My Mommy Has Epilepsy [Paperback]

Stacey Chillemi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2004

DO YOU OR A LOVE ONE HAVE EPILEPSY? DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE EPILEPSY? ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AN EXCELLENTCHILDREN'S BOOK TO TEACH WHAT EPILEPSY IS TO YOUR CHILD? Millions of people have epilepsy or experience Seizures. Are you one of them? Are you trying to figure out how to explain to your child or a child in your family about your disorder, so they will understand what epilepsy is and what they can do to help you when you are experiencing a seizure? The book helps educate children and help them understand what they can do if a friend or love one is having a seizure. There are so many myths that still roam through our society about epilepsy. "My Mommy Has Epilepsy" gives children and their family truth; medical facts explained in simplistic terminology so there is a clear understanding about epilepsy.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Chillemi journey and reason for life is her writing and family. -- Jenna Martin, Senior Editor

It wasn't easy but she possesses a determined spirit that won't let her give up. -- Della Cruz Anchor/Reporter, Talk Show Host for News

Stacey was on their talk show New Jersey women sharing her experiences concerning epilepsy and her book. --Kathleen Wells -Journalist

Living life with epilepsy can be a colossal struggle. But, if you are Stacey Chillemi, it is a challenge and an opportunity to help others.

Stacey Chillemi is 39 years old, a mother of three, a wife and writer. Her journey and reason for being is defined each day by the happiness in her children's eyes and the people with epilepsy she has helped through her writing. Through this experience with epilepsy I have learned to accept my limitations and to change the way I look at things. Through my writing I am able to help others and just knowing I've helped is enough of a reward, said Chillemi.

How it Began

At five years of age, Chillemi contracted encephalitis from what doctors' surmise began as an ear infection. For four days she lay in a coma and doctors were unsure of whether she would suffer from paralysis as well as the extent of the brain damage. Fortunately, she recovered from her bout with encephalitis with no paralysis. However, she was left with epilepsy. Since her diagnosis, 34 years ago, Chillemi has had seizures ranging in severity from mild seizures in her sleep to tonic-clonic seizures.

Living with Limitations

As a mother of three and a woman with epilepsy, Chillemi is realistic about her limitations; Having epilepsy and being a mom is difficult at times because I worry that if I have a seizure and I am unable to recover fast enough, that my kids will suffer said Chillemi. In fact, the entire time Chillemi has been a mother she has had only one tonic-clonic seizure resulting in serious injury. According to Chillemi, she was walking the dog with her children when she felt a seizure coming on. She immediately instructed the children to go inside and wait downstairs for her. Following the seizure, Chillemi realized she had suffered a head injury and reached out to a neighbor for help. After the tonic-clonic seizure Chillemi decided to write a children's book, called; My Mommy Has Epilepsy. Her goal was to help children understand epilepsy in an age appropriate way as well as to help dispel some of the fear she had witnessed her own children experience. I don't want my children to get nervous or to worry about my seizures and the tonic- clonic seizure really motivated me to write a children's book to help them and other kids cope and understand epilepsy.

She admits she is also limited by not being able to drive, but attributes her ability to ask for help when she needs it as one more lesson learned. At first it was difficult to rely on other people to drive the children and me places. I felt bad asking family and friends. But, now I've accepted my limitations and accepted who I am.

Wisdom for Women

Chillemi cautions women with epilepsy to monitor their stress level. Don't try to accomplish too much. Do as much as you can and remember to set realistic goals and to reward yourself each day. She also believes that in order to live with epilepsy and maintain a positive attitude it is important to focus on one's self. Don't look at what other people can do, only focus on yourself and your abilities because if you constantly compare, then you are adding to your stress level, which leads to being more physically drained and ultimately leaves you open to experience more seizures. She advises women with epilepsy to educate themselves about their epilepsy and believes knowledge helps alleviate stress as well. Women need to consult with their doctor, but not rely on their doctor for all of their information. In order to really feel empowered it is essential to take the initiative to learn all you can about epilepsy. --Review

Stacey Chillemi is 32 years old, a mother of three, a wife and writer. Her journey and reason for being is defined each day by the happiness in her children's eyes and the people with epilepsy she has helped through her writing. By Jenna Martin, Senior Editor, epilepsy.com --By Jenna Martin, Senior Editor, epilepsy.com

Review

Living life with epilepsy can be a colossal struggle. But, if you are Stacey Chillemi, it is a challenge and an opportunity to help others.

Stacey Chillemi is 32 years old, a mother of three, a wife and writer. Her journey and reason for being is defined each day by the happiness in her children's eyes and the people with epilepsy she has helped through her writing. "Through this experience with epilepsy I have learned to accept my limitations and to change the way I look at things. Through my writing I am able to help others and just knowing I've helped is enough of a reward," said Chillemi.

How it Began

At five years of age, Chillemi contracted encephalitis from what doctors' surmise began as an ear infection. For four days she lay in a coma and doctors were unsure of whether she would suffer from paralysis as well as the extent of the brain damage. Fortunately, she recovered from her bout with encephalitis with no paralysis. However, she was left with epilepsy. Since her diagnosis, 27 years ago, Chillemi has had seizures ranging in severity from mild seizures in her sleep to tonic-clonic seizures.

Living with Limitations

As a mother of three and a woman with epilepsy, Chillemi is realistic about her limitations, "Having epilepsy and being a mom is difficult at times because I worry that if I have a seizure and I am unable to recover fast enough, that my kids will suffer," said Chillemi. In fact, the entire time Chillemi has been a mother she has had only one tonic-clonic seizure resulting in serious injury. According to Chillemi, she was walking the dog with her children when she felt a seizure coming on. She immediately instructed the children to go inside and wait downstairs for her. Following the seizure, Chillemi realized she had suffered a head injury and reached out to a neighbor for help. After the tonic-clonic seizure Chillemi decided to write a children's book, called "My Mommy Has Epilepsy". Her goal was to help children understand epilepsy in an age appropriate way as well as to help dispel some of the fear she had witnessed her own children experience. "I don't want my children to get nervous or to worry about my seizures and the tonic- clonic seizure really motivated me to write a children's book to help them and other kids cope and understand epilepsy."

