An oceanfront walk, meaningful connections and a shared purpose. Our Walk 4 Epilepsy Monterey Bay brought families, friends and community partners together to raise awareness, celebrate young adults living with epilepsy and remind one another that no one has to navigate epilepsy alone.

What happens when a carefully planned fundraising Gala takes on a life of its own? The answer wasn't found in the program—it was in the unscripted moments that brought our community together and reminded us why this work matters.

Wendy Steel reflects on a year of impact since founding Young Adults with Epilepsy (YAWE) in March 2023: “What began as a vision inspired by my son has grown into a powerful movement fueled by courage, connection, and community.” YAWE’s mission is to empower young adults with epilepsy to build resilience, claim independence, and feel seen. At its heart, the organization works to break down stigma and create a supportive space where openness, safety, and shared experiences thr