Marieke

Marieke was born on November 11, 1991, and died on April 30, 2006.

Marieke developed epilepsy as a young child, but for most of her life had it controlled with medication. The week before she died, she had gone to her doctor, who excited her by saying that perhaps they could take her off medication soon, since she hadn’t had a seizure in over 2 years. The last time she had a seizure, it was because she had not taken her medicine for the few days prior. So although the news was hopeful, we continued to remind her to take her medicine. As always, we would ask “did you take your medicine?” and get the sheepish grin that always meant “no.” We’d hurry her off to take her pill and she’d say with a laugh, “I’m not gonna die!”

The next weekend, we went to see her and her brother in their school’s production of Grease. Marieke had determined earlier in the year that she wanted to be an actress. She had starred in two short films and went on to win Best Actress at the 168 Film Festival in 2006. At the same time, she auditioned for L.A.C.H.S.A. (Los Angeles County High School for the Arts) and was accepted. Life was great. She’d spend the week at her mom’s house, busy with after-school rehearsals and preparation. Saturday was hectic and wonderful. After the play, we hugged good-bye. That was the last time I would see her alive.

On the night of April 29th, Marieke came home after the cast party and decided she wanted to take a bath. After hearing the water running for what seemed to be a little too long, her mother checked in on her, only to find her unconscious in the tub. She was pronounced dead at the hospital early the next day.

The autopsy showed that she had no medication in her system.

Marieke is missed by everyone who knew her. There is nothing we can do to bring her back. The only thing we can do is share her story with others and hope that future tragedies are avoided. Ozville is dedicated to spreading awareness, in honor of Marieke. No one should have to lose someone they love to epilepsy.

I've created a personalized page at the Epilepsy Foundation website for Marieke, and if you want to share your story or your child's story, you can create a page for them as well. We need to unite in our goal to, as the Epilepsy Foundation puts it, make sure not another moment is lost to seizures. Heroes Among Us

Kendal
United States

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