Help Amy raise money

‘‘HEMI HIPPIES”!!!!!  Why HEMI Hippies!?  (HEMI doesn’t mean a type of truck!) Because I’m half hippie and half plegic!  I’ve always been a free spirit, and in September 2009, I was diagnosed with Hemiplegic Migraines!  With help and support of my family, friends, and my wonderful neurology medical team, I have arrived at a point that I can give back to help others!! 

My journey began with an instant of fear!  My right arm became numb while enjoying time at a park with my daughter.  My first thought was, “I’m having a stroke!”  Struggling with my phone, I managed to call my parents.  Mom and Dad came to my apartment.  Mom stayed with my daughter while Dad drove me to the ER.  

Upon arrival, ER doctor ordered an EKG, but it took my Dad and 2 nurses to hold my right arm down and body down due to the tremors I was experiencing!  They remained with me so that the EKG could be completed.  Afterwards, I was given a sedative and pain medications so that my body could relax and reduce my pain level.  

The doctors decided to keep me sedated while conducting diagnostic tests.  To this day, I still do not remember arriving at the ER, the testing or hospitalization.  My next memory was three days later on Wednesday.  That was when i thought my life ended.  The doctor explained my diagnosis of hemiplegic migraines and how my life would never be the same.  

He was right.  My life has never been the same.  

Before we get started, let’s define what a hemiplegic migraine is and how it differs from a “migraine”.  

A hemiplegic migraine is a rare, serious type of migraine headache. The term “hemiplegia” refers to paralysis on one side of the body, which is a temporary symptom of a hemiplegic migraine. The symptoms of a hemiplegic migraine can mimic a stroke.

First, there was no prescribed procedure or medication that could restore me to the way I was before this happened on September 6, 2009 at 2PM at a playground.  I’ve tried many medications to no avail.  This led me to try acupuncture, modified diets, and nerve decompression surgery on the back of my head.  

But I never gave up hope!  Currently, I’m doing Botox injections every three months along with Occipital Nerve Blocks every three weeks.  These medication and procedures allow me to deal my migraines.  

I have hope of a future with a cure for Hemiplegic Migraines!  That hope is kept alive by the support and donations funding new research for cures and treatments!  No one knows when or where they will be when their world gets turned upside down as mine did. Can we work together to find a cure for Hemiplegic Migraines?

At this point in time, my hemiplegic migraines and epilepsy are under control!  I’m still battling debilitating migraines, but I have hope!  What I thought was going to control my life has given me a purpose in life!  I can now help others to come as far, and further, than I have! They can hope for a normal life!

Together. We can make dreams come true!  We can give hope where hope has died!  Join with me in giving hope for a future to those that are jousting down this road.  Their diagnosis should not be the end of the road, but become their road to a new life!