Epilepsy Needs More Awareness

I was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 6. I vaguely remember sitting in my third-grade classroom when I felt an odd sensation in my stomach. Suddenly, I ran around the classroom for about ten seconds. Everyone stared. Tears filled my eyes as I felt judged. After that day, I was admitted to a children’s hospital. Over the span of a week, I underwent many scans and an EEG. Then came the news we dreaded: I had frontal lobe epilepsy. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what it meant, but I knew my parents and I would face struggles.

My parents and doctors discussed several treatment plans before deciding on medication. At first, I was prescribed three different medications. That’s when my fear of taking pills began. My parents had to crush the pills and hide them in food just to make sure I took them. As I grew older, I eventually overcame that fear, but new challenges arose. My seizures followed a pattern. For about seven months, I would struggle with them, and then they would disappear for a year and a half, only to return.

Eventually, surgery became an option. Whenever doctors spoke to my parents about it, I was asked to leave the room, until one day it became our only choice. The summer before my freshman year, I underwent laser ablation surgery, which was successful. Throughout middle and high school, I missed many parties, which often left me feeling alone and left out. But as I matured, I realized that the only people who truly grew were those who stood by me through hard times. I was also on the volleyball team, but the surgery caused me to miss many practices, and I lost progress. Through all of this, I learned that using difficult times as a way to help others is one of the greatest things you can do.

I faced many challenges with my social life. Since I had a mental issue, I was either at home or in the hospital, unable to attend parties. This caused me to stop getting invited to parties or other social gatherings. Through all of this, I learned that the people who stand by you through difficult times are the ones who matter most. Not the ones throwing the coolest parties or the ones with the most easy-going parents. My best friend has seen me at my best and at my worst; she never left my side, and I could not be more grateful for her. You cannot control what others say and do; all you can control is yourself. One of my favorite quotes is, “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind," by Dr. Seuss. 

My goal is to organize many events dedicated to epilepsy. I raised money for the Epilepsy Foundation through the Epilepsy Foundation Los Angeles and the Epilepsy Walk last March and the Purple Pumpkin Project in the fall. Epilepsy is not advocated for enough. I recently attended a sports game, and the entire night was dedicated to awareness about a particular psychological disorder. I believe epilepsy should be spoken about more, and I think my story can help with that.