Jamie Van Cleave - Epilepsy Heroes Day Scholarship.

The family of Jamie Van Cleave is establishing a series of scholarships through direct partnership with universities and colleges for the purpose of continuing Jamie’s mission to destigmatize epilepsy, recognize the individual goals and accomplishments of persons living with epilepsy and seizure disorders, and celebrate their determination and perseverance.

Jamie Van Cleave was seven years old when she was diagnosed with epilepsy. As a young teenager in middle school, she began her advocacy journey at the federal, state, and local levels. Today, after curative surgery, she is living seizure-free pursuing her education and a career in forensic science and law enforcement. Throughout her education her academic achievements were proof to her that her condition had not won, and her advocacy gave her condition purpose.

She has successfully championed, working with Virginia legislators, several pieces of legislation in Virginia focused on creating safety for people with epilepsy and seizure disorders. First, in partnership with another advocate she co-championed Seizure Safe Schools (K-12) legislation (VA SB 420, 2020 & VA SB1322, 2021), and then turned her attention to safety in the workplace (VA HB1178, 2022). Both laws went into effect July 1, 2022. She and her family then worked together to establish a permanent day on the Virginia calendar, Epilepsy Heroes Day (VA SJ 27, 2024) through a VA Senate Joint Resolution.

This follows five years of Epilepsy Heroes Day Gubernatorial Proclamations (2020 – 2024) requested by her and her family, where Epilepsy Heroes are recognized as those living with the condition, as well as those who foster a safer and more inclusive experience; including caregivers, medical professionals, academic institutions, legislators, businesses, and other organizations, school personnel, coworkers, families, friends and anyone willing to learn more about the condition and how to assist in the event of a seizure. Through action together on Epilepsy Heroes Day (March 26th), and all year long, the Commonwealth of Virginia continues to increase public knowledge about epilepsy and seizures.