Update

I wanted to share a note from my sister that she posted on Facebook today. It's one thing to have me tell everyone thanks, but it's different coming from her. I know that it is a heart felt thank you. I hope you enjoy reading it.
To my sister I want to say No thanks was needed. We all did this because we wanted to. I enjoyed it and have learned a lot through it. Keep your head up and keep pushing on. We may not understand why Zac is going through this, but there is a reason. I love you guys and will continue to "be in your corner".


Well, I've let a litte over a week pass since the benefit, in hopes with coming up with some wonderful, eloquent words to thank everybody, but for once in my life I'm at a loss for words. We have been so blessed, in awe of, & overwhelmed by the amount of support from everyone. It seemed fitting that my "thank you" should follow suit in that magnitude, but I just can't come up with anything more grandiloquent than a good 'ol, bottom of the heart THANK YOU! You may think it's cheesy, insincere, lazy, or whatever other synonym you want to come up with, but all I can tell you is, it is what it is....Thanks, thanksgiving, from the most unpretentious place in my heart. I type this with tears streaming down my face....and y'all know I don't let them roll often. We are humbled by your outpouring of love, care, and generosity. Thank you for loving. Thank you for supporting. Thank you for praying. Thank you for giving. Thank you for coming. Thank your for sacrificing a day for our family. The list goes on. Thank you!
I know that the "main event" is over, but this is just the beginning of yet another journey for our family. Our hopes and prayers are that Zac is made healthier by this surgery. However, it doesn't come without risks and new challenges. Please continue to lift us up in prayer. Although so grateful and indebted, no amount of money or number of benefits can replace the power of prayer. I firmly believe it has gotten us through each day of the last 4 years. We are able to cope and parent a special needs child because of prayer. There are books, articles, other people's advice, but it's the divine guidance from the Lord that we rely and depend on. We pray, but sometimes we get tired and weary and that's where the power of your prayer manifests. We're able to push through a difficult time because of you praying. You are our Aaron and Hur, thank you. (Exodus 17:12)
There are so many people and businesses we want to thank for making Seize a Cure for Zac Benefit such a special day for our family. For the event organizers, I'll start with my dear friend Alicia. This was her brainchild. Having the generous heart she has, she saw a need and reached out to our family. From there she reached out to other friends of ours and family to make this a multi-event benefit. Thank you to Karen for organizing the poker run, BBQ, and silent auction. When I list it out like that, it makes it seem like you didn't do much, but you were there, everyday, helping plan the ins and outs and sort out the details. Your passion and determination to help our family is truly amazing and I am proud to call you friend. To a young man that captured my heart and gave me another reason to love being an Ag teacher- building relationships.....Keegan. Thank you for loving me and my family and taking your passion for vehicles and using it as an avenue to help us. Organinzing such an event is an arduous task and you did a wonderful job! Thank you also for securing some big ticket items for auction. You're a talented young man and the future holds great things for you! Next, my sister in law, Angie. Officially, I have to thank you for organizing the 5K, but we're family so there's many other things we're grateful for in addition. Thank you for being an integral part of our day from the 5K to manning the bounceys! Most of all, I'd just like to say I'm proud to call you sister in law and I love you! Last, but certainly not least, my sister Courtney. You did so much to help make this day possible. Securing vendors, Facebook PR, the blog, and probably a whole lot more that I don't know about because you were always careful "not to bother or stress me with the details". Thank you for knowing how important it is to us that people are knowlegable about Epilepsy. I just want you to know I'm proud that you're my sister....and I think I have to best one in the world! Thank you for always being in our corner. I love you!!
Now for everyone else, I fear, no, I KNOW I will leave someone out, so I apologize in advance. Thank you for making June 18, 2011 a special day for Zac and our family: Sunnyside Grocery, Mac's Grill, The Garden Patch, Monkey Mac Boutique, Ransom Note Gifts, Jinger's Showcase, 5 Star Tire & Auto, Piggly Wiggly of Thomaston, Sidney Lee, Allied Amusements, Taylor-Foster Rentals, Phil Johnston, Downey's Trees, Teal's Recycling, Ideal Amusements Inc., Stockbridge Army-Navy Store, Due South Band, Triple Threat, Orignal Cover, UGA Athletics, Pike Depot, Xtreme Rider, Sugarland, R&D Music, Zac Brown Band, Chris Moss, Hunter Price, Premier Machine, Southern Luxury, Quad Graphics, Brad Fallin, & Julie and Danny Bishop. We appreciate how you've helped our family and are grateful for your support!
Check out the pics from the event on my page. Please continue to pray and stay in touch: FB at Seize a Cure for Zac and www.allforzac.blogspot.com.

