Hope and Healing after Focal Cortical Dysplasia Diagnosis: How Neurosurgery Transformed Avie's Life

Avie's Journey Toward a Seizure-Free Life

Veronica and Daniel are the parents of Avie, a cheerful and energetic 6-year-old girl diagnosed with focal cortical dysplasia. This condition affects the left outer layer of her brain and causes her to experience epileptic seizures. In July 2021, Veronica and Daniel met with Valley Children's Healthcare’s neuroscience team to start Avie’s journey to a seizure-free life. 

At the time, Avie would have more than 20 seizures daily, leading to Avie having weaknesses on her right side. During day-to-day life, Avie would sleep most days and had trouble learning basic motor skills as she grew up. Valley Children's neuroscience team believed surgery was the best option for Avie and the best chance to help her take control of her life. During this time Daniel expressed, “I felt helpless, but would do anything for Avie.”  

Both parents kept this mindset, explaining they would’ve done whatever they needed to do, no matter what.   

The Family Turns to Neurosurgery Care at Valley Children's

Veronica and Daniel always knew Avie was in the best hands with the Valley Children’s neuroscience team, especially during Avie’s surgery. Following the successful surgery, the surgeon immediately brought Veronica to see Avie. Veronica and Daniel were told that Avie might not have been able to move her right side, but that didn’t stop Avie. “We were sitting with Avie, and we saw her moving her little fingers on her right hand,” Veronica shared proudly.  

Embracing the Wonder of "Simply Being a Child"

Today, Avie is a bright and strong little girl who always has a smile on her face. Daniel and Veronica share that Avie is always singing, dancing and cracking jokes – and she’s learning to ride a bike so fast she is leaving everyone in the dust. Thanks to Valley Children's dedicated neuroscience team, Avie can embrace the wonder and fun of simply being a child. 

Daniel and Veronica expressed their deepest gratitude for Valley Children’s and the neuroscience team for all the support they received through their journey here.  

“Have trust the doctors are doing everything they can to help,” Daniel and Veronica shared.