Kelly Cervantes is chairwoman-elect for the non-profit organization CURE Epilepsy, which promotes and funds patient-focused research to discover a cure for epilepsy. Kelly also hosts the podcast/videocast, “Seizing Life,” dedicated to encouraging empathy, hope, and support through personal stories pertaining to epilepsy and a cure for the neurological disorder. In addition to these positions, Kelly also organizes fundraising campaigns, such as the My Shot at Epilepsy campaign that she spearheaded with her husband Miguel, writes a blog entitled “Inchstones,” and speaks at epilepsy events nationwide. Epilepsy was not always a cornerstone in Kelly’s life.

In 2015, Kelly and Miguel welcomed a baby girl, Adelaide Grace, to their family, which already included their son, Jackson. When Adelaide was seven months old, she was diagnosed with epilepsy and eventually, infantile spasms, a severe form of childhood epilepsy. With Miguel starring as Alexander Hamilton in Hamilton: An American Musical the family moved to Chicago and Kelly became a stay at home mom and Adelaide’s primary caregiver. Kelly and Miguel spent three years with their incredible little girl. Sadly, Adelaide passed away on October 12, 2019, five days before her fourth birthday, from an unknown neuro-degenerative condition.

In the interview with our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, Kelly shares the story of her daughter, Adelaide. Heartbroken, but determined; Kelly chooses to celebrate Adelaide’s life each day, fighting for a cure in memory of her daughter. Adelaide would have celebrated her fifth birthday, just four days ago, on October 17, 2020. Even though Adelaide is no longer with us, her journey inspires us to find a cure. Happy Birthday, Adelaide.