Empowering Kids with Epilepsy

Valley Children’s Pioneers Interactive Storytelling

For children living with epilepsy, sharing their experiences can be one of the hardest parts of navigating the condition. Valley Children’s is changing that narrative with an innovative approach that brings education and empathy into classrooms through the power of storytelling.

In partnership with Authorable, Valley Children’s has launched “Room for Friends: A Story to Empower Kids with Epilepsy,” a first-of-its-kind children’s book that gives kids the tools to explain their condition in their own words. Written by local author Susan A. Harder, the book takes readers on an escape room-themed adventure where the child with epilepsy becomes the hero, guiding classmates through challenges while weaving in personal experiences.

“This book is designed to spark safe, open conversations with kids’ classmates about epilepsy, reducing stigma and encouraging empathy. They want others to understand them, so they don’t feel so alone, but often don’t know what to say or how to say it, especially when it comes to their peers,” said Caitlin Bernard-Vincent, program manager for Valley Children’s Guilds Center for Community Health.

The interactive format sets “Room for Friends” apart. Each copy includes sections for children to add their own words and stories, making the book deeply personal and empowering.

“This book is different because it’s really interactive and it allows kids’ words to be anchored and shared with the people that matter most,” said Harder.

Valley Children’s is the first hospital in the nation to adopt Authorable’s “By Kids, For Kids” storytelling model. This debut title is just the beginning. The project will expand into a series highlighting the voices of children living with various medical conditions. The goal: foster inclusive learning environments, strengthen peer connections and build community understanding.

“Epilepsy is not a condition that’s readily talked about. People are naturally scared of what we don’t know. The way that this story came about was having the experience with our patients and families over the years in the clinic and recognizing we offer wonderful care here at the hospital, awesome care in the clinic. There was something missing between the clinic and the community,” Bernard-Vincent explained.

For kids like Eileen who live with epilepsy, the book has already made an impact.

“Okay, I’m being completely honest here, but one of my biggest fears is sharing about it,” she said.

Through “Room for Friends,” Eileen found a way to open up — and discovered she wasn’t alone.