A Medicine Many Fight For....
Blog by: Natalie Y. Beavers
Years ago, I heard about "cannabis oil" and how it can help those living with epilepsy and seizure disorders. Yes, when you think of cannabis, you say, "marijuana." I said the same. Well, I received many emails and messages about how this drug has a major decrease in seizure activity, especially in children. So, I decided to do my own research. I read a lot of the emails that were sent to me which had articles and some videos of how cannabis oil helps so many, not just with seizure disorders but those living with AIDS, HIV, Multiple Sclerosis, some forms of Cancer, and more. I was really shocked! As I saw more articles about children battling multiple seizures on a daily basis and to actually see how this medicine calms their body from the episode and decreases their seizure activity, it made me wanted to do something!
So I took action!
Even though, I was battling my life living with epilepsy, I felt like I had to fight for the children here in Georgia. Over the years, I've met many families that has a child or a relative battling with seizures. Angels Of Epilepsy keeps in contact with families that we meet at the hospitals when we deliver gifts.
In 2013, one particular family I met that lived here in Georgia, contacted us to say that they have decided to move to Colorado to experiment the cannabis oil so their son Jeremy can live. I was very excited for them! Only thing, the mother was moving there with the son for the experiment and the father was staying here to work to maintain his job and pay for their living expenses and medicine supply of the cannabis oil. It was a major decision that they both made for the sake of their son. He was 4 years old at the time. We did keep in contact so we can see his progress.
In 2014, I read about Representative Allen Peake, from the 141st District in Georgia, and what he was doing to get a medical marijuana law passed for children with seizures disorders. I was really amazed by what he was doing so I made sure I followed him and his work. I went to a few rallies and sessions at the Georgia State Capitol to help and support for the children living with epilepsy. I also met and saw families there at these sessions and we all were hoping for change.
Georgia Representative Allen Peake, spoke so much about how cannabis oil can and will help children with major brain conditions, seizure disorders, and epilepsy. So many of us really do appreciate him for that. When I saw him at the State Capitol, I wish I had an opportunity to just shake his hand to say, "Thank You,"
Let me be honest, I literally do not like seizure medication...At all! But everyone's body is different. Having epilepsy for over 30 years, can you imaging how many different medicines I've taken? And yes, I've had 2 brain surgeries. After the surgery, I did have some time where I thought I was seizure free but the episodes came back stronger than before. I was angry and disgusted. The seizure meds I was prescribed, seemed to have a not so good effect to my body. But I didn't give up!
So in 2015, I continued my research on cannabis oil and how it can help those living with epilepsy. I interacted with so many on social media that chose to experiment this medicine. I traveled to California which has medical cannabis legalized. I stayed there from time to time to have my experience. I kept notes of how much I took daily while there. And there were no side effects from this medication. In my seizure diary, it seems with the cannabis oil in my system, I was 60-65 days seizure free! But, once it's out of my system, now what? Take another trip back to the west coast for my medication.... We don't have it legalized here in Georgia.
And finally, around the beginning of 2016, Georgia's Governor Nathan Deal, signed Law House Bill (HB) 722, medical marijuana bill. Not only was it passed for children living with seizure disorders or severe brain conditions but for the adults too! And many of us were shocked!
So what do we do now?
Recently, in August 2017, I received my Cannabis/THC Oil Registration Card here in the State Of Georgia. I no longer have to travel to west coast just to get medication in my system to live. Very happy and proud of myself for the effort that I pushed for many to help us all in this life that we live! The only thing is, some of us here may have our cards to receive this medicine but we have to pay full price out of pocket for the medicine (cannabis oil) and for shipping to us here in Georgia. And it will cost us a lot!
This is a new beginning for me and I'm sure for so many others here in Georgia and many in other states that fought for this. We're hoping that Angels Of Epilepsy will soon be able to assist families and survivors with this in some form. And yes, I'm working on it!
I am a survivor and an advocate for so many around the world living with epilepsy and I will continue to fight for us because #EPILEPSYLIVESMATTER!
- Natalie Y. Beavers
Survivor, Advocate, & Mentor
Twitter: @AOEpilepsy
Facebook: Angels of Epilepsy Foundation
Instagram: angels_of_epilepsy
Pinterest: Angels Of Epilepsy
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Natalie's Bio
Natalie Y. Beavers is an epilepsy survivor, advocate, and founder of Angels Of Epilepsy Foundation outside of Atlanta, GA. Her everyday mission is supporting the many living with epilepsy as well as provide information and resources for the families. Natalie has faced some challenges while battling epilepsy and she speaks about it. She hopes researchers find a cure and hopes to get more recognition from many others about this severe medical condition.
To know more about Natalie and Angels Of Epilepsy, visit www.aoepilepsy.org