The Journey to the Truth
— Meagan Earley

Back in November, I wrote about my 7-year-old daughter’s great accomplishment. Austen, who lives with Dravet syndrome, had set a new seizure-free record that seemed to be holding strong. But as it did last March, the flu…

When Austen, my 7-year-old daughter with Dravet syndrome, was born, I didn’t have many things in her life planned out yet. I didn’t know what school she would go to, what sports I would put her in, or…

In August, Austen, my 7-year-old daughter with Dravet syndrome, started a new school for the second time this year. When we moved to Texas from Colorado last winter, I put my children into the schools in our…

For most of her life until now, my 7-year-old daughter, Austen, who has Dravet syndrome, held the same record for the number of days she’d gone without a seizure. Dravet syndrome is characterized by frequent seizures that…

I just finished my first month as an official first-year teacher. There have been quite a few tears and even more smiles, along with hugs and meltdowns — by both my students and myself. But as I looked back…

Our family’s summer came to an end last week when Austen, my 7-year-old daughter with Dravet syndrome, and her siblings returned to school. It was a great summer, filled with swimming, exploring, and time for the kids to…

It’s been a long time since I’ve written — too long. But I have some amazing news to share. When Austen, my 7-year-old with Dravet syndrome, started having seizures, it put us on a roller coaster of doctor…

Later today, after writing this column, I will leave for a five-day vacation without my kids. My mom and dad will be taking care of my three children, including my youngest daughter, Austen, who has Dravet syndrome. A…

“Mom, where is my friend? You know, the one who looks like my twin?” We were at the baseball practice of my 8-year-old son, Atlas, and my daughter Austen, who is 6 and has Dravet syndrome and autism,…

When my 6-year-old daughter, Austen, was born, she seemed completely “normal” for the first five months of her life. She was born without complications and hit her developmental milestones according to a normal schedule. Like any mother, I…

When my daughter Austen, now 6, started having seizures years ago due to Dravet syndrome, it took us over six months to receive a diagnosis. That period was a whirlwind of seizures, hospitalizations, doctor appointments, and phone calls…

“Mom, I’ve decided I don’t want you working anymore. Now I have to go to school even earlier, and I get home even later.” Those are the words of my 8-year-old son, Atlas. Until this year, I have mostly…