Until next time.... spread the word, stay tuned, and count your blessings everyday.

Thank You!

I wanted to say "Thank You" to everyone that helped with or came to Seize a Cure for Zac on Saturday. It was amazing! Zac seemed to have a great time. The Poker Run was a huge success as was the 5k. There were children running around having a great time playing games, riding the rides, jumping, eating, dancing, and of course enjoying the dunking booth.

To me that's what it's all about! All of the musicians and the dj did a great job. I had to leave at 4pm to get my 12 month old baby, but from what I have heard and seen, the car show had a great turn out and was a huge success as well. There is nothing more moving than community coming together to help each other.
It made me smile to see some of my sister's life long friends there to support her. To Becky, Alan, and her "bro" Bobby, you guys are the best! Friends like you are few and far in-between. We also had a few other "J-town" people come out. Thank you guys for making that drive.
Zac is blessed with a great support system from his family. I'm so glad that his "Pop" was able to be there.

I had a little project that I meant to bring and give to Zac on Saturday. But, in true Courtney fashion I left it at home. In my defense, Zac had been at my house last week and I hid my "project" in the attic. Why the attic? I couldn't put it in a closet or under a bed with Zac and D around. They spend most of their time in costumes playing in the oddest places. The attic seemed like the safest place. I will be mailing it to Zac today though and will post pics as soon as he gets it.
I've said it a thousand times and will once again.... To Keegan, Angie, Karen, and Alicia... thank you just isn't enough. Thank you for loving my nephew enough to take your time, energy, and money to make a difference in his life.
I will keep the Seize a Cure for Zac page up on Facebook for a while to keep everyone updated on his progress. I will continue the blog with the hope of spreading epilepsy awareness.
To Zac, I love you big bunches little buddy! God is doing big things with you. Be brave and keep smiling. :)

Until next time.... spread the word, stay tuned, and count your blessings everyday.

-Zac's Aunt Court

Friday's Fact Final Week

This is kind of a sad Friday's Fact and a happy one all at the same time. I may post more Friday's Facts as I discover more about epilepsy, but probably not every Friday like I have been. It's a happy week because tomorrow is Seize a Cure for Zac!!! There are so many people that have worked really hard on Seize a Cure for Zac. Alicia, Karen, Keegan, and Angie have all done more than I ever could have. I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart.
I think I'll do an overview today. I've tried to cover a lot on Friday's Fact without overwhelming myself and everyone else. Some of the information may have already been posted and if so, I apologize.
Here's a few epilepsy facts for you.
-Epilepsy is a neurological condition that from time to time produces disturbances in the normal electrical functions of the brain.
-Seizures are a symptom of Epilepsy
-Neurologists, pediatric neurologists, pediatricians, internists and family physicians all provide treatment for epilepsy.
-Epilepsy is NOT contagious.
-In about 7 out of 10 people with epilepsy, no cause can be found.
-The doctor's main tool in diagnosing epilepsy is medical history. Another main tool is an EEG. CT's or MRI's may be used to search for growths or scars. PET imaging is used to identify areas of the brain that are producing seizures.
-A person with epilepsy can help to control their seizures by taking medications as prescribed, regular sleep cycles, avoiding stress, and working with their doctor.
-Epilepsy may be treated with drugs, surgery, diet, or an implanted device refered to as VNS therapy.
Thanks again to everyone that has taken their time and money to help us find a cure for Zac. I want to thank everyone that has kept up with my little old blog. I can't help but think that Zac's illness has a purpose. Maybe my blog is a part of that. I feel like I don't do enough. I live in a different town with 3 children of my own and like everyone else, life gets crazy sometimes. To my sister, my brother in-law, and my nephew, I love you guys. I look forward to seeing everyone come together tomorrow in Zac's honor and hope it will be the start to finding a cure for him.
Until next time.... spread the word, stay tuned, and count your blessings everyday.

