L. A. Turntable Celebrity, DJ Hapa, Epilepsy Therapy Project Spokesperson Leading Our Team at the National Walk for Epilepsy
The successful DJ from Los Angeles lives in a world in which people are expected to be Hollywood perfect. But this disk jockey is telling the world that he has epilepsy – and as Spokesperson for the Epilepsy Therapy Project (Epilepsy Therapy Project), he is leading the team at the National Walk for Epilepsy on Saturday March 31st in Washington, DC. Epilepsy Therapy Project will be joining with National Walk Organizers at the Epilepsy Foundation and Ortho McNeil Neurologics, Inc as an event sponsor. The star of NBC’s “Heroes,” Greg Grunberg, will serve as the National Walk Chair. All pledges by Epilepsy Therapy Project team members will help to support research for new epilepsy therapies. Chanda Gunn, Olympic bronze medalist and world-champion goal tender, also an Epilepsy Therapy Project Spokesperson, will be the lead for those participating “virtually.”
Known worldwide for his skills on the turntables, DJ Hapa is on the Emmy Award Winning KTLA Morning News as the first DJ ever to be on their news. DJ Hapa said, “Participating in an event that raises money to help find new treatments for people living with epilepsy touches all of our lives in some way. Think about the ways that people living with epilepsy have impacted those around you. The money we all raise will go to raise awareness, fight the stigma, and find a cure for epilepsy. Please join my team, register as an individual or make a donation to the Epilepsy Therapy Project on my behalf.”
DJ Hapa made his Epilepsy Therapy Project debut as Spokesperson in New York for the first national screening of its new documentary about those whose epilepsy is still uncontrolled by medication - Epilepsy: In Search of Effective Therapies. The film is being presented on PBS channels nationwide.
In talking with epilepsy.com, DJ Hapa conveyed his thoughts about his epilepsy and his serving as Spokesperson for Epilepsy Therapy Project. He said, “It is a gift to me. It means a lot to me personally. I want people to know that you can have epilepsy and you can succeed.”
Giving Back and Epilepsy Therapy Project
In explaining his value system, DJ Hapa said, “I am feeling so much of a need to give back. I could tour the world, and have everything that I ever wanted, but if I am not giving back, I am not touching anyone. In the entertainment industry it is hard to be different. Less than perfection is hard. And with the schedule that I keep, it is amazing that I can speak. But I am here for a reason -- to send a message, to give a message.”
Life’s Challenges
“I discovered that I had epilepsy when I was in high school,” he said. “But it didn’t stop me from playing sports. I would have seizures at night. But I didn’t want people to think I was different. Then when it was time for college, my doctor told me that because of my condition, I could not attend. But I was awarded a scholarship, I went to UCLA and it was the roughest time of my life. I persevered and became the keynote speaker at my graduation,” he said.
Why did he want to come forward with his epilepsy? “Overcoming epilepsy was my challenge. But everyone in life has some form of challenge. And I want people to know that you can follow your dream,” he said.
His Passion and Mentoring
DJ Hapa, a celebrity from the hip-hop community, is the Director of Scratch DJ Academy in Los Angeles as well as one of the Academy’s head instructors. Scratch DJ Academy educates amateur DJs and enthusiasts by providing them with the necessary equipment and curriculum to learn this popular art form as well as to provide access to well-known DJ instructors. He has been performing with Far-East Movement, Stix, and is on the International Channel’s new show X-Bytes.
“On the DJ side,” he said, “I teach and translate all that I can for young people. And I can provide young people with a role model. I didn’t have someone to look up to as a DJ and now I am a mentor, me -- as someone dealing with adversity – a mentor. I am successful. I want to help others succeed.”
Going Public
Why did he go public? “It was part of my personal development. I am 26 and the maturity process showed me on the DJ side that I really wanted people to know that I did not let epilepsy stop me. Sometimes knowing that I have epilepsy makes me realize that life is too short. We only share a certain amount of time. I want a legacy carried on. When I had my last seizure, I thought to myself, ‘You’re done.’ But I wasn’t. I was just scared.
“And so I realized I had to give back. I have no idea what people are thinking about me or what they are saying about my life, my work, my career. But I know what I am thinking. I am thinking that I want to do everything I can to help make a difference. I want to lead by example.
“My family was very supportive of me. I learned to live life a certain way. I am here by God’s good grace. When you lead a life knowing that you are trying to set an example, people gravitate toward you – that is when you know that what you are saying has value.”