In 2015, Audrielle’s world was consumed by darkness as she sought answers for her seizures. Her mom moved her from the Philippines to United States to seek proper medical care. Epilepsy Alliance Florida became their lifeline during this uncertain time, offering the guidance, support, and resources they desperately needed.
Their first major hurdle was citizenship. With the help of their Epilepsy Alliance Florida neurology provider, Audrielle’s mom was able to qualify for a hardship citizenship to remain in the US. Audrielle’s case manager made sure she had consistent neurological care and access medication. Audrielle and her mom also found community and support through the organization’s events and support groups. This support enabled Audrielle to thrive. Her seizures were well controlled by medication, and she was not going to let her epilepsy hold her back from her lofty goals.
Today, Audrielle is driven to dismantle the stigma surrounding epilepsy, knowing it’s just a chapter in her story. Audrielle’s triumph over adversity is evident in her acceptance into prestigious schools and national accolades from NASA, MIT, and Stanford – having attended the school that Elon Musk created (formerly Ad Astra, now known as Astra Nova). All proof that her brain, once faltered, now thrives.
Despite the challenges of living with epilepsy, Audrielle’s journey has been one of quiet triumphs and humble achievements. From immigrating to the USA from the Philippines with epilepsy and experiencing grand mal seizures, she has embraced every hurdle with grace and determination. Her accomplishments, though remarkable, reflect her down-to-earth nature and genuine passion. Her success can be witnessed in the words of her fiercely proud mother, “Through it all, my daughter’s journey has come full circle, reminding us that greatness lies not in grand gestures but in the quiet perseverance of everyday challenges. Her humility and genuine love for what she does inspires those around her, making her achievements even more meaningful. Thank you, Epilepsy Alliance Florida, for being part of our journey!”
There is no telling what the future holds for this bright young lady – from awards to prestigious colleges to breaking gender barriers in the field of STEM. With her studies in space exploration and sustainable energy, the sky truly may not be the limit for this aspiring astronaut. Her next hurdle is overcoming the financial restraints of a single-parent household to participate in the elite summer programs she has been invited to. Her case manager is currently helping to find ways to fund these programs.
With the support of her mom and Epilepsy Alliance Florida, she may very well make it to the moon someday!
