Nicola Jordan has been under pressure most of her life. As a child, she experienced a series of traumatic events including falling out of a 30-foot-high tree and a car accident at the age of 12 – her age at the onset of epilepsy. She had her first non-convulsive seizure that year and began going into a deep depression. As the years passed by, Nicola endured multiple concussions from additional falls. She was officially diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 17.
Nicola said that during her school years, her parents thought she was not paying attention and falling asleep in class. However, in reality, Nicola was fighting silently. She remembers having memory spells and trouble with homework. Luckily in 2019, she found Epilepsy Alliance Florida and to this day continues to receive case management and medical services. “It means a lot, the help that Epilepsy Alliance Florida provides,” said Nicola. “The Alliance helps by being there as support and providing reliable information, help with doctors, appointments, and giving ideas on how to manage epilepsy.”
She reports that she has only had two tonic-clonic seizures in the last six months and that her spells have been farther apart – a vast improvement for Nicola. Although she can’t currently drive, she has set a goal to regain her driver’s license this year.
Nicola maintains a positive attitude and a persistent drive to learn and succeed. It’s that drive that gives Nicola the opportunity to learn more about the services Epilepsy Alliance Florida can provide her and the others in her life who want to make a difference.
