Do Not Let Epilepsy Define You

At the start of my 8th-grade year, which was also the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, I experienced these jerking movements in my arms. One night, as I went to bed, my arms froze, and that is what started everything. I went to multiple doctors and had multiple tests done. Then, on October 5, 2020, I was diagnosed with epilepsy. My days were filled with these arm seizures that were my normal seizures. In April of 2022, I was admitted for a SEEG, and not even 72 hours later, I was prepped to have brain surgery. On April 22, 2022, I had an RNS device implanted on the left side of my brain. After my brain surgeries, I went through some mental health struggles. But as of today, I am a year and counting seizure-free. 

One of my biggest challenges was accepting the fact that I was a normal teenager just like all my friends and everyone else. Getting over that challenge was easier every day I didn't have a seizure or didn’t feel my best. Another challenge was probably just accepting the fact that I had epilepsy. I got over that by just continuing to do the same things every day that I was doing before I had epilepsy.

I decided to start telling my story because not enough people share theirs. Many are afraid of feeling different or being seen differently by others. I also have a very difficult story, and I believe that by putting it out there, others might feel more comfortable coming to me with their own struggles or even questions.

I have participated in Epilepsy Foundation events such as walks, the Purple Pumpkin Project, and even monthly teen meets. The Foundation has helped me in many ways. They welcomed me with open arms and made me feel more "normal" than I already was. It feels like being part of a big family, and I love that because it makes everyone feel welcome and safe.

Some words I would tell others are that it does get better. I honestly thought that I was never going to get to the point I am at today, but here I am. Don’t let the word epilepsy define you as a person or what you can and can’t do.