Saturday, September 25, 2010

Public Service Announcement

I was involved a while back in presenting my "story" to a group called Women in Film. I think I wrote a post about it somewhere, but I just don't remember. What happened is that the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles, of which I serve on the board, won a free public service announcement from this group of incredible female filmmakers. The PSA will air nationally during November, which is National Epilepsy Month, so please be on the look-out for it if you watch television. Hopefully, I'll be able to post it here on the blog as well.

The Epilepsy Foundation of America is having a big shindig this weekend in Long Beach, and as their hosts, our affiliate used the occasion to "launch" the now-completed PSA.

Wow.

It's the most amazing, intense commercial I think I've ever seen. The woman who made it, Katie Davison, introduced it and thanked yours truly for my story, for making her cry and for inspiring her. Sophie and I were at the back of the room, and I cried a little at being thanked. I cried a little more when I watched the rough cut of the advertisement and then a little more when everyone in the crowd stood up and applauded Katie and all the people who worked on it.

During all the hoopla, Sophie had a really big seizure. No one really noticed (and I wanted it that way) but I was tempted for a second to shout out Everyone turn around and look! THIS! This is what it is. You don't need a PSA because you can see this!


But I didn't. I took Sophie and sort of slid out of the room. We got on the highway a few minutes later and sped back toward LA. I cried a lot more, then.

10 comments:

  1. I have no words

    You're not alone. Though I suspect you feel completely alone.

    OK. I guess I have a few words

    xoxoxo

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  2. I'm with Michelle.
    Your spirit is as big as the world. You constantly inspire me and awe me.

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  3. As always, I am in awe of you as a mother of a beautiful girl with epilepsy and two wonderful sons. Under the best of circumstances, parenting is not easy. When all else fails, crying is a good tonic.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  4. I understand the crying. Just when I think things will be okay, they're not. I'm guessing I'll be crying over Katie 'til I die. I wouldn't have it any other way though.

    Sending a hug.

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  5. Oh my goodness. Thank you for sharing your (& Sophie's) story to help people "get it."
    I am so sorry that, as you were deep in enjoying the moment, Sophie had a seizure. But I am sorry about every seizure she has to endure, and I know you only tell us about a fraction of them here.
    I can see why you cried.

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  6. I admire you for being actively involved in the epilepsy cause, for Sophie and for everyone else. Fighting and sharing your story sometimes must not be easy.

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  7. Sometime I just sit and stare at the comment box, this morning when I read this for example.
    Because seriously.

    love to you.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I can't wait to see the commercial. what a huge accomplishment!

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  9. My dad used to tell me all the time that he admired me because "I was a fighter." You are, too. I admire you for it.

    ReplyDelete

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