-Zac's Aunt Court

Treasure

I wanted to post a quick post. I have had the pleasure to spend the past few days with my nephew Zac. It's been a while since he's spent the night, much less more than one. Somehow they always "forget" his meds.. ;) Maybe they don't want me to "worry" with him in the night... idk. Reguardless, I got some long overdue "Zac time".
I am the type of woman that doesn't need much. No fancy house or car. No $50 makeup. No $400 purse. Just my family and good times. That is what I truely treasure. I have laughed so hard these past few days that my stomach hurts. Let's face it, my tummy could've used it anyway. Zac and my oldest child Dustin are only 8 months apart. They say that they are "brothas from anotha motha". And they truely are. They are two peas in a pod. I've had two batmen/hunters/whatever their imagination could drum up running around in both store bought and homemade costumes for days. Yes, Halloween is all year with these two. We've even figured out a way of making bedtime a fun time when Zac is here. We drag our matress and all the camping gear into the living room and "camp out". Works pretty good. I can keep an eye on him without him realizing it.
My middle child and Zac don't see "eye to eye" as well though. They are both type A people. But they even managed to get along @ Noah's Ark while D was at tutoring today.

I guess my point is that sometimes we all get so caught up in his illness that we forget what a treasure Zac is. It's those silly moments that epilepsy can't take away.
I look forward to many more memories with that crazy child. I hope you'll come out to Seize a Cure for Zac on June 18th in Thomaston for a day of food and fun to help us find a cure for Zac so he can have many more carefree years. As usual, I'll post Friday's Fact for y'all tom!!
Until next time... spread the word, stay tuned, and count your blessings everyday.

-Zac's Aunt Court

Update

I wanted to remind everyone that the benefit for my nephew Zac is this Saturday (18th). Hwy 19 North Thomaston GA. If you are new to the blog go to the bottom of this page and click on Older Posts. "Zac's Journey" is the first post. I want to thank Angie, Keegan, Alicia and Karen. You guys have worked your butts off! I really appreciate everything you have done for Zac and his family.
Please come out and join us for a day of music, food, and fun. There will be something for everyone. Car Show, Poker Run, 5k, live music, kid zone, aution, vendors, and more. We still have bracelets and shirts for sale. If you are unable to come on Saturday, you can donate via the paypal button on this blog or at any United Bank branch. Thanks again, and I hope to see many new and familiar faces at Seize a Cure for Zac!

Until next time, stay tuned, spread the word, and count your blessings everyday!

-Zac's Aunt Court

Reality

I am not usually one to post about every little thing that goes on, but this has bothered me. So.. I thought, what the heck. My two girls Chloe and Kate had a birthday party this weekend. Of course we had a house full of people, grill going, kids running around.... and right in the middle of it all Zac had a seizure. Not only did he have a seizure, but he had it right in front of everyone and 5 ft away from me and his mom. My sister and I were standing in my kitchen talking and he walked in. He walked right behind us to "get something to drink". We didn't hear him fall. Didn't see him fall. But, we heard the "smacking". We both turned and saw him at the same time. I've posted about learning the signs and triggers of someone with epilepsy. One pattern that Zac has is this "smacking" sound. As usual, my sister handled it well. She did everything by the book. But her feeling of "not doing enough" and the fact that it happened right behind us along with the sight of him lying helpless on the floor with so many people around got to her as it would any mother. Why am I posting this? you ask... Well, a few reasons.

