Nine-year-old Nova Planter Burgess founded her nonprofit, Seize the Crown, to empower girls living with epilepsy through encouragement, education, advocacy and support. Rashieka Planter Burgess, Nova’s mom and the organization’s executive director, tells us more.
Q: WHAT IS SEIZE THE CROWN’S MISSION?
A: Our mission is to remind every girl that her diagnosis does not define her future. Through Crown Kits, educational resources and community outreach, we help girls build confidence while increasing epilepsy awareness.
Q: HOW AND WHY DID THE ORGANIZATION COME ABOUT?
A: After being diagnosed with epilepsy, Nova experienced firsthand the uncertainty, fear and isolation that many children and families face. Her journey inspired the creation of Seize the Crown so other girls would know they are never alone. What began as one family’s experience has grown into a mission dedicated to replacing fear with hope, confidence and community.
Q: WHO IS INVOLVED WITH SEIZE THE CROWN, AND WHOM DOES IT SERVE?
A: Seize The Crown serves girls living with epilepsy, along with their families, caregivers, educators, healthcare professionals, volunteers and community supporters. While our programs are centered on girls, anyone who believes in our mission is welcome to support and partner with us.
Q: WHAT’S NEW AND EXCITING WITH SEIZE THE CROWN?
A: Our signature crown kit program continues to grow. Each kit includes a weighted comfort bear, a crown cup, affirmation cards and a special crown keepsake created to encourage girls living with epilepsy. We recently celebrated reaching our goal of preparing 50 crown kits and look forward to expanding our outreach throughout the Gulf Coast and beyond.
Q: HOW IS SEIZE THE CROWN HAVING A POSITIVE IMPACT?
A: We believe awareness creates understanding and encouragement builds confidence. Through educational campaigns, community outreach and crown kits, we are helping reduce the stigma surrounding epilepsy while reminding girls they are stronger than their diagnosis and deserving of every opportunity to thrive.
Q: HOW DOES SEIZE THE CROWN EMPOWER WOMEN IN PARTICULAR?
A: By investing in girls today, we help shape confident women tomorrow. We also encourage mothers and female caregivers by providing education, resources and a supportive community that understands the challenges of raising a child living with epilepsy.
Q: WHAT ARE SEIZE THE CROWN’S GOALS?
A: Our vision is to become a nationally recognized nonprofit serving girls living with epilepsy across the United States. We hope to expand the crown kit program, partner with hospitals and community organizations and continue creating meaningful resources that educate, encourage and inspire.
Q: WHAT ELSE SHOULD WE KNOW ABOUT SEIZE THE CROWN?
A: Seize The Crown was built from lived experience and unwavering hope. Every crown kit delivered, every family encouraged and every conversation started moves us one step closer to a world where no girl feels defined by epilepsy. Our message is simple: strong minds — fearless girls.