Migraines weren’t uncommon for then-25-year-old Marissa Stubbert, who had experienced them since high school. “I could always function,” Marissa says. “I know some people get a migraine and they’re down and out, but that never happened to me.” One morning, Marissa was getting ready for work and had a migraine that wouldn’t subside.

Emmett Undseth was just seven years old, having a pillow fight with his 10-year-old brother, when it became clear something was very wrong. With four siblings, horsing around was the norm and not usually cause for concern. This time, though, Emmett complained of severe eye pain.

Ten-year-old Massimo MacFarlane is eager to tell his story. Sitting next to his mom, Amanda Ceccarelli, Massimo is animated when he speaks, showing the confidence he’s grown into through his journey.