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Mar 21, 20234 min read
Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word
You can say it. You can tell me, “I’m sorry you’re no longer a lawyer.” Just yesterday, someone messaged me about my book. She was...


Mar 14, 20233 min read
Perfect
While I didn’t sign up for them, a while back, daily inspirational quotes started showing up in my inbox. I absolutely love them. And if...


Feb 28, 20234 min read
I Hope You Dance
My girl’s a dancer. It was all I could think as she moved to the music in her gold and black sparkly outfit. With her little tan jazz...

Feb 27, 20232 min read
2023 Bismarck Brain Walk
And that's a wrap on the 2023 Bismarck Brain Walk! On February 22nd we celebrated World Encephalitis Day around the globe and...


Feb 21, 20232 min read
Encephalitis Day ND
JM Stebbins friends, this is NEWS if we've ever had it! February 22nd is World Encephalitis Day ... AND, thanks to Governor Doug Burgum,...


Feb 13, 20231 min read
ND Governor Declares Encephalitis Day
There you have it JM Stebbins friends -- the announcement I've been dying to make for a few weeks now! If you saw my segment promoting...

Feb 6, 20231 min read
2023 Bismarck Brain Walk
CALLING ALL BRAIN WALKERS!! It's February so that means we are #StebbinsStrong and going #Red4WED! Get that red on and lace up your...


Feb 1, 20235 min read
Somebody That I Used to Know
Meeting my Mayo Clinic neurologist as the real me, post autoimmune encephalitis.


Jan 28, 20231 min read
My Brain: My Story
Jackie M. Stebbins delivered the global keynote address for The Encephalitis Society's "My Brain: My Story" event.


Jan 17, 20234 min read
Freedom Ghost
Just recently, I listened to Brené Brown’s two-part podcast with Bono. It was amazing. Most of the conversation revolved around Bono’s...


Jan 6, 202310 min read
Let It Be
In August 2021, I went solo to my first ever TEDx event. And it was a game changer for me. I met a new friend group and was introduced to...


Dec 20, 20224 min read
O Little Town of Bethlehem
My childhood encompassed the late eighties through the nineties. I also grew up in a small town in North Dakota. In those days and in...


Nov 28, 20224 min read
Cleanin' Out My Closet
Remember that metaphorical blog I wrote about my alarm clock? It’s one of my favorites. The times, they are always a changin’, aren’t...


Oct 18, 20225 min read
Chosen Family (Pt III)
I don’t have a lot of experience with meeting other AE patients and survivors. My cup of in-person exchanges runneth dry. The first...


Oct 17, 20223 min read
Chosen Family (Pt II)
I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t thought of this night for a long time. Maybe not during that first year where I struggled to survive, but...

Oct 12, 20223 min read
Chosen Family (Pt I)
The event was pure magic. Well maybe not magic, no one had a wand or cauldron or a Harry Potter robe, but it was the best night I...


Sep 27, 20223 min read
Suit and Jacket
It’s just a piece of paper. I can tell myself that. It’s a larger piece of thicker paper. With a beautiful green and gold, embossed...


Sep 19, 20224 min read
Big Time
It was the last book signing of the summer. I was driving home from Fargo in the early morning hours, to get back for the kids’ open...


Sep 13, 20223 min read
I Want More
I was finishing up my walk this morning. Fall is nearing, because I wore a thin, but long-sleeved shirt. I knew it would get hot later,...


Sep 7, 20222 min read
I Got You Babe
Just another day. Just another vial. Out of habit, start with the left arm and out of necessity, move to the right. One more appointment....
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