Estefania Diaz-Balart of Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood shares personal and professional advocacy during Epilepsy Awareness Month
November is Epilepsy Awareness Month, a time to shed light on a neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. This year, Estefania Diaz-Balart, Vice President of Latin Business Development at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, opens up about her deeply personal connection to epilepsy. As the mother of one of two children diagnosed with epilepsy, Diaz-Balart has become a fierce advocate for awareness and support. Her efforts span both her personal and professional life, as she works to educate others and break down stigmas, especially within the Latin community.
Epilepsy’s impact on a mother’s perspective
For Diaz-Balart, the journey with her child’s epilepsy has been both eye-opening and deeply emotional. “As a mom, my child's epilepsy journey highlighted the critical need for epilepsy awareness,” she shared. A lack of understanding and support compounded the isolation and helplessness that often accompany such a diagnosis.
Diaz-Balart highlighted the importance of connecting with others who can offer both practical and emotional support, noting that hearing stories from those with shared experiences gave her renewed hope during particularly trying periods.
This perspective has deepened her conviction that raising awareness and fostering empathy within society are critical for families dealing with epilepsy. She believes that open communication and supportive networks can transform what often feels like a solitary battle into a collective effort, providing strength and reassurance to those in need.
Leveraging professional success for advocacy
In her high-profile role at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, Diaz-Balart has found a platform to advocate for epilepsy awareness. “My professional success has been a blessing, allowing me to leverage my position to advocate for Epilepsy Alliance Florida, where I serve on the board,” she noted. This role enables her to push for better healthcare access and essential support for people with epilepsy, regardless of insurance status.
During Epilepsy Awareness Month, Diaz-Balart emphasizes the importance of open communication and educational outreach. She noted that November is a pivotal time to educate the public, share personal experiences, and heighten awareness about epilepsy. She stressed that every individual's story holds significance, as one in 26 people lives with epilepsy, and there is always someone who could benefit from hearing these messages.
Estefania Diaz-Balart tackles misconceptions within the Latin community
One of Diaz-Balart’s key missions is addressing the misconceptions and stigma that surround epilepsy, particularly within the Latin community. “Epilepsy carries a strong stigma and misinformation,” she stated. “It’s simply a neurological condition with diverse presentations.” She highlights that education is vital in dismantling negative stereotypes and encouraging inclusivity. “The good news is, you’re not alone! People want to help, and epilepsy can become a powerful teacher of acceptance and inclusivity.”
Ongoing initiatives and events for awareness
This Epilepsy Awareness Month, Diaz-Balart is proud to support the 1 in 26 Club, an initiative by Epilepsy Alliance Florida that holds special meaning for her. She encourages people to learn more about the campaign and contribute, emphasizing that the initiative highlights the reality that about one in 26 people will develop epilepsy at some point in their lives. This statistic, she noted, underscores the ongoing need for advocacy and community support.
Balancing advocacy, career, and family life
With numerous responsibilities as a mother, wife, business leader, and advocate, Diaz-Balart’s life is a delicate balancing act. “A lot of faith and a day-by-day approach is essential for balancing it all,” she shared. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and leaning on a support system. “As mothers, we often strive for perfection, but that’s simply not possible. Lean on your support system—family, friends, teachers, and your faith community. Remember, you don’t have to do it all alone.”
Throughout her journey, Diaz-Balart has relied on various support networks and resources, including the team at Nicklaus Children's Hospital. She explained that, as an advocate, she now works closely with Epilepsy Alliance Florida, relying on their extensive resources and support systems to connect new families within the epilepsy community to the organization's expertise.
Hopes for the future of epilepsy awareness
Looking ahead, Diaz-Balart is passionate about improving society’s approach to epilepsy awareness and support. She emphasized the critical need for increased funding, explaining that with additional resources, valuable therapies and programs could be made more widely accessible, ultimately benefiting a greater number of families affected by epilepsy. Her vision is clear: greater education, support, and acceptance for all families navigating the challenges of epilepsy.
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