Submitted by Ava’s Mom, Vera T. from Cork, Ireland

My daughter was seven when she started medical Cannabis. We are from Cork, Ireland, dealing with Dravet Syndrome (intractable drug-resistant epilepsy).

The challenge Ava faced

She was enduring hundreds of daily seizures of all types, from absence to full tonic clonic seizures. Ava was suffering terribly and we felt lost and in despair. Until we began to hear the success of other parents, predominantly in the USA at the time, using medical Cannabis to control seizures for their children. We somehow had to get access to this form of treatment for Ava.

We spent seven years going through the pharmaceutical options with Ava

Medication after medication failed, side effects affected speech balance and did not control seizure activity. Eventually, we were told there was no option other than revisiting all the medications that had already failed, which made no sense whatsoever. 

We began using CBD oil we purchased ourselves in October 2016 and for the first time in Ava's life the seizures stopped for thirteen consecutive days. This was to us a miracle and from that moment forward, it was clear that whatever we needed to do would have to be done to get consistent and prescribed Cannabis based medication for Ava. It clearly worked and we could see our child beginning to blossom with the CBD oil.

Paige Figi's journey for Charlotte inspired me

As Charlotte had the same diagnosis as Ava. Charlotte Figi's journey came to our attention in 2016 and we saw hope. We sought a prescription for medical Cannabis in Ireland and were flatly refused and written off and distressed parents clutching at straws.

The stigma in Ireland was extraordinary surrounding Cannabis

But to be frank, we had at this point witnessed Avas' seizures come under control with, firstly CBD alone and later THC. Although I was initially viewed with pity, I believe as someone who could not accept that there was no hope left for Ava after a time people began to recognise the evidence and began to see that what we were looking for Ava was a real possibility to help her.

We left the country in 2017 and moved to the Netherlands to consult with a neurologist to begin the initial prescription. We were not allowed back to Ireland with Ava until we had the script. We had to stay there for seven months. There are a lot of articles and videos, etc about our journey online

 I have spoken in the European Parliament about Cannabis, also the UK Parliament committee, and of course, here in Ireland.

Before Cannabis, Ava’s seizures were out of control After Cannabis, Ava was able to walk and began to verbalise, and sing little songs

We spent up to six months of every year in the hospital with her due to seizures. Her speech was impaired, mobility was limited. Every day, incorporated seizures and pain.

After Cannabis, Ava was able to walk and began to verbalise, and sing little songs

She was able to go to school and lead a life that included fun and friendship. Between October 2016 and February 2023, Ava was not admitted to the hospital, in an emergency, and that is because of medical Cannabis. Ava became unwell in March 2023 and passed on May 27th, 2023.

We love her and are grateful for every wonderful moment with her and the years of joy Cannabis allowed her to have.

This is Ava’s personal story and not meant to be medical advice. It is for informational purposes.

To work with a medical Cannabis professional, please visit our directory of coaches, educators, and medical professionals. Everyone's Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is different; good results start with the right approach. You don't have to figure it out on your own.

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