2006 Kids Speak Up! Participant Biography

Lynzi Rideout

Age: 5
Grade: Kindergarten
Hometown: Winn, Maine

 

Lynzi Rideout is only 5 years old and she's already had to try eight antiepileptic medications and have a vagus nerve stimulator implanted. And, to add to her already hectic life, she's forced to travel seven hours to Boston every time she has to see her neurologist. To say the very least, her and her family's experiences with epilepsy have been pretty overwhelming.

So, why the seven hour car ride? According to Lynzi's mother, Emily, there is only one pediatric neurologist in Maine who would accept their insurance. When Lynzi's seizures continued, they needed more options so they started going to Boston for neurological care. This has inspired Lynzi and family to make the trip to Washington, D.C., to discuss epilepsy issues with their congressman and senators.

"Epilepsy is a medical problem, not a reflection on the person," said Lynzi's mother, Emily. "People with epilepsy are smart, funny and have potential - just like Lynzi."

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