Surrey teen’s legacy sparks FIRES awareness
A tragic story from Surrey is inspiring new hope for families facing a rare and deadly condition. The death of 17-year-old Avleen Athwal has sparked ongoing FIRES fundraising and research in her memory.
Avleen, a student at Enver Creek Secondary, lost her life on January 17, 2025. She had caught a fever that led to her first seizure — a devastating onset of Febrile Infection-Related Epilepsy Syndrome, also called FIRES. Within days, the seizures became constant and uncontrollable.
“She ended up having a seizure every 30 minutes,” recalled her sister, Gurleen Wadyal. The family’s struggle began at Surrey Memorial Hospital before Avleen was transferred to Vancouver General for treatment. Despite heavy medication, doctors couldn’t stop the seizures. She battled pneumonia, sepsis, jaundice, and lung fibrosis. After six long weeks, her body gave up, but her fight inspired everyone who knew her.
Foundation turns grief into purpose
To honour her memory, Avleen’s family created the Avleen Athwal’s FIRES Epilepsy Foundation. The group hopes to raise awareness about FIRES and fund vital research to prevent future losses. “That is the Avleen we know,” said Wadyal. “A warrior who fought till her last breath.”
The foundation describes FIRES as a sudden epileptic condition that strikes healthy children or young adults after a fever. Seizures come suddenly and are hard to control, often leaving patients with lasting cognitive effects. While the cause is uncertain, experts believe it may involve infection, genetics, or autoimmune triggers.
Surrey events support FIRES research
Wadyal, 22, now leads local awareness efforts. She and volunteers are active at the Bear Creek Christmas Train station in December, sharing Avleen’s story and raising funds for research.
The next community event, “Frosting With Friends,” takes place on December 22 at 6299 144 Street, Surrey. Visitors can enjoy snacks, photos with the Grinch, and a gingerbread contest. Tickets are $12 through Eventbrite, with proceeds going to FIRES research.
For updates, the family encourages supporters to visit instagram.com/avleenathwalsfirefdn or the foundation’s official website.
Avleen’s dream lives on
Avleen was a top student who dreamed of becoming a doctor, teacher, dancer, and artist. Her family wants her story to push forward medical research and awareness, so that “other patients can go home to their loved ones.”
“She was 17 and I just couldn’t deal with it,” Wadyal said quietly. “We all miss her so much. But now, I want to save others like her.”
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