Sarah Newell- Conquering Epilepsy

Sarah Marie loves the outdoors and adventure. She loves being in or out of the water via boat, snorkeling, swimming or with her toes in the sand. Her beloved dog Leddy has been with her for 14 years through thick and thin.

In the fall of 2019 her life changed. She had a seizure, fell and was life flighted to Denver where she was treated for a traumatic brain injury. Since that episode , her life has been threatened and altered by recurring seizures. Currently Sarah lives in Salt Lake City where she is close to the health care she receives at University of Utah for epilepsy. However, all of the exams, procedures, medications and care have not stopped the seizures. Episodes and severity of the seizures have increased the last couple of years, impacting and threatening Sarah's daily life.

The neurology team at U of U is focused on a solution to give Sarah a seizure free life. This solution will involve two neuro surgeries. The first surgery will be an intracranial EEG. This EEG will be implanted to produce a map of her brain and seizure activity. This procedure may take 6 days to 3 weeks. The information will be evaluated by the medical team. Once evaluated, the best path toward a seizure free life will be decided. Possible best options are resection of brain tissue, Laser Ablation surgery or a NeuroPace implant. All three of these options are neuro surgeries after which Sarah will work through weeks of recovery.

Sarah is more than her epilepsy. She is smart, kind, brave, a beloved daughter, family member, friend, teacher and advocate. She is ready to get back to her life without the daily struggles that seizures put in her way. She is facing the future with hope.

Gratitude goes out to family and friends who have supported her. Your letters, texts, cards, calls, love, prayers have meant everything. If donating money is not an option for you, please send her your encouragement , prayers and love. We are so grateful.