February 22, 2022
Jessica Snook passed away on October 30, 2015, at the age of 18.
“Jessica was sweet and loving and all about the present – the past and the future had no hold on her,” said Kathi Snook, Jessica’s mom. “She woke up with a smile on her face (well, most days). She looked for joy in every minute of every day. Sometimes that meant not wanting to do things like homework or chores, but there were plenty of things she loved to do: going to school (mostly for the social aspect), time with friends, playing video games, watching scary movies, and dressing up in a fancy dress and high heels.”
“After Jessica wore her first bridesmaid’s dress and heels for her brother’s wedding, there was no stopping her,” Snook added. “She wore her bridesmaid and prom dresses to birthday parties, to go out to eat at restaurants, and at home for family dinners. Even after a few twisted ankles, there was no occasion too casual for Jessica’s choice of outfit. If we hadn’t drawn some line, she would have worn an elegant dress and heels to school every day. Jessica taught us many lessons in her short life: be yourself – enjoy every day – live in the moment – see the goodness around you – don’t sweat the small stuff (and sometimes don’t sweat the big stuff either).”
With Jessica’s condition, her primary disability was not a seizure disorder; she had cognitive impairment. Jessica’s family did not know at the time cognitive impairment is a risk factor for SUDEP. While having no primary risk factors for SUDEP, she had been diagnosed with a seizure disorder at a young age, also a secondary risk factor.
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