As a Client Services Officer at Epilepsy Queensland I understand that the festive season is no different from any other time of the year; epilepsy knows no boundaries - seizures are unpredictable and there is always someone who needs support. It is heartbreaking for a parent to answer the question...will Santa be able to find me in hospital?

If I could have one wish come true this Christmas, it would be for a seizure free world. You can share my wish by donating to Epilepsy Queensland's Christmas appeal but, first I would like to tell you about my little angel Bella.

In 2003 we had our first Christmas with our new baby girl, Bella, and I knew something was very wrong with our beautiful child. From 8 months of age Bella had begun having 50 to 100 seizures per day; not controlled, not medicated, and for two and a half years of constant doctors' appointments her condition remained undiagnosed. Life became a blur. No one seemed to listen to me, help me, or understand what was happening to Bella when her little body went into a seizure. I felt totally helpless. One time I was told that I was an over-protective mother! If only someone had told me about Epilepsy Queensland.

After two and a half long years, Bella was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. At last, somebody had listened to me and life suddenly became tougher.

Imagine being told that your child will be in a wheelchair for the rest of their life and that their life would probably end before they reached puberty

I felt lost, alone, overwhelmed, devastated, guilty and I was left without support. My husband couldn't get any more time off work and I had to give up my career. Bella's sister Grace was struggling with the unpredictable nature of epilepsy and it was, and, still is, distressing to see her cry in fear for her little sister when she is having a seizure. It is frightening and so many people don't understand what is happening.

It was time to focus and my mission to become an advocate began! I didn't want anyone to feel the way I did, or be alone. I asked questions, researched as much as possible, then a position became available at Epilepsy Queensland for which I applied. It was my calling, it was what I needed to do and I knew I could bring something to the position.

I love that I can now help people who are experiencing the same difficult, painful and often lonely journey - not only for the person with epilepsy, but also their loved ones. It feels like we are all friends on the same path - we struggle with the everyday burdens, we laugh to help stay positive, and we cry.

When someone contacts Epilepsy Queensland it is a real turning point in their life and I'm passionate about putting families in contact with other families, especially through our regional support groups. It's a big state and we are the only Queensland based epilepsy service provider - our days are busy to say the least.

We have so many positive responses to the cruicial services we provide, but the need has become greater than we can currently meet. There is so much to be done and without your support, we would struggle as would those who may not be able to access our services. Therefore please give generously, make a wish, and feel good this festive season knowing that you are helping to reach out to more people with epilepsy.

On behalf of all my wonderful colleagues at Epilepsy Queensland, we wish you and your family good health and peace this festive season.

Warmest regards

I AM POEM by Grace

I am active and kind
I wonder how bad my sister's epilepsy is
I hear the laughter of a tiger cub
I see an imaginary castle with a princess
I want to be a princess
I am active and kind
I pretend I'm a princess
I feel like I'm on an imaginary unicorn
I touch an imaginary tiger
I worry about my sister's epilepsy
I cry when my sister has to go to the hospital by ambulance
I am active and kind
I understand that Jesus died on the cross for me
I say epilepsy is a kind of happiness
I dream that I will be Queen of the world
I try to win in cross country
I hope one day my sister's epilepsy will go away
I am active and kind

PS. My Bella is now 8 years old. We cherish every Christmas we have together and I'm very much wishing for a seizure free festive season. By sending your donation today you will be helping those who also are wishing the same.