Raising Awareness During NEAM and Beyond

I was diagnosed with generalized epilepsy at age 18. I have had many seizures since then, some mild and some severe. Twenty years later, the experience is still scary and confusing. I will never get used to waking up in a hospital room and putting the pieces of my life back together. 

The pain and fear that my family feels when I have a seizure is unbearable and is my motivation to find answers, and effective treatment, and rise above this diagnosis. I am determined to use my experiences with epilepsy for good, to find a path to seizure freedom, and to encourage others to see hope beyond suffering. 

Despite the challenges of managing epilepsy, my life is full, and I am blessed beyond measure. I have five beautiful children and a wonderful wife. While my seizures were well controlled, I was even able to complete four Ironman triathlons! I have a fulfilling job as the marketing manager for Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats. We are partnering with the Epilepsy Foundation for National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM), and I love that together we are working to raise awareness and share Seizure First Aid. Life is so good, despite the struggles. 

Navigating life with epilepsy offers perspective, builds resilience, and develops empathy. We are made to overcome challenges, together. Do not let a diagnosis or label define or keep you down, allow it to strengthen you and use it for good. 

Epilepsy strikes like lightning and then life goes back to "normal” for some people. I realized if we are not sharing our stories, life with epilepsy can feel isolating. The community needs more vocal advocates. We are not alone.