Equilibrium Epilepsy Group - Mission Statement

Connecting Our Community

We understand the importance of building a strong, supportive community for individuals and families impacted by epilepsy. Through our efforts, we aim to create a network where individuals can connect with others facing similar challenges. By fostering these connections, we provide a platform for sharing experiences, offering mutual support, and combating feelings of isolation or helplessness.

Addressing Issues Surrounding Seizure Disorders

In addition to disseminating information, we actively address the broader issues surrounding seizure disorders. We advocate for increased public awareness, improved access to care, and reduced stigma associated with epilepsy. By working to break down barriers and challenge misconceptions, we strive to create a more understanding and inclusive society for those living with epilepsy.

Resourceful, Impactful Information

Access to information and resources is crucial for effectively managing epilepsy. Our group is dedicated to providing comprehensive and up-to-date information about treatment options, support services, and educational opportunities. By arming our community members with knowledge, we support them to make informed decisions and take control of their health.

Empowering Our Community

At Equilibrium Epilepsy Group, our mission is clear: to empower our community members affected by epilepsy. We believe in the power of connection and information to drive positive change and improve the lives of those living with seizure disorders.

“Ultimately, Equilibrium Epilepsy Group is committed to serving as a catalyst for positive change within our community. Through connection, information, and advocacy, we aim to empower individuals affected by epilepsy, providing them with impactful resources they need to thrive.”

— Jenifer, Co-Founder of EquilibriumEG

Meet the Officers

  • Barb Mack

    NON-PROFIT TREASURER

  • David Williams

    CHAIR OF THE BOARD

  • Jeni Williams

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Author, Barbara J. Mack

Author Barbara J. Mack grew up in a loving home on a typical hard working family farm. Her life as she knew it suddenly changed at the age of 20 when a near tragic car accident changed her life forever.

Diagnosed with a seizure disorder when there was little information or support, caused her to lean even more on her tight knit family.

Just as her seizures were becoming manageable, a new wild card was added to her already challenging life when an unexpected pregnancy happened. Barb’s new role as a single mom led to more challenges. But once again the support of friends and family helped her navigate trying times.

Through her whimsical stories of family life and heartbreaking years’ worth of medical challenges, Barb’s story educates and inspires others to better cope with the hand they’ve been dealt.

Click the photo below or copy & paste URL: https://www.amazon.com/Hand-Ive-Been-Dealt-Epilepsy/dp/B0BJ4FV861 to purchase a copy of Barb’s book

The Williams’ Family

Jenifer Williams, Executive Director

Hi, my name is Jenifer! After our son started suffering seizures in 2022, I was inspired to start a blog where I can share his journey to diagnosis and beyond. It was through the connections on that initial journey that brought reprieve for me when it was needed most. Since then, I’ve had the honor of meeting others who are living with epilepsy and together we have been focused on building awareness in both our local and state communities. I have shared my family’s experience with legislators as well as on-air with the local radio stations. We have been in virtual meetups with parents all across the globe.

With the launch of Equilibrium Epilepsy Group, we’ve brought all the best parts about living in Central Minnesota to our programs; fishing clinics with Grandpas, music camp with karaoke fun sing-alongs, picnics and exploration of the State Parks, snowman building competitions and my favorite, walking the Paul Bunyan trail! The best part? Programs are free to register for and have provided by the generous support of donors.

David Williams, Chair of the Board

Hello, my name is David and I am the father of a child with Epilepsy. The road to diagnosis was fast and furious, which I have learned isn’t typically the case and somehow eventually felt thankful it was so fast. Some people go decades without figuring out what is going on with them. There are as many types of Epilepsy as there are symptoms. The variety of symptoms and various types of Epilepsy make it very difficult for most doctors to put everything together to arrive at a diagnosis. We were lucky that the school staff and emergency room doctor had witnessed my son’s symptoms and suspected that it may be Epilepsy. It was enough information to begin this journey. After the Neurologist gave us his diagnosis, I began learning all I could about Epilepsy and found that there is support out there, specialists, and uncovered communities of people that live with this invisible illness everyday.  

It’s a mysterious disease that can change, appear, and reappear at any time. The more stories I hear about how bad it can be the more thankful I feel towards the courageous few that helped us get to diagnosis so quickly. We have the teachers and nursing staff at his school to thank for their vigilance in paying attention to what was happening to our son that fateful day. 

Connor Williams | Journey to Diagnosis

Monday morning on 07 Nov 2022 a school aide observes Connor, having fallen down in the classroom, drooling and looking dazed while struggling to regain after a seizure. The aide called the nurse and Connor was taken to the office where they called me and I came to pick him up. He was asleep when I arrived but bounced back to his regular self quickly, I still brought him home but didn’t observe anything unusual until lunch time - he suffered a second seizure while at home.

I called Dave and he rushed home, then we took Connor to the ER. Connor suffered his third seizure in the MRI and this time it was observed by the medical staff. He was transferred into St Paul Children’s Hospital within a few hours and we stayed for two nights before leaving on the afternoon of 09 Nov 2022 with a benign rolandic epilepsy diagnosis from Dr. Doug Smith.

Click the photo below or copy & paste URL: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/connorwilliams to visit Connor’s CaringBridge journal

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