A Vision of Hope By: Anna Franklin

In this month’s newsletter, we are honored to feature an inspiring interview with Natalie Beavers, the founder of Angels of Epilepsy. As a mother of two, and a passionate advocate for epilepsy awareness, Natalie has dedicated her life to supporting individuals and families affected by epilepsy. Through her personal journey and the creation of Angels of Epilepsy, she has touched countless lives and brought hope to many across the country and around the world.

In this interview, Natalie shares her experiences with epilepsy, the challenges she has faced, and the motivations behind starting Angels of Epilepsy. She also discusses the organization’s impact on the community, memorable moments from her advocacy work, and her hopes for the future of epilepsy awareness.

Join us as we delve into the story of a remarkable woman who has turned her personal struggles into a powerful force for change.

At just five years old, Natalie was diagnosed with epilepsy after experiencing a high fever that triggered multiple seizures. It was 1982, and resources for epilepsy were scarce. Her parents, overwhelmed and afraid, were handed a simple pamphlet and told to consult a neurologist. With little guidance, they navigated the uncertainty of raising a child with epilepsy.

Despite these challenges, Natalie found support in her family and friends, who took the time to understand her condition and learn proper seizure first aid. Unlike today, where epilepsy is often misrepresented on social media, Natalie’s childhood was free from bullying or ridicule. However, she still faced limitations—being cautious with physical activities and unable to fully participate in things like cheerleading.

Today, epilepsy awareness has grown, but misinformation remains a hurdle. Natalie’s journey underscores the ongoing need for education and advocacy in the epilepsy community.

As a mother, epilepsy introduced unexpected obstacles into Natalie’s life. She couldn’t drive, and seizures often struck at the worst times—before her sons’ sports games and school events—leaving her unable to attend. Missing these moments was heartbreaking, sometimes leading to feelings of sadness and frustration.

Despite these hardships, Natalie’s family, especially her children, became her greatest source of strength. They provided encouragement, sent videos, and reminded her that, even in difficult moments, she was never alone. Their unwavering support turned her struggles into motivation, reinforcing her mission to help others facing similar battles.

For years, Natalie hadn’t considered brain surgery—until tragedy struck in 2008. After being seizure-free for 18 months, she was driving again. But one unexpected seizure behind the wheel led to a devastating accident that took a life and left Natalie with a concussion. Emotionally shattered and experiencing more frequent seizures, she sought further medical evaluations.

Doctors discovered a lesion on her left temporal lobe, a scar from childhood that had worsened over time. They recommended brain surgery to reduce her seizure activity. After extensive evaluations, she underwent two procedures: a craniotomy and the removal of damaged brain tissue, including part of her hippocampus.

During her time at Emory University’s Epilepsy Center, Natalie met others with similar experiences. Inspired by the community she found, she decided to create her own support system. Just before her final surgery, she founded Angels of Epilepsy (AOE)—turning her personal pain into a mission of advocacy and awareness.

Natalie officially launched Angels of Epilepsy in November 2008, driven by the words of her father: "Don’t be a sayer, be a doer." In the beginning, participation was small, and building a nonprofit took significant time, money, and energy. But Natalie refused to give up.

Seventeen years later, AOE continues to provide resources, education, and community support for those living with epilepsy. One of the most defining moments for Natalie came after a speech when a young man approached her in tears, sharing how her story had given him hope. That moment reaffirmed her purpose—her journey was making a difference.

While Natalie never initially saw herself as an advocate, her experiences led her to speak out on a larger scale. Beyond epilepsy, she also raises awareness for mental health struggles, sharing her battles with PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Her children have also embraced the cause. Her younger son, CJ, helped raise epilepsy awareness in high school, even encouraging his football team to wear purple socks and ribbons in honor of his mother. Seeing her advocacy inspire the next generation is one of Natalie’s proudest accomplishments.

Her advice to those living with epilepsy? “You are strong. You are a champion. You can fight.” She encourages those struggling to seek out support groups, connect with others, and remember that they are never alone. For caregivers, she stresses the importance of finding organizations that provide resources and community—because no one should have to navigate epilepsy in isolation.

Natalie has big dreams for AOE. She envisions opening a House of Hope, a space where individuals with epilepsy can find support, participate in wellness activities, and regain stability in a safe environment. With many people with epilepsy unable to drive or find employment, this space would provide essential resources to help them rebuild their lives.

Additionally, she hopes to expand AOE to states like California and Illinois, establishing local chapters to reach more people.

One of AOE’s proudest achievements is its Internship Program, which has been running for five years. This initiative connects medical students with firsthand experiences in epilepsy care and research, inspiring young minds to push for advancements in neurology. Natalie believes the key to progress is investing in the next generation—empowering future doctors and researchers to bring epilepsy closer to a cure.

AOE offers a variety of programs like Project Uplift, monthly support meetings, and webinars. Donations play a crucial role in providing transportation for medical appointments, assisting with prescriptions, and supplying medical ID necklaces.

The organization also hosts health fairs in Atlanta and other states, creating opportunities for individuals with epilepsy to connect, learn, and feel supported. Whether attending events, making a donation, or simply spreading awareness, there are countless ways to get involved.

Natalie’s ultimate hope? A cure for epilepsy. Until then, she remains committed to advocacy, support, and building a stronger community—because no one should face epilepsy alone.

We hope you found this interview with Natalie as inspiring and insightful as I did. Her journey with epilepsy and her dedication to creating Angels of Epilepsy highlight the incredible strength and resilience of those living with this condition. Through her advocacy and the support provided by Angels of Epilepsy, Natalie continues to make a significant impact on the epilepsy community.

As we look to the future, we are excited about the upcoming projects and initiatives that Angels of Epilepsy has in store. We encourage you to get involved, spread awareness, and support this vital cause. Together we can make a difference and bring hope to those affected by epilepsy.

Thank you for reading!