Brossard Family Fights to Recognize Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) Awareness Day

COLUMBUS- State Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake) announced the designation of October 26th as "Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy Awareness Day." Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) refers to otherwise healthy individuals with epilepsy whose deaths are not from injury, drowning, or other known causes.

“The activism of the Brossard family inspires me. Their work to turn a tragic event into positive change for others is crucial and necessary,” said Rep. Sweeney.

SUDEP is extremely rare and preventable. Because it can be mitigated, individuals should be informed about the risk factors and best practices once receiving an epilepsy diagnosis. Raising awareness about SUDEP will help those affected by epilepsy and their families be better prepared, in turn helping save the lives of Ohioans’.

“Thank you to Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney for understanding the importance of this awareness bill,” said Lou Brossard. “We were not informed about SUDEP by our daughter Brenna's caregivers at any point during her epilepsy journey, which spanned nearly 10 years. We only became aware of SUDEP after her sudden and unexpected passing from SUDEP in 2022. We believe that knowledge is power. And with that knowledge comes heightened awareness, which can lead to potential preventative measures being taken."

After passing out of the House, the state operating budget is now in the Senate and will need to be passed by July 1st.