The Legacy Bridges Foundation, Inc.
The Legacy Bridges Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established to support individuals, families and caregivers of those living with the disease of Epilepsy, the incurable neurological disorder in which abnormal brain activity causes seizures or other unnatural behaviors.
We have taken a stance to spread the word of the disease that is affecting millions of lives, to bring hope to those suffering, and partner to find a cure. Our organization is here to offer the Epilepsy community a place of refuge, and tools and resources necessary to maintain a conducive quality of life.
Champion Spotlight
Legacy Bridges "Champions" are extraordinary individuals and organizations dedicated to making a significant impact in our community.
Brianna Bodley
Brianna Bodley is a 7-year-old girl who is living life with just half a brain due to a rare brain disease Rasmussen's encephalitis. There are only about 500 cases worldwide. She was having nonstop focal seizures all day long. Her family tried numerous medications and treatments, but nothing stopped them. On 9/28/23 Brianna had a lifesaving hemispherectomy surgery to disconnect half her brain to stop the spread of the disease to the other side of the brain. This procedure left her with permanent left side weakness and lose of function in her left arm and hand.
After surgery Brianna had to learn how to eat, sit up and walk all over again with the help of inpatient physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy. Despite having half a brain, Brianna is just like any other child, and she lets nothing stop her from accomplishing her goals. She still runs and jumps around with friends and does flips into the family swimming pool. She's even a great swimmer with just the use of one arm.
"We share her story so we can spread awareness and its reached so many families and helped them understand there is hope after a hemispherectomy surgery." - Crystal, Brianna's Mother
Brianna continues to amaze us every day with her progress after surgery. She recently started 2nd grade and is trying her best! Her family works diligently with her on reading, and she is now able to read four books all by herself. Brianna is a loving, happy and silly child, and a true epilepsy champion!
The 3 Pillars of Our Work
Featured Resources
FILM
What the EF
What the EF is a podcast that chats and chuckles at the ridiculous, poignant, heartbreaking, and funny moments that happen with epilepsy. By adding laughter to the conversation, people can connect, lower their guards, and open themselves to vulnerable discussions.
Available on:
YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, & Audible
PODCAST
Under the Lights
Our dear friend, Writer & Director Miles Levin's short film Under the Lights, is the story of Sam, a boy with epilepsy, so desperate to feel like a normal kid, he goes to prom knowing that the lights will make him have a seizure. Cinema has historically stigmatized and ignored people with epilepsy, and Miles' shares his personal story in a way that all can connect.
BOOK
The Life Heist:
Journey of a Childhood Robbed by the Unknown
A compelling story about one of our champions. Written by our Executive Director, Melanee A. Stovall under the pseudonym L. Bridges. Available on Amazon, Apple iBooks & GoodReads