Running toward her future: Ava's triumph after an epilepsy diagnosis

In 2021, when Ava Sallier was just 13 years old, her life changed dramatically. She and her family were on the way back home from a relaxing beach vacation. Ava’s mother, Juanita, a physician assistant at an LCMC Health urgent care, and her father, Dwight, a New Orleans police officer, were in the front seat, while Ava and her younger sister, Avery, were in the back. 

At some point during the drive, Ava began feeling unusually hot and asked her mom to turn up the AC. Her sister, however, complained of being cold and snuggled under her blanket as the air conditioning blasted through the car. Only minutes later, Avery started screaming Ava’s name. 

Juanita sprang into action, her medical training kicking in instantly. She recognized that Ava was having a seizure and immediately pulled over to begin first aid. Dwight, drawing on his training as a police officer, took charge of directing traffic to keep their family safe on the side of the highway while simultaneously communicating with EMS. Not long after, an ambulance arrived and rushed Ava to Children’s Hospital New Orleans. 

At Children’s, doctors ran a series of tests to determine the cause of Ava’s seizure, investigating possible factors like an infection or severe dehydration. All the tests came back normal, allowing Ava to return home, but she was told to schedule a follow-up appointment with a neurologist as soon as possible. 

A few days later, Ava and her family met with Daniella Miller, MD, a board-certified pediatric neurologist and epileptologist at Children’s Hospital New Orleans. Dr. Miller specializes in diagnosing and treating epilepsy in children. After performing an electroencephalogram, a test that measures the electrical activity of the brain, Dr. Miller determined that Ava had Juvenile Absence Epilepsy, a condition characterized by brief episodes of lost awareness known as absence seizures. 

Dr. Miller prescribed an antiseizure medication regimen for Ava, adjusting the type of medication and the dosage until they found an optimal combination. It was a challenging journey that spanned months, but Ava has remained seizure-free since February 20, 2022. 

“We’re going on three years seizure-free, which is amazing,” Juanita said. “Now we see Dr. Miller every six months for monitoring.” 

The initial diagnosis was difficult for Ava, as she had to adjust her life around the possibility of having another seizure. Juanita expressed gratitude for Dr. Miller, who provided expertise and support during such an uncertain time. 

“Dr. Miller was wonderful in explaining to Ava that she could still live a normal life,” Juanita said. “She treated Ava as if she were her own daughter, and she helped our entire family process Ava’s new diagnosis.” 

Once Ava adjusted, she began to thrive. She is currently a Junior at Ursuline Academy of New Orleans where she is an honor roll student, a member of Triumph Music Honor Society, a member of student council, and a member of the track team.  She is also a cheerleader for St. Augustine High School football team.  Ava’s track coach recognized her potential, and through his guidance and training, she recently competed at the state level in the triple jump.  Ava also qualified and competed at the Junior Olympics this past summer. 

“In a sport where every millisecond counts, it is critical that Ava’s seizures are fully under control, and that’s something we’ve achieved by working together as a team,” Dr. Miller said. “As her doctor, it has been inspiring to witness Ava’s journey. Epilepsy doesn’t have to stand in the way of dreams, and Ava is living proof of that. Managing epilepsy is about balance—listening to your body, staying committed to your medication, and knowing your limits. Ava has done all of that beautifully. Her determination to chase her dreams, even in the face of challenges, reminds me why I do what I do. She’s shown that no diagnosis can hold her back from running toward her future.” 

Ava expressed her appreciation for Dr. Miller’s guidance, noting that her experience with epilepsy has given her a new perspective on life. 

“God always has a plan for you,” Ava said. “Even when life seems difficult, you have to give it time and adjust to whatever comes. In the future, things can and will get better. I am now hopeful and look forward to what life has in store for me.” 

For more information about our Epilepsy Center, please visit https://www.chnola.org/services/neurosciences/neurology/programs-specialty-clinics/epilepsy-center/