Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
5.0 out of 5 stars
Editorial Review, February 19, 2008
Author writes to help others deal with epilepsy
Stacey Chillemi keeps a positive outlook when disorder poses challenge
BY KATHY BARATTA
Staff Writer
Author Stacey Chillemi, shown here with her husband, Michael, tries to look on the bright side of life as she deals with the effects of epilepsy.
MANALAPAN - Stacey Chillemi is no stranger to a challenge. Since the age of 5 when a viral infection left her with epilepsy, she has been determined to live a life as full and happy as anyone else.
According to the Epilepsy Foundation of America, epilepsy is a physical condition that occurs when there is a sudden, brief change in how the brain works. When brain cells are not working properly, a person's consciousness, movement or actions may be altered for a short time. These physical changes are called epileptic seizures.
Now, as the mother of children ages 3, 6 and 8, and the published author of fiction and nonfiction works, Chillemi, 34, has accomplished the goal she set for herself following that first grave challenge that came at the tender age of 5. That goal was to enjoy life in spite of her disorder.
Chillemi's previous writings for the national Epilepsy Foundation as well as her nonfiction books that include children's books, made her a prime pick for the newest additions to the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series.
Chillemi's original short story "Shop-ping My Way Out of the Blues" is included in the latest addition to the series, "Chicken Soup for the Shopper's Soul - Celebrating Bargains, Boutiques and the Perfect Pair of Shoes," which joined previous series entries on The New York Times best seller list.
If nothing else, Chillemi's message is one of perseverance and positive thinking, one that says physical or material setbacks are no excuse to buy into a victim mentality.
In an interview, Chillemi looked back and ahead with truth, honesty and a little self-effacing humor, the humor she says helps her deal with the harsh realities of life that beset everyone.
Chillemi said perhaps it was because she never saw herself as handicapped that she did not want to embrace limitations but knew she would have to be realistic and set a list of goals, not a wish list; like when she had to surrender her driver's license after suffering a slight seizure while driving and rely on her friends and family to be her transportation.
6 Oct 2006
I just wanted to write to you and let you know how much you have inspired me. My daughter bought me your book, "Epilepsy Your Not alone." You wouldn't believe all the highlighting I've done in it. It only took me 2 days to read.
In my town in OKLA. Or anywhere close. It is hard to find any support groups.
So I decided to start my own with the help of the Epilepsy Assoc. of OKLAH.
I worked as a LPN for 15 years. I was very involved in my children's activities. Never missed their functions. I was diagnosed in Jan of 2004n and have found this very difficult after being so independent,
I have tried about 6 different meds just minimal help, and side effects are terrible. Two of my EEG was normal; I have had 5 convulsions and once even thought about taking my life. I thought it would make things easier on my family, (expenses, taking care of me etc...) I have been in and out of the hospital
People always asked what caused them. And I can't give them an answer. At this point I would just like them to get them under control.
I would like to feel needed instead of me needed every one else's help so that's were starting a support group came in. I wanted to get information to others just as much as receiving it. At some point in time I would like to be a speaker so the people in our community will understand more.
It is really needed here. One time I had an aura by the mailbox. The cars kept driving by. Finally a car stopped because he thought I might have been run over. (Bless him)
At 45 years of age and have worked since 14 I am going stir crazy. My family has been very helpful. But don't really understand.
Thank you for writing the book.
Article Written By Jenna Martin, Senior Editor 26 May 2006
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."
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1: The History
1. History of Epilepsy
SECTION 2: Learning How to Cope with Your Epilepsy
2. What is Epilepsy?
3. The Brain and Epilepsy
4. When Your Child Develops Epilepsy
5. Types of Seizures
6. Epilepsy Medications and Treatments
7. How to Boost Your Self-Esteem
8. Getting on with your Life
9. Learning How to Love Yourself Again
10. Say Goodbye to Stress and Hello to Happiness
11. Our Dreams Are Our Future
12. Let Your Confidence Be Your Strength
13. Worried, Lost, Confused?
SECTION 3
Glossary
Resources
A Mothers Voice
References
EXCERPT 21 May 2006
Epilepsy Affects Millions of People Worldwide, With More Than Two Million People in the United States Suffering from the Disorder.
Live, Learn and Be Happy with Epilepsy, is targeted for individuals who have epilepsy. Unlike other books on epilepsy, it will focus on the facts of the connection between the mind, body, and spirit as it relates to epilepsy, showing readers how to use that connection to cope with epilepsy.
Individuals of all ages suffer from epilepsy and seizures. People with epilepsy are not the only ones who suffer, family and friends suffer. How would you feel if you walked into the house to find the one you loved or felt close to on the floor with their eyes rolled back and their body shaking uncontrollably? It is something you do not want to experience.
These individuals are yearning to learn more about the disorder that is disrupting their life and they are unable to do it because most existing books on the market approach the subject from the physician's point of view. There is little emphasis made on showing people with epilepsy that you can make changes in your life to live positively with epilepsy.
