Mile 30
Ava Sallier. 17 years old. Neurology/Epilepsy.
Mile Sponsor: Dr. Daniella Miller
In 2021, 13-year-old Ava Sallier was returning home from a beach vacation with her family when her life changed in an instant. Feeling unusually hot in the car, Ava asked her mom to turn up the AC. Moments later, her younger sister Avery screamed her name—Ava was having a seizure. Ava was rushed by ambulance to Manning Family Children’s, where a team began searching for answers.
After several tests ruled out infection and dehydration, Ava was referred to pediatric neurologist Dr. Daniella Miller. An EEG revealed the diagnosis: Juvenile Absence Epilepsy, a form of epilepsy that causes brief lapses in awareness. With care and patience, Dr. Miller helped find the right medication regimen for Ava, and by February 2022, she was seizure-free. “We’re going on three years without a seizure,” Juanita said. “Dr. Miller has been such a blessing to our family.”
With her condition under control, Ava returned to life with confidence. She’s now a junior at Ursuline Academy and an honor roll student, student council member, and cheerleader. She also competes in track and field at a high level, recently making it to the Junior Olympics. “Epilepsy doesn’t have to stand in the way of dreams,” said Dr. Miller. “Ava’s journey is proof that with the right care and mindset, anything is possible.”
Now, Ava embraces her journey and looks to the future with optimism. “God always has a plan for you,” she said. “Even when life is difficult, give it time. Things can and will get better.” Ava is an avid runner herself and hopes to qualify for the Junior Olympics this summer in track & field!
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