LINCOLN, Neb. — For 12 years, Shelley and Dominic Gillen have been advocating for their son Will’s access to medical cannabis, while also battling to keep him alive. Will Gillen, 23, suffers from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy that causes him to experience hundreds of seizures daily. Nonverbal and cognitively at the level of a 2-year-old, Will requires constant care.
The Gillens’ journey began when they watched a documentary titled “Weed,” which inspired them to seek medical cannabis as a treatment option for Will. “We watched it and saw what it did for this little girl, and we were like we’ve got to try this for him,” said Shelley. Despite their efforts, medical cannabis remains illegal in their state, and no doctor can prescribe it for Will.
“We have never been under the illusion that this is the answer for him,” said Shelley. “It’s always been about the principle of the matter that he should be allowed the option.”…