Sophie was born in January 2023, a healthy 7-pound, 13-ounce baby, the first daughter after three boys in her family.

Sadly, she experienced her first seizure at just six weeks old, shortly after receiving her vaccinations. Initially dismissed as normal baby movements, these episodes escalated, with her mother noticing unusual jerking movements and her eyes rolling back.

Sophie’s mum rushed her to the local Emergency Department, where she was admitted for testing.

Despite multiple examinations including a lumbar puncture, the cause wasn’t found. Transferred to Queensland Children’s Hospital for further investigation, Sophie endured more seizures during an MRI, though the scan showed no abnormalities.

Despite the hospital’s suggestion to return to their local hospital, her parents insisted on staying, determined to find answers.

Following an EEG, Sophie received the diagnosis of generalized epilepsy and commenced treatment with Tegratol.

Respite was brief, though, as seizures returned within weeks, which led to repeated calls to 000 and hospitalisations.

The situation worsened after her four-month vaccinations, triggering a prolonged period of seizures and hospital visits.

At this point Sophie was requiring rescue medication multiple times daily, which was stressful and scary for the whole family.

Genetic testing has so far shown no answers but Sophie’s parents won’t give up advocating for her and searching for the underlying cause of her seizures. Sophie continues to defy the odds, growing and learning despite her developmental delays and muscle weakness.

“My Sophie is the strongest lady I have ever met and I am so proud to be her mother,” says her mum. Despite all the challenges thrown at her she continues to show her strength and toughness. She’s a fighter.