A Cause Close to Home: How CJ Daniels Is Using His Platform to Change the Conversation on Epilepsy
For many families, epilepsy is a medical condition — but for the Beavers family, it’s personal. From childhood fears to community-wide impact, their journey through epilepsy has shaped not only their lives but also the mission of Angels of Epilepsy.
This November, as the world recognized Epilepsy Awareness Month, CJ Daniels — Vice President of Angels of Epilepsy and standout receiver for the University of Miami Hurricanes — brought that mission to the forefront in Coral Gables, Florida.
Seeing a loved one have a seizure is frightening at any age, but for CJ and his older brother Cameron, it became a part of growing up. Their mother, Natalie Beavers, was diagnosed with epilepsy at age five after a high fever led to convulsions and ongoing neurological challenges.
CJ remembers those moments vividly — and the resilience his family showed in the face of uncertainty.
“It was definitely scary. Definitely,” he said. “Seeing a seizure and being a caregiver … my life was a little different from other kids.”
That early experience influenced CJ profoundly, shaping not just how he cares for his mother, but how he advocates for families living with epilepsy.
Turning Personal Experience into Purpose
Throughout his college career — first at Liberty, then LSU, and now at Miami — CJ has been vocal about epilepsy awareness. His platform isn’t just about visibility; it’s about education and community empowerment.
In November, CJ and his family hosted an Epilepsy Awareness Health Summit at the Schwartz Center for Athletic Excellence on the University of Miami campus.
The event brought together medical professionals, epilepsy advocates, patients, caregivers, and community members to:
Share crucial information about seizure first aid
Discuss available resources for those living with epilepsy
Provide connection and hope for attendees
And while the atmosphere was educational, it was also deeply personal — filled with stories, support, and shared experiences.
Reaching Out — From the Field to the Hospital
CJ’s impact didn’t stop at the summit. Later in the month, he and his mom visited young patients at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, bringing joy, encouragement, and a message of hope to families facing neurological challenges.
These moments reinforced what Angels of Epilepsy has always stood for:
Connection
Support
Practical resources
No one fights alone
It’s one thing to learn about epilepsy in a textbook — it’s another to see how laughter, community, and advocacy can transform a family’s day.
Angels of Epilepsy — A Mission with Meaning
Founded in 2008 by Natalie Beavers, Angels of Epilepsy has grown from grassroots community support to a national, and even international, force for epilepsy awareness. Through events like the Health Summit and partnerships across states, the organization:
Subsidizes epilepsy medication with discount and gift cards
Provides medical ID bracelets and necklaces
Offers transportation support for patients who can’t drive
Provides educational outreach and seizure first-aid training
Creates community events with medical professionals and advocates
Their work helps people know they are seen, supported, and not alone in this fight.
Looking Ahead — Awareness and Impact
CJ hopes that Epilepsy Awareness Month and the symbol of the purple ribbon become as recognizable as other major health campaigns — a beacon of understanding, acceptance, and support.
His work with Angels of Epilepsy has already made a meaningful impact — educating peers, empowering families, and reminding the community that every story matters.
You’re Part of the Story, Too
Stories like CJ and Natalie’s show us that advocacy isn’t reserved for experts — it’s born from lived experience, empathy, and a commitment to making life better for others.
Want to learn more or get involved?
👉 Contact Angels of Epilepsy or explore upcoming events and resources to continue the conversation and support families affected by epilepsy.
ANGELS OF EPILEPSY
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