She admits she is also limited by not being able to drive, but attributes her ability to ask for help when she needs it as one more lesson learned. "At first it was difficult to rely on other people to drive the children and me places. I felt bad asking family and friends. But, now I've accepted my limitations and accepted who I am."

Wisdom for Women

Chillemi cautions women with epilepsy to monitor their stress level. "Don't try to accomplish too much. Do as much as you can and remember to set realistic goals and to reward yourself each day." She also believes that in order to live with epilepsy and maintain a positive attitude it is important to focus on one's self. " Don't look at what other people can do, only focus on yourself and your abilities because if you constantly compare, then you are adding to your stress level, which leads to being more physically drained and ultimately leaves you open to experience more seizures." She advises women with epilepsy to educate themselves about their epilepsy and believes knowledge helps alleviate stress as well, "Women need to consult with their doctor, but not rely on their doctor for all of their information. In order to really feel empowered it is essential to take the initiative to learn all you can about epilepsy." --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 52 pages
• Publisher: Lulu Press; 1st edition (December 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1411620194
• ISBN-13: 978-1411620193
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,484,429 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Stacey Chillemi graduated from Richard Stockton College in Pomona, New Jersey, majoring in marketing and advertisement. In the mid-nineties while in college, she began her first book, Epilepsy: You're Not Alone. It was published six years later. Before and after graduation in 1996, she worked in New York City for NBC. Since the birth of her children, she has been a freelance journalist.

She has written features for journals and newspapers. Her articles have appeared in dozens of newspapers and magazines in North America and abroad. She won an award from the Epilepsy Foundation of America in 2002 for her help and dedication to people with epilepsy.

My Web Sites: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/staceychil
http://www.authorsden.com/staceydchillemi

BOOKS PUBLISHED BY STACEY CHILLEMI:

1. The Complete Herbal Guide: A Natural Approach to Healing the Body
2. How to Live Comfortably with Asthma
3. Epilepsy You're Not Alone
4. Eternal Love: Romantic Poetry Straight from the Heart
5. My Mommy Has Epilepsy (Children's Book)
6. My Daddy Has Epilepsy (Children's Book)
7. Keep the Faith: To Live and Be Heard from the Heavens Above (poetry book)
8. Live, Learn, and Be Happy with Epilepsy
9. Epilepsy and Pregnancy: What Every Woman Should Know
Co-authored by Dr. Blanca Vasques
10. Faith, Courage, Wisdom, Strength and Hope
11. How to Be Wealthy Selling Informational Products on the Internet
12. How to Become Wealthy in Real Estate
13. How to Become Wealthy Selling Ebooks
14. Life's Missing Instruction Manual: Beyond Words
15. How To Become Wealthy Selling Products on The Internet
16. Breast Cancer: Questions, Answers & Self-Help Techniques
17. How Thinking Positive Can Make You Successful: Master The Power Of Positive Thinking

STACEY CHILLEMI STORIES AND POETRY HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED IN:

* Chicken Soup for the Recovering Soul
* Chicken Soup for the Shoppers Soul
* Whispers of Inspiration


ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

* Book Signing at Borders in Freehold, New Jersey for Faith, Courage, Wisdom, Strength and Hope" - July 2009
* H.O.P.E. Mentor, for the Epilepsy Foundation
* Speaker at different events for schools, organizations, political events
* Spoke in front of Congress in Washington for employment discrimination for people with epilepsy
* Appeared on four talk shows to discuss epilepsy focusing on the importance of understanding epilepsy, how to help someone having a seizure and giving people with epilepsy encouragement and hope for the future.
* Appeared on radio stations discussing epilepsy
* Appeared on the Michael Dressor Show - Health Radio
* Appeared in newspapers all over New Jersey such as, The Leader, Belleville Post and the Star Ledger.
* June 26, 2002, I was honored an award by the Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey for Outstanding Volunteer Award.
* Received awards in my achievements and certificates in recognition for outstanding efforts in trying to improve society.
* Active participant in organizations and activities.
* Published over 400 articles.
* Author has a dynamic personality and strong public speaking skills.

EDUCATION:

Stockton College, Pomona NJ
* Speaker at different events for schools, organizations, political events
* Associate Degree in Business
* BA in Marketing
* Minor in Advertising

CAREER EXPERIENCE:

* Journalist for The Journal Magazine
* Worked for NBC on Dateline
* Channel 4 News
* Today Show
* Managing Editor for the Fashion Magazine UZURI.
* Own Freelance Company

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, July 20, 2009

By 

PAW - See all my reviews

This review is from: My Mommy Has Epilepsy (Paperback)

This self-published book is riddled with typos, grammatical errors, and childish writing. The illustrations are so amateurish as to be nearly useless in showing a young child either actions or emotions. Unfortunately, it is the only book I've found so far that is directed at young children who have a parent with epilepsy. The other books I saw either are young-adult level or address childhood epilepsy. If anyone knows of a better-quality book on this topic that is aimed at young children, I would like to hear about it.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read, January 25, 2005

By 

Ernest Frost (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Blood Tainted Dreams: The Hunter (Paperback)

I found this book a very easy read, which is important in trying to explain epilepsy to children. To educate children of the disorder is something that might seem like an difficult task, something thats pushed off to the side for a later date. However, with this book, its a task that doesn't look so daunting. You can explain epilepsy to your children in language that they understand.