tough. Many people with epilepsy feel as though they are alone. They feel they are trying to battle the disorder all by themselves. My aim in this book is to show readers how to live with epilepsy, empowering them to take responsibility for their life and well-being. Epilepsy You're Not Alone motivates people with epilepsy, urging readers to create their own unique journal by employing psychological and spiritual practices in combination with a variety of more traditional diet and exercise regiments. Epilepsy You’re Not Alone teaches readers how to be their own designer, creating pathways to a fulfilling future. There is a whole world in front of you. This world has millions of opportunities just waiting for you to encounter. It does not matter what age you are. You can achieve anything you put your mind to.

Source: By Jenna Martin, Senior Editor,

Review:

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 (...)

Source: Great Book

Review:

My name is Donna, and I just want you to know that I bought your book a few years ago and it was very encouraging to me, really did get a lot out of it. I'd recommend it to anyone else who has E, and their family members who'd want to understand what it's like to live with this condition. It surely does help to know we're not alone in this.
Source: Reviewer: A reader

Review:

I just finished your book Epilepsy; You're not Alone and thought I'd tell you how much I appreciated it. The positive attitude was very refreshing and a welcome change from the "Why me?" stories that I read so often.
Source: Editorial Review -Anchor / Talk Show Host /News 12 NJ,

Review:

"Life deals us many hard blows 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 Crews Reporter

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.