The MüV Florida & JoshProvides Partnership

Andria Bilan, Traci Smullen, and Sandi Chapnick

Epilepsy is an insidious disorder that impacts over 400,000 people in Florida alone. Without warning, it can strike anyone, anytime, and leave a person dazed and disoriented, or even result in Sudden Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).  

“Our son Joshua passed away at the age of 28 in 2008 from a fatal head injury as a result of a seizure,” says Sandi Chapnick. “In his memory, we founded JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation to help families who have a loved one diagnosed with epilepsy. We specifically wanted to help young adults navigate the challenges such as transportation (you are prohibited from driving until you are seizure-free for six months) and the cost of anti-seizure medication.”  

One way to treat seizures is with medical cannabis, which is produced by companies like Sarasota’s own MüV Florida. A dispensary manager, Lindsey Marini, discovered she had epilepsy after suffering a seizure in college. “It became clear that traditional anti-seizure medications were not going to be my ultimate answer. The medications never really controlled my epilepsy completely, and the side effects had me feeling uncomfortable and not myself.” 

She turned to MüV products that now manage her epilepsy well and have improved the quality of her life. “I trust in MüV products,” she says. “They’re life-changing and truly amazing.”

Traci Smullen, Director of Community Relations, whose husband Michael Smullen, co-founded MüV Florida, and Board of Director Officer for JoshProvides, explains that “epilepsy has been near and dear to my heart since my stepdaughter, Kayla, had her first grand mal seizure at age 2, sitting in my husband’s lap, almost 20 years ago. My awareness of the impact epilepsy and seizures can have on not only the diagnosed person, but also those who care for and love that person as well, went way up, starting on that fateful day.”

Smullen notes that traditional medication works well for many, but the efficacy varies, and the side effects can be devastating. “I am so grateful for the open mindedness and bravery of those who have pioneered to create the quality and natural alternative of medical cannabis for epilepsy patients,” she adds. “We have worked hard to create a plethora of options in our MüV Florida medical cannabis line of products and precise delivery devices to help those suffering from seizures.”

The CEO of JoshProvides, Andria Bilan, notes how “epilepsy is a ‘hidden disorder’ that people just don’t talk about, even though 1 in 26 people will have a seizure in their lifetime. Due to myths and misconceptions, families combat the social stigma and are therefore socially isolated.” JoshProvides offers a monthly Epilepsy Support Group to combat this isolation, in addition to offering client assistance with seizure-alert devices, transportation, and medical services. JoshProvides also partners with community organizations, medical professionals, and businesses such as MüV Florida to present treatment options to families. 

Smullen says, “MüV Florida strives to provide and expand upon the best quality medical cannabis line of products for Sarasota and all of Florida. We continue to not only create clean and safe access for those who walk through our dispensary doors, but also grow in our knowledge of the cannabis plant and the potential for relief it brings to many who suffer from seizures.”

The work by Smullen and others at MüV Florida has only just begun. “There is much to learn,” she admits, “but we will be leaders in the discoveries of just how big an impact medical cannabis can have on the lives of those attempting to fully live with epilepsy.”

Bilan, Andria

CEO

Chapnick, Sandra

Co-Founder

JoshProvides Epilepsy 

Assistance Foundation

5428 Sundew Dr, 

Sarasota, FL 34238

800.706.2740

info@joshprovides.org 

joshprovides.org

Smullen, Traci

Co-Founder/ Director 

Community Relations

MüV Florida

1451 Global Court, 

Sarasota, FL 34240

altmedflorida.com