
JenVon Cherry on Educating Communities of Color About Epilepsy
12/05/24 • 50 min
In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by JenVon Cherry, who was diagnosed with epilepsy as a child after a traumatic brain injury (TBI.) JenVon is now an epilepsy advocate who founded Epitome of Epilepsy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and support for individuals affected by epilepsy, particularly within communities of color. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Latanya Agurs, former army neurologist and assistant professor of neurology serving as the Pediatric Neurology Residency Program Director at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Dr. Agurs discusses epilepsy and TBI in children, the emotional components of a diagnosis, and resources for caregivers.
We invite you to participate in our listener survey! By participating in the brief survey, you will have the opportunity to enter your name and email address for a chance to win one of five $100 Amazon gift cards.
Additional Resources
This Woman Overcame Tragedy to Educate Communities of Color About Epilepsy
Young Woman Tackles Bullying and Epilepsy
Other Brain & Life Episodes on Similar Topics
Actor Cameron Boyce’s Legacy and Raising Awareness About SUDEP
Tiffany Kairos on Finding Her Voice in Epilepsy Advocacy
Greg Grunberg on Raising Epilepsy Awareness
We want to hear from you!
Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?
· Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206
· Email us at [email protected]
Social Media:
Guests: JenVon Cherry @epitomeofepilepsy; Dr. Latanya Agurs @chlachildneuro
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by JenVon Cherry, who was diagnosed with epilepsy as a child after a traumatic brain injury (TBI.) JenVon is now an epilepsy advocate who founded Epitome of Epilepsy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and support for individuals affected by epilepsy, particularly within communities of color. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Latanya Agurs, former army neurologist and assistant professor of neurology serving as the Pediatric Neurology Residency Program Director at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Dr. Agurs discusses epilepsy and TBI in children, the emotional components of a diagnosis, and resources for caregivers.
We invite you to participate in our listener survey! By participating in the brief survey, you will have the opportunity to enter your name and email address for a chance to win one of five $100 Amazon gift cards.
Additional Resources
This Woman Overcame Tragedy to Educate Communities of Color About Epilepsy
Young Woman Tackles Bullying and Epilepsy
Other Brain & Life Episodes on Similar Topics
Actor Cameron Boyce’s Legacy and Raising Awareness About SUDEP
Tiffany Kairos on Finding Her Voice in Epilepsy Advocacy
Greg Grunberg on Raising Epilepsy Awareness
We want to hear from you!
Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?
· Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206
· Email us at [email protected]
Social Media:
Guests: JenVon Cherry @epitomeofepilepsy; Dr. Latanya Agurs @chlachildneuro
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
Previous Episode

Thriving in the Kitchen with Chef Dan Jacobs
In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by Top Chef contestant and restaurant owner Dan Jacobs. Dan shares his Kennedy disease diagnosis and how despite his symptoms, he found his way to the Top Chef kitchen. He also discusses what led him to pursue a career in cooking and how he is planning for his future. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Chris Grunseich, a neurologist and researcher with a focus on neurodegenerative disorders, working at the NIH in the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Dr. Grunseich explains Kennedy disease and other genetic disorders and how researchers are working to find exactly what patients need to thrive.
Dan Jacobs, Dr. Correa, and Dr. Peters also shared some of their favorite holiday recipes in this episode! See the end of the show notes to learn more.
We invite you to participate in our listener survey! By participating in the brief survey, you will have the opportunity to enter your name and email address for a chance to win one of five $100 Amazon gift cards.
Additional Resources
National Organization for Rare Diseases
8 Questions to Ask Before Undergoing Genetic Testing
Genetic Testing and Disease Resources
Other Brain & Life Episodes on Similar Topics
Aaron Lazar on His ALS Journey and the Impossible Dream
Author Tanita Allen on Existing with Huntington's Disease
Master Chef Christine Ha on Adapting to Life with NMO
We want to hear from you!
Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?
· Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206
· Email us at [email protected]
Social Media:
Guests: Dan Jacobs @chefdanjacobs; Dr. Chris Grunseich @nihgov
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
Recipes
Dr. Peters’ Favorite Turkey Risotto
Dr. Correa’s Favorite Mojo Verde
Dan Jacobs’ Smashed Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
• 6-8 persian cucmbers or 2 large seedless cucumbers
• 1/4C mung bean sprouts
• 1/4C sliced daikon radish
• 1/4C scallions sliced as thin and long as you can
• 1 bunch cilantro roughly picked (you can leave some stem on. The stems are full of
flavor.
• 1/4C dill
• 1/4C roasted and salted peanuts chopped up in a food processor
• 2T chili crunch (by whatever producer. Fly by Jing’s is a nice one.)
• 4T black vinegar
• 1t salt
• 2t sugar
• 1/4C sesame oil
Process
1. Put cucumbers in a gallon ziplock bag. Do not seal them. If using Persian
cucumbers, you will need to chop them in. Thirds and then halve lengthwise.
2. Using a rolling pin or mallet, beat the cucumbers up a bit. The irregular crags and
breaks will hold the vinaigrette perfectly.
3. Mix the chili crunch, black vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and sugar.
4. Mix all ingredients.
Next Episode

Parenting and Writing While Disabled with Jessica Slice
In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, Dr. Katy Peters is joined by author, essayist, and speaker who “writes, thinks, and talks about disability” Jessica Slice. Jessica shares about her experiences as a disabled parent, what inspired her to write her books, and what hopes she has for the future. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Svetlana Blitshteyn, Director and Founder of Dysautonomia Clinic and Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Blitshteyn explains exactly what Ehlers-Danlos, POTS, and Dysautonomia are, how diagnoses are made, and what treatment options look like.
We invite you to participate in our listener survey! By participating in the brief survey, you will have the opportunity to enter your name and email address for a chance to win one of five $100 Amazon gift cards.
Additional Resources
Understanding the Mysteries of POTS and Other Autonomic Disorders
A Swimmer Returns to the Pool After Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Diagnosis
New Research May Help People with Long-Haul COVID-19
Other Brain & Life Episodes on Similar Topics
Understanding Long COVID: What We Know
How Paula Carozzo is Redefining Disability and Advocating for Her Community
How Disability Advocate Wesley Hamilton Became Empowered by Adversity
We want to hear from you!
Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?
· Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206
Email us at [email protected]
Social Media:
Guests: Jessica Slice @jessicaslice; Dr. Svetlana Blitshtyen @dysclinic
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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