A Team Effort in the Battle Against Epilepsy
Jo Ann S. Perez (right), with the Department of Orthopaedics, suffered a seizure after the birth of her twins. With her is Sharen Muniz, an employee in the Surgery/ENT Clinic.
The Texas Tech football facilities had a new team come out for a different battle. Coach Tommy Tuberville, the Texas Rangers, faculty, staff and students from the School of Medicine and other community members came out in a team effort to raise money and awareness for the Epilepsy Foundation of Texas.
The School of Medicine was a strong supporter of this year’s Epilepsy Foundation Lubbock 5k run with 51 out of the almost 100 participants.
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, epilepsy is a medical condition that produces seizures affecting a variety of mental and physical functions. One in 10 adults will have a seizure sometime during their life. Seizures happen when clusters of nerve cells in the brain signal abnormally, which may briefly alter a person's consciousness, movements or actions.
Epilepsy affects nearly 3 million Americans and 50 million people worldwide.
While medications and other treatments help many people of all ages who live with epilepsy, more than a million people continue to have seizures that can severely limit life's experiences. Anyone can develop epilepsy at any age. In the U.S., it affects more than 300,000 children under the age of 15.
John De Toledo, M.D., chairman of the Department of Neurology, said with so many people being affected with epilepsy, events such as these are important to the diagnosis and treatment of the community.
“Hundreds of epilepsy patients living in the South Plains do not have access to care in their area,” De Toledo said. “This event will help continue the support needed for those affected by the disease.”
Jo Ann S. Perez, from the Department of Orthopaedics, knows all too well what a seizure feels like. She suffered one after the birth of her twins.
“My heart goes out to those who suffer from epilepsy,” Perez said. “I didn’t remember anything after the seizure and the fear is always there of 'what if I have another one.'”
Perez said her physicians did not find the cause of her seizure but suffering one gives a person a feeling of no control.
“It’s pretty scary and something I will never forget,” Perez said. “Suffering from a seizure really touched me. That is why I came out to the event. It felt good to do my part. Every little bit counts.”
Related
Related Stories
TTUHSC School of Nursing to Celebrate New YWCA Location
Community members in central Lubbock now have access to health care services and prenatal programs at one location inside the YWCA.
A Rite of Passage for Next Generation of Physicians
Students in TTUHSC's School of Medicine Class of 2028 received their first white coat and pledged their commitment to the medical profession at the White Coat Ceremony Friday (July 26) at the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences.
How Does Your Garden Grow?
As spring approaches, some people’s thoughts turn to gardening. Whether it’s a flower garden they desire or a vegetable garden want to have, they begin planning what they’ll plant and what they need to do to ensure a successful garden.
Recent Stories
'Tis the Season: Flu, RSV and COVID-19
Koy Kubala, DCLS, spoke about the increase we see in these infections during this season, how we can proactively avoid them, and what treatment can help at the onset of symptoms.
TTUHSC School of Nursing to Celebrate New YWCA Location
Community members in central Lubbock now have access to health care services and prenatal programs at one location inside the YWCA.
Unlock a Better Nursing Future
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) is streamlining the path to doctoral-level, specialized education for nurses.