A Warrior’s Walk

Living with epilepsy isn’t something I planned, but it’s a chapter of my story that shaped everything from how I see myself to how I see the world. I’ve spent much of my life navigating the unpredictable reality of seizures, medications, and moments of uncertainty. But I’m more than my diagnosis. I’m a daughter, a friend, a coach, a writer, and an advocate for those learning to live boldly in the face of what they can’t control.

I was born in 1999 as a healthy baby with no complications, but just three months later, everything changed. I had a stroke that caused brain damage to the left side of my brain, which led to a diagnosis of both epilepsy and cerebral palsy. Growing up, I’ve lived with drop seizures, absence seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, and non-epileptic seizures. It hasn’t been easy, that’s for sure! 

My journey with epilepsy started before I was even old enough to understand what was happening. In a small town in south Louisiana, the doctors didn’t offer much hope. They told my mother to gather the family, as if to prepare for the worst, but my mom wasn’t having it. Refusing to accept that outcome, she transferred me to a hospital in New Orleans, determined to find a doctor who would fight for my life the way she would. There, I received the care I needed, but even then, the outcome was worrying. They said if I lived, I wouldn’t make it past 5. They said I’d never walk. Yet here I am, 26 years old. Limping, yes, but walking all the same. 

Not only am I walking, but I’m also thriving. Despite everything I’ve been through, I’ve found ways to succeed in my own time and in my own way. From reaching personal goals to stepping into my purpose, my journey has been filled with small victories that add up to something much bigger. My story isn’t just about survival; it’s about growth, strength, and proving to myself that I am capable of so much more than others expected.

 In 2017, I graduated from high school with my class and was honored to not only receive my own diploma, but also my brother’s, since he passed away that same year. That moment meant everything to me. In 2022, I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology and graduated with honors. The following year, in 2023, I launched my own business focused on life coaching and relationship coaching. In 2024, I signed up for a certification program to become a certified special education teacher. That same year, I also earned certifications in dyslexia education and suicide prevention. Every step I’ve taken has been about turning my pain into purpose and using my journey to uplift others. 

Living with epilepsy and cerebral palsy has brought more challenges than I can count, physically, emotionally, and mentally. There have been moments that tested my strength, my faith, and my will to keep going. Through every setback, I’ve found a way to keep showing up for myself. Physically, one of my biggest challenges is working out. Something as simple as exercise can become risky, because when my heart rate rises too quickly, it can trigger a seizure. Emotionally, I’ve had to carry the weight of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and past traumas, especially from experiences where I didn’t feel seen, heard, or safe. Mentally, I’ve battled with negative thoughts and painful flashbacks that try to convince me I’m not enough. 

Still, I keep pushing. In my spare time, I find myself writing poems, listening to gospel music, journaling my thoughts, and reciting affirmations, because those hobbies bring peace to my life. Also, they remind me that I am so much more than my disability. My disability doesn’t define me. My success does. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s taught me what resilience really looks like. 

Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you are disabled. You are still capable of doing amazing things. You just have to let go of the negative thoughts that try to tell you otherwise. Don’t let your mind talk you out of your potential. Focus on what you want out of life, your purpose, and chase it with everything you’ve got. You may have to do things differently, and the road might be harder, but success is still possible. You are not limited by your diagnosis. You are defined by your determination.

I decided to tell my story because I want to encourage others who are faced with epilepsy. I want to help people understand what it’s really like, and to remind those who are struggling that they're not alone. Sharing my journey is my way of showing that no matter how hard things get, there is always hope. If I can go through everything I’ve faced and still succeed, then I truly believe there’s hope for others, too. Sometimes, just knowing someone else succeeded is enough to keep you going.