2006 Kids Speak Up! Participant Biography

 Jessica Moran

Age: 13
Grade: 8
Hometown: Greenwood, Indiana

Jessica is a congenial, happy-go-lucky, 13 year old who loves to walk competitively. Last summer, she placed first in her age group at three different competitive walk/run events.

She was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 7, and has endured many challenges over the years. Because she has had difficulty finding the right combination of medications to control her seizures, she's missed a lot of days at school and had to give up the one thing she loves the most – tennis.

To control her seizures, Jessica underwent Vegas Nerve Stimulation (VNS) therapy in June 2003. The VNS treatment gave Jessica the jumpstart she needed to participate in physical activities and become involved in school again.

Today, Jessica is a patient ambassador for Cyberonics, the manufacturer of the VNS implant. This year, she is participating in Kids Speak Up! to advocate for people who have uncontrollable seizures. Indiana's statewide newspaper, The Indianapolis Star, recently featured an article about Jessica and Kids Speak Up! at IndyStar.com. 

Jessica feels if advanced medical options were readily available more people would take advantage of the opportunity to lead normal, seizure-free lives.

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