For most parents, the early months of their baby’s life are filled with joy and discovery. For Luigi’s parents, however, they were marked by fear and uncertainty. At six months old, Luigi began experiencing severe seizures that wouldn’t stop.
“We were told he might never walk or talk,” Luigi’s mom Griselda recalls. “It felt like our world was falling apart. But we decided: we’re going to fight for him.”
That decision led them to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where a team of specialists developed a plan that would give Luigi a chance at a better future. The Brain Institute at Nicklaus Children’s became the family’s lifeline, offering compassionate care and innovative treatments that reduced Luigi’s seizures and improved his quality of life. 
"Epilepsy can have a profound impact on a child's development, especially when it starts so early in life and is so severe. When treating children with this condition, we do more than simply control the seizures. We strive to create a healthy future for children with epilepsy so they can unlock their full potential," explained Dr. Matt Lallas, pediatric neurologist with the Nicklaus Children's Hospital Brain Institute.
Luigi was eventually diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy. Genetic testing revealed a specific mutation in an ion channel gene that shaped his care plan, allowing for targeted medications, and therapies to help him build motor skills. His parents marveled at how the team worked together, addressing every aspect of Luigi’s needs.
“When we go to an appointment, it’s not just the neurologist,” his mom says. “It’s a team—genetics, psychology, nutrition, and more—working together to help my son. That level of care is why I drive an hour to Nicklaus Children’s in Miami for Luigi’s care even though there’s a hospital just three minutes from my house,” said Griselda.
Now 11 years old, Luigi has made remarkable progress. Though he still faces daily challenges, he is walking with assistance, swimming, and learning—all things his family once feared might never happen. For his mom and dad, seeing Luigi thrive has only fueled their determination to create a better future for him and for others.
The family has opened a Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) facility in Coral Springs, dedicated to children with special needs. It provides a safe space offering therapies and support for families navigating similar journeys. “When Luigi was diagnosed, I had to fight for him,” his mom explains. “Now, I want to help other parents to make impact and fight for their children, too. There’s always hope, even when the diagnosis feels impossible.”
Luigi’s story is one of resilience—not just his own, but his entire family’s. With the support of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, they have transformed heartbreak into hope and are creating a legacy that will impact countless others.
To learn more about how Nicklaus Children’s supports children with epilepsy and other complex conditions, visit nicklauschildrens.org/Brain.