First, just to say that this is their reality. I hate that they can't get in the car or go to a cookout or send Zac to take a shower or put him to bed or let him play outside without always having to be on their "P's and Q's".
Second, just to "officially" say to my sister You're doing a great job! Stop beating yourself up! We are proud of how you and Dewayne manage to somehow hold it together.
There are only a few more days until our Seize a Cure for Zac benefit on Hwy 19 North in Thomaston, GA on June 18th. Please come out for a day of music, food, and fun to help find a cure for my nephew. My hope is that one day they can come to a family function without having to worry about Zac's health.

Until next time... stay tuned, spread the word, and count your blessings everyday!

-Zac's Aunt Court

Friday's Fact Week 8

Sometimes when I start researching for Friday's Fact I come across so much information that it can be overwhelming. This was one of those weeks. I finally decided to give you some information on some local support groups and camps for people with seizures and epilepsy. The odds are very high that you know someone that has had a seizure. And my hope is, that this information can help just one person.
The Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia works with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Camp Twin Lakes every year to provide summer camp programs for children with seizures. Camp Twin Lakes is near Winder,GA. It has recently gone through an extensive renovation. Go to camptwinlakes.org for a calendar if you are interested. There is also Camp Carpe Diem. Camp Carpe Diem is a camp that is partnered with Children's Healthcare for children whose seizures are controlled by medication. Both camps are full for 2011, but you may register for the 2012 camp.
There are many support groups in Georgia. I'm going to list a few. If you or someone you know has epilepsy, these could be very helpful.

-Fayetteville First United Methodist
Claudia Woodruff, 404-527-7155
-Middle GA Epilepsy Support Group
Wesley Glin Ministry
4580 N. Mumford Rd.
Macon, GA 31210
2nd Thursday of month @7pm
-Children's Healthcare 6-21
3rd Thursday of month @6pm

I mainly wanted to make the public aware of these resources. I think programs like these are so important for children to realize that they are not alone. I hope this info has been helpful.
We only have ONE WEEK until Seize a Cure for Zac!! I hope you will come out for a day of fun with us! Thank you to everyone for all their hard work, prayers, thoughts, and helping to spread epilepsy awareness.
Until next time, stay tuned, spread the word, and count your blessings everyday!

-Zac's Aunt Court

Friday's Fact Week 7

I'm a day late with Friday's Fact. I apologize. I guess three kids and life in general got in the way this week. Here goes.... this week's fact is.... There are about 300,000 American children living with epilepsy! For some it will be a temporary problem, easily controlled by medication, and outgrown. For others, it may be a lifelong challenge affecting many areas of their life. Children and parents face many challenges. Scholastic achievments can become more difficult and social issues can easily develop. As a parent of 3 myself, my heart breaks to know that there are this many children with epilepsy in America. The Epilepsy Foundation offers educational programs throughout the country to help educate parents, teachers, and caregivers. Some of them are "National Center for Project Access", and "Epilepsy and my Child" (www.epilepsyandmychild.com). "Take Charge of the Facts" also offers seizure training for school personnel. I hope this information is helpful.
We only have 2 more weeks until our big Seize a Cure for Zac event in Thomaston, GA on June 18th! It's down to the wire, and I want to thank everyone that has helped. We'll have a car show, 5k, Poker Run, vendors, live music, food, kid zone, auction, and more. I hope you will come out for a day of fun and help us to find a cure for my nephew Zac. If you are new to the blog please go to the bottom of the page and click on older posts. You can then read Zac's Journey and read his story. Find us on Facebook, listen out for us on local Jackson, Griffin, and Thomaston radio, and check your local Henry, Spalding, Lamar, and Upson County papers.
Until next time.... stay tuned, spread the word, and count your blessings everyday!

-Zac's Aunt Court

Since this post focused on children with epilepsy, I thought I'd post a picture of Zac doing what he does best... being a child and making us laugh. As stated in an earlier post, we believe laughter is the best medicine.