The following chapters will deal with the mind, body, and spirit connection. The book includes chapters on the role of motivation, self-esteem, and faith. In order to help readers reduce stress and learn how to incorporate epilepsy in their life so they can live with the disorder feeling good about them. This book shows how to create a "personal journal" that combines use of positive imagery, relaxation, meditation, and exercise.
The book will include my own personal experience growing up with epilepsy and how I overcame the disorder. The end of the book will include a section discussing how to keep you in good health emotionally, physically and spiritually. The book helps readers learn that to keep their seizures under control, they cannot just take medicine. They need to keep themselves healthy by eating right, exercising, and sleeping properly. This chapter will introduce readers to techniques and exercises that will help you put the advice of the chapter into immediate practice. The last chapter of the book will include what medical technology has in store for people with epilepsy, discussing new medicines, treatments, and surgical procedures. In addition, the book will include a glossary to help understand medical terms in the book that may be unfamiliar to the reader. Through example and encouragement will offer readers a Live, Learn and Be Happy with Epilepsy, variety of strategies for coping with epilepsy. will present reader Live, Learn and Be Happy with Epilepsy, with a workable program for coping with their disorder and forming a healthy relationship with their mind, body and spirit enabling readers to overcome their disorder and get on with their lives.
EXCERPT 21 May 2006
The techniques in Live, Learn, and Be Happy with Epilepsy, will help the reader build the inner power to do anything or become anything they want in life. The approaches in this book for dealing with epilepsy will enable the reader to reform a better direction in their everyday life of living and dealing with their disorder. Most important, this book shows the reader that they are not alone. There are people here that understand what they go through and support them. This program will help you build confidence in yourself. Once they establish self assurance, the reader will start to see their inner strength boost. When one quality improves, all their other attributes will enhance also. This book will give them the tools to learn how to incorporate epilepsy into their life so the reader can live with the disorder on a positive note. The reader can make life anything they want if they have positive goals to focus on and if they have a good understanding of how to approach them.
This book gives the reader the materials they need to gain encouragement and strength to overcome having epilepsy and being able to live life to its fullest. In this book, we will focus on certain topics related to epilepsy that not many have discussed. One of the main goals in this book is to help the reader recognize that life has much to offer. Life does not have to stop just because you have epilepsy. As mentioned earlier, in this book we will be discussing what people go through emotionally when they have epilepsy. We will be going over different ways to help the reader emotionally, physically and spiritually. The aim in this book is to show readers how to live with epilepsy, empowering them to take responsibility for their life and well-being. Although, I acknowledge how other people with epilepsy feel living with epilepsy-there is a deeper level of human experience that is necessary in order to live with epilepsy. Unlike other books on epilepsy, Epilepsy and You, does not focus on the same subject matter. Instead, it tries to motivate epileptics, urging readers to create their own unique journal by employing psychological and spiritual practices in combination with a variety of more traditional diet and exercise regiments. While seemingly revolutionary, the message is simple: It is important that epileptics learn how to live with epilepsy and endure it. Everything you do and say affects the people around you.
Eventually if people with epilepsy do not learn how to deal with all these issues, they could end up really destroying themselves emotionally, physically and spiritually. One way to prevent this from happening is to develop a lifestyle that is suitable for your own needs. The reader needs to make sure that they create a lifestyle that is going to make them happy over time. They need to be their own designer, creating pathways to a fulfilling future. There is a whole world in front of you. This world has millions of opportunities just waiting for you to encounter. It does not matter what age you are. You can achieve anything you put your mind too.
Authors Bio 21 May 2006
MY ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
I am an H.O.P.E. Mentor, for the Epilepsy Foundation. I have spoken at different events for schools, organizations, political events, I spoke in front of Congress in Washington and anywhere my help is needed to educate people about epilepsy. I was on four talk shows. The interviews focused on the importance of understanding what epilepsy is, how to help someone having a seizure and giving people with epilepsy encouragement and hope for the future.
I have been on radio stations discussing epilepsy and I have appeared in many newspapers all over New Jersey such as, The Leader, Belleville Post and the Star Ledger. In addition, on June 26, 2002, I was honored an award by the Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey for Outstanding Volunteer Award.
I have received awards in my achievements and certificates in recognition for outstanding efforts in trying to improve society. I have been an active participant in organizations and activities. I have been a role model to many individuals.
I have written many published articles. I have appeared three times on News 12 on the talk show New Jersey Women and has had articles written about her efforts to help people with epilepsy. I have contributed time in helping people with epilepsy and making society more aware of the disorder
Books Written and Published :
1. Epilepsy You're Not Alone
2. Eternal Love: Romantic Poetry Straight from the Heart
3. My Mommy Has Epilepsy (Children's Book)
4. Keep the Faith: To Live and Be Heard from the Heavens Above (poetry book)
5. Live, Learn, and Be Happy with Epilepsy
6. Epilepsy and Pregnancy: What Every Women Should Know
Co-authored by Dr. Blanca Vasques.
