Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Since I was 9, I've been dealing with focal impaired awareness seizures (complex partial seizures). Growing up as an athlete in three sports, I never let epilepsy hinder my desire to do what I loved. Navigating my condition was tough, especially as I experienced seizures during practices and even games, which tested my resilience and adaptability. Living with epilepsy became a part of my everyday life. Despite these hurdles, I excelled in two sports during my high school and college years, while maintaining a GPA above 3.5.

After undergrad, my journey led me to Carnegie Mellon University to pursue my master's degree. However, during graduate school, my seizures worsened, evolving into tonic-clonic seizures between 2020-2022. In 2020, I experienced a life-altering car wreck caused by a seizure, adding another layer of challenges to my life. Enduring four tonic-clonic seizures in those two years was terrifying and forced me to take a semester off and move back home multiple times. With determination and perseverance, I still graduated on time.

Support from friends and family was crucial during the tough times in grad school. They were my unwavering pillars of strength, offering emotional support and understanding, which helped me push through the most challenging moments. This support network was invaluable, giving me the courage to persevere despite the emotional rollercoaster I was on.

In 2022, I explored the option of epilepsy surgery, but due to the location of my seizures, surgery was too risky. I had to find other ways to deal with stress, which is my primary trigger for seizures. Practicing mindfulness, counseling, yoga, and golf have become my ways to reduce stress and the chances of having another seizure. 

Now, at 25 years old, my seizures have reverted to partial complex, and I've been seizure-free for over a year. The journey hasn't been easy, but with the support of my loved ones and my resilience, I continue to face each day with renewed strength and optimism. Life is an emotional and physical rollercoaster and for those with epilepsy, the valleys can be a bit deeper. It's important to remember, though, that every valley is followed by a peak. This peak is a reminder that you successfully beat the battle you were previously fighting. Hope and happiness are always on the other side.

As a former athlete, I am sharing my story to show others with epilepsy that success in sports and other areas of life is possible despite the challenges. Living with epilepsy significantly impacted my mental health, but in sharing my journey, I aim to provide hope to others facing similar struggles. This journey has taught me to view epilepsy not just as a challenge, but as an opportunity to demonstrate my resilience. Through my experiences, I hope to inspire others to embrace their strength and resilience in the face of adversity.