Submitted by Rud Verma
Our 15‑year‑old daughter, Sasha, has been selected to represent Australia in an All Abilities dance team competing at the World Cheerleading and Dance Championships in April 2026 in Orlando, Florida. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and something Sasha has worked incredibly hard for through the Madeline Stuart Dance Company. Reaching this level, despite the many obstacles she has faced due to her disabilities, is an extraordinary achievement.
Sasha began having seizures the day after her 4th birthday and was diagnosed with epilepsy. Medications weren’t controlling the seizures, and after extensive testing, doctors recommended neurosurgery. Although her surgery was scheduled, it was cancelled just days beforehand due to a brief break in seizures, despite our concerns that her seizures always returned, which they did on the day she was supposed to have surgery.
After further unsuccessful medication changes, her neurologist approached us again to put Sasha back on the surgical list. While we were seeking a second opinion, we were told we could continue or proceed with surgery. At 5 years old, Sasha underwent neurosurgery to remove the seizure‑causing area of her left frontal lobe which was slightly larger than a 50 cent piece. The surgery was successful, leaving her seizure‑free and off medication. However, the removed brain tissue resulted in speech impairment, learning delays, ADHD, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder and Executive Function Disorder. Her strong physical recovery also meant she didn’t initially receive the rehab support she needed, leading to further advocacy intervention on our part.
Once seizure‑free, Sasha wanted to try Rhythmic Gymnastics, as her dance studio required several years of ballet before exploring other styles. She loved gymnastics and performed well, but after two years, her seizures returned. As she was older, the impact was even harder and she had to give up gymnastics due to safety concerns, despite competing successfully.
Sasha was placed back on medication, this time two medications at a time rather than four, but alongside her epileptic seizures, she began experiencing non‑epileptic seizures caused by trauma, stress and anxiety. She returned to dance to fill the gap left by gymnastics and embraced styles including Lyrical, Jazz, Broadway Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap and Ballet. She competed in All Abilities teams, solos, and even some mainstream categories, achieving great success.
Over the years, her seizures became controlled with medication, but the non‑epileptic seizures required emotional and cognitive retraining. Her dad, Chris, with a background in psych nursing, worked closely with her to help manage triggers. It has taken years, but Sasha now only experiences non‑epileptic seizures occasionally, remains on high‑dose epilepsy medication, and takes additional medication for anxiety.
Given everything Sasha has endured and overcome, her achievements are truly remarkable.
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Elissa O’Donohoe (Sasha’s mum)
