18. Mel Garcia - Living One Day at a Time with Epilepsy
Mel Garcia shares her family's journey after her daughter was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome at eight months old, and her advocacy initiative '1 in 25' supporting families affected by epilepsy.
About This Episode
In this episode of The Long Road Podcast, host Lisa McKelvey speaks with Mel Garcia about life since her daughter was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome at just eight months old. Dravet Syndrome is a severe form of epilepsy that begins in the first year of life and is associated with frequent, prolonged seizures and developmental challenges.
Mel shares the frightening reality of the early days — the first seizure, the search for answers, and the moment they finally had a diagnosis. She speaks about managing her daughter's care day to day, the constant vigilance that epilepsy demands, and the love and determination that carries their family forward.
Mel is also the founder of '1 in 25', an advocacy initiative created to support Australian families affected by epilepsy. Her story is one of a mother who turned fear into action — and is now helping other families feel less alone on their own long roads.
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