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2005 Kids Speak Up! Participant Biography

Kids Speak Up! logoJessica Packer

Age: 8
Grade: 2
Idaho Falls, ID

"I want other kids to know that even though I have epilepsy, I can do all the things my friends can do. I am no different."
- Jessica

Jessica Packer is a charming, determined, 8-year-old with a compelling story. Despite her seizure disorder, Jessica is a normal child who enjoys riding her bike, jumping on her trampoline and doing gymnastics.

In April 2003, she had her first grand mal seizure. By the end of that year, her seizures were more frequent, and treatment therapy with six different medications proved unsuccessful. Jessica's parents explored additional treatment options, finally opting for the ketogenic diet. Today, with assistance from the special diet, Jessica is seizure-free.

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