7. Faith, Courage, Wisdom, Strength and Hope (Poetry Book)
8. Let the love of Life Be the strength of your Soul
9. How to Become Wealthy Selling Informational Products
Review
All my life, I have worked very hard writing books, articles,stories, going to TV interviews, going to Washington to talk in front of congress and doing seminars to help others empower themselves. I refused to let epilepsy to take control over my life. I am determined to overcome any obstacle in my life caused by epilepsy. There is no reason to feel different from anyone else. You have the right to be happy, to live life to it's fullest and enjoy the beauty and love ones that surround us. I'll be honest I did not always feel life this, but I was not going to give up. I was determined to help myself and help anyone who suffered from epilepsy or any disorder or disability. I interviewed over over 400 people with epilepsy. I created techniques, inspirational words to inspire your soul and much more. I even had one women email and she told me that if it was not for my books and my regiments she would have committed suicide. It brought tears to my eyes, but I am so happy that I can help others beside myself.
Della Cruz Anchor/Reporter, Talk Show Host for News 20 Jul 2005
'Life deals us many hard blows that we often don't expect. I admire the fact that someone like Stacey Chillemi was thrown a curve ball that may have knocked many of us down to the point where many of us may not have wanted to get back up, but she did. It wasn't easy but she possesses a determined spirit that won't let her give up. For that reason Stacey will go far and achieve whatever dreams she sets her mind to accomplish.'Della Crew
Kathleen Wells 20 Jul 2005
Stacey was on their talk show New Jersey women sharing her experiences concerning epilepsy and her book.
Asbury Park Press
Published in the Asbury Park Press 06/9/05
BY ALESHA WILLIAMS
STAFF WRITER
Manalapan resident Stacey Chillemi, 33, understands the difficulties inherent in growing up with epilepsy.
Near-death experiences in her early adulthood, such as having a seizure while driving, impressed upon Chillemi the seriousness of her condition.
"My fiance, now my husband, was in the car," Chillemi said. "I realized I could have hurt myself as well as him. I had to accept the fact that I had epilepsy and not hide it from anybody."
Chillemi said she turned to libraries and bookstores to search for answers to her questions about her disorder.
"At that time, all the books about epilepsy were written in medical terminology, so if you were not educated in the medical field, you had no idea what they were trying to explain," Chillemi said.
Chillemi said she published an article asking people with epilepsy to write to her with their stories. She received hundreds of letters from across the United States and Canada and interviewed about 400 people, she said.
"We were all going through the same issues and emotions," Chillemi said. "I learned, "Hey, I can't feel sorry for myself -- I need to do something about it, and try to help others.' "
And so began Chillemi's career as an author, launched in 2000. She since has written eight books about epilepsy, about life and about love, including her latest, "Epilepsy and Pregnancy: What Every Woman Should Know," co-authored by Dr. Blanca Vasques (Demos), due to be published in 2005.
"Basically, in my books I try to focus on trying to help people understand first of all what the disorder is, how to accept it and teach the people in their lives to understand it so it doesn't tear a family apart, how to love themselves and get on with their lives so they can live a healthy and productive life with the disorder," Chillemi said.
In spite of living for 27 years with a condition that keeps some reclusive and anti-social, Chillemi has managed to live by those ideals. She volunteered as a mentor with the Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey and in 2002 won the organization's Outstanding Volunteer Award. She is a featured speaker at schools, organizations and political events and also spoke before Congress with the Epilepsy Foundation in 2004 on behalf of people with epilepsy, she said.
Today, Chillemi lives in Manalapan with her husband Michael, 33, and three children, Michael, 6, Alexis, 4, and Anthony, 2, and said she often is touched by e-mails and letters from readers who say that her books have helped change their lives.
"It's hard to believe that something you wrote helped someone like that," Chillemi said. "It makes me feel very good to give people encouragement, hope, to help them realize that they are somebody -- that they all have a meaning in life and just have to find that destination."
For more information about Chillemi's books, visit www.authorsden.com/staceydchillemi
23 May 2005
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
www.epilepsy.com
|
|
|
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
EXCELLENT BOOK!, June 14, 2005
This book gives the reader the materials they need to gain encouragement and strength to overcome having epilepsy and being able to live life to its fullest.
|
|
|
1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Poorly written, potentially dangerous, February 17, 2008
The author of "How to Get Wealthy Writing Informational Books for the Internet", also the author of this book, should be stopped. The information presented was only minimally specfic for epilepsy and included recommendations for relaxation, self-improvement, diet, exercise, etc. that one suspects will come out from the same author for a multitude of other diagnoses. One of the first recommendations for relaxation was to take a warm bath. Most neurologists warn against taking a bath alone because of the risk of drowning if a seizure occurs. The many grammar and spelling mistakes leads me to believe no editors or spellcheckers ever got near this manuscript. There are many books on the topic that are better than this one.
|
|
|
|
See all Editorial Reviews
