When Giselle “Gigi” was just six years old, her family’s life changed in ways they never expected.
What began with one seizure quickly turned into frequent seizures, countless medical appointments, specialist referrals, medication changes, and long nights filled with fear. After months of searching for answers, Gigi was diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy that causes multiple seizure types and developmental challenges. At one point, she was having 15 to 20 seizures every day.
“Nothing was working,” Eve shared. “Some of the medications even made the seizures worse.”
As an active-duty service member and mother of two, Eve was balancing military responsibilities while trying to care for her daughter through an overwhelming season. “There were nights where I’d cry myself to sleep for like 30 days straight because she was having seizures at night and I wasn’t sure if she would wake up the next morning,” Eve shared.
After a long referral process, Gigi was able to receive specialized treatment through Duke Children’s Hospital, where doctors recommended a vagus nerve stimulator to help regulate seizure activity and reduce the need for heavy medication. Since the procedure, Gigi has already shown improved cognitive alertness and overall quality of life, giving the family hope that they were finally moving in the right direction.
As the seizures became more manageable, the focus shifted from emergency medical care to helping Gigi rebuild her confidence in the classroom. Before her diagnosis, she had been a strong student, but the seizures and learning disabilities caused by her condition had affected both her academic progress and her confidence. “It’s been emotional,” Eve shared. “She feels like a burden because she knows she’s behind.”
Helping Gigi understand that learning differently than other students is okay has been an important part of the journey, reminding her that it does not change how smart, capable, and strong she is. Specialized tutoring became a key part of that progress, giving Gigi the additional support she needed to continue developing academically. While they worked to secure a scholarship that would provide long-term tutoring support, the immediate cost of those services created significant financial strain.
During that critical time, Operation Healing Forces stepped in through the Immediate Needs Program to provide financial assistance and help cover the cost of tutoring. That support allowed Gigi to continue receiving the care and educational resources she needed without interruption, easing the financial burden and giving the family space to focus on her health, confidence, and continued progress.
Military children already carry the weight of service, frequent change, and the emotional demands that comes with military family life. Medical challenges and financial strain should not be another obstacle standing in the way of their growth and stability.
“Sometimes you do feel alone,” Eve said.
For Gigi’s family, OHF’s support brought stability during one of the hardest seasons of their lives and served as a reminder that they did not have to face it alone.
“It’s a lot for a seven-year-old,” Eve said. “I’m just so proud of her and how resilient she is.”
While there are still surgeries, appointments, and challenges ahead, there is also something stronger now—hope. With continued care, support, and the opportunity to keep learning and growing, Gigi has a brighter path forward.
