Jaymie Lynn Robertson Memorial Fund

By: Belinda McIsaac (Jaymie-Lynn’s Mother)

It was a shock for our family when our ray of sunshine, Jaymie-Lynn, was diagnosed with epilepsy in September 2009. The diagnosis came after she experienced a tonic-clonic seizure while living in Brooks, Alberta. Little did we know at that time the journey we were about to embark on.

Jaymie-Lynn was an amazing child who loved swimming, lifeguarding, dancing, music, socializing, and movies. She was an avid animal lover and pursued this passion by studying the veterinary assistant program. Jaymie-Lynn was known as “Miss Hollywood” because she loved having her photo taken. Despite her epilepsy diagnosis, she never allowed it to slow her down or stop her from living life on her own terms. While there were challenges such as loss of freedom, discrimination at work, and ongoing doctor’s appointments, she still managed to enjoy swimming, snowboarding, and other activities.

Prior to Jaymie-Lynn’s passing, we had not heard of SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy). Unfortunately, she passed away on October 5, 2011, at the young age of 23, due to SUDEP. Her death was devastating for her family, friends, and extended community networks. Jaymie-Lynn had always wanted to be an advocate for people living with epilepsy, and her death has left a legacy of support, awareness, and advocacy.

Jaymie-Lynn lived by the motto “be the change you want to see in the world,” and her death has become a catalyst for her community to be that change. She started this legacy with four simple words: “raise $ for epilepsy.” As her family and friends, we intend to honor her words and continue her legacy.