The Bronson Family
Our Story
My name is Christo-Gail, 36 years old and have been diagnosed with pharmaco-resistant catamenial epilepsy. I am disabled with uncontrolled seizures and my journey began when I had my first convulsive seizure in August 2018. Months passed and I continued to have convulsive seizures. The seizures became more frequent and caused joint injury that led to needing physical therapy. I moved closer to my mother for assistance and support. I have not been able to drive for over 3 years.
In 2023 I was diagnosed with drug resistant intractable focal epilepsy and catamenial epilepsy. I am not able to live alone and my mother took me in. I was initially on Short Term Disability, however I was laid-off within a month of receiving benefits leaving me with absolutely no income. My mother has cared for all of my financial needs up until now. My COBRA payments were over $700 a month. We paid for 18 months and we are now in debt because of it. I did not qualify for Medicaid and other programs in Texas since I am childless and my SSDI is pending an appeal.
My seizures are unpredictable and the most recent seizure (June 23rd) I got out of the bed and stumbled into the kitchen where my mother was preparing lunch. It was a horrific experience for us both to say the least. My mother is 70 years old and had to take a medical leave to stabilize her own health. We have exhausted her short-term disability, her unemployment benefits and she is currently looking for remote work because I cannot be left alone.
We have sought help from community resources and food banks. Unfortunately, in our community we are eligible for assistance once every 12-18 months. We are scared. We are exhausted. We have done everything we can to stay afloat, but we are out of options. Your support, no matter how small, could help us survive this chapter. If you can’t donate, sharing our link would be appreciated. Thank you for reading. 💔
Family Updates
My name is Christo-Gail, I’m 36, and I live in Texas with my elderly mother, who is now also my full-time caregiver. In 2018, I had my first seizure. Since then, my life has been drastically altered by epilepsy.
What began as nocturnal tonic-clonic seizures and absence episodes has evolved into multiple, complex seizure types — some so severe and unpredictable that I’ve fallen and injured myself during episodes.
(The video is of my first experience getting up and moving around while seizing )
Today, I completed an ambulatory EEG. Each test reveals something new.
Epilepsy has taken a lot from me — my health, my job, my independence. I was laid off while on short-term disability and haven’t been able to work since 2022. My mother now stays home full-time to care for me. She’s trying to find remote work, but facing age discrimination and limited options. We’ve used every resource we could to survive.
During this time, we had to pay $700/month for COBRA insurance for 18 months just to maintain access to doctors and medication. Between that, hospital stays, copays, and deductibles, we’ve ended up in significant debt. And while I'm still undergoing testing and actively working with vocational rehab, we are in a dangerous place financially.
We’re currently asking for help to cover:
- 6 months of rent ($2,250/month)
- 6 months of insurance ($200/month)
This support would help us stay housed and insured while I continue navigating treatment and prepare to eventually return to work safely.
I’m doing everything I can to stay encouraged, but I won’t lie — it’s hard. Watching my mother put her life on hold to care for me breaks my heart. I want her to be traveling, living her life. Instead, she has to stay by my side because my seizures are that dangerous. We’ve reached out to every resource we could find, but in Texas, many programs won’t help because I don’t have children.
If you’re reading this, thank you. Your help would mean safety, stability, and a bit of peace after years of crisis. It would mean the world to both me and my mother.
With gratitude,
Christo-Gail