My Site
My Story
When it comes to medical issues, life can get hard. Here is my story in the hope that it helps at least one person. Every situation is different, and my ask of everyone in this community is to respect and engage in healthy conversations about our struggles, and if anyone can help.
Epilepsy
Diagnosis
I was diagnosed at the age of 7 in second grade. My teacher noticed in our reading tests that I would pause and forget where I was reading. She did not want to play doctor and tell my parents, so she had the idea to have the principal talk to my parents. My dad has epilepsy, and once he heard that discovery, he knew what we had to do. Not too long after those reading tests, I was taken to my father's childhood neurologist, and boy, was that a story.
Childhood
After being diagnosed, my life went on as normal. I had issues with medication and insurance companies that ultimately almost cost me my life. Growing up, I knew my body, I knew that when I took my medicine, I did not feel good and my parents refused to listen...or so I thought. When being taken in constantly, insurance made me go through every other medication that had the most research on it. Eventually, I kept having seizures and got onto the last medication available. Boom. No seizures. I was then told that, due to the insurance company, they could not have started with that final medication because of the lack of research. Due to my experience refusing medicine, lack of care from doctors and pharmaceutical companies, I did not get my driver's license until I was 19.
Adulthood
Here I am in adulthood, at age 22, I am ready for my story to be known to help someone else. Over a year ago, I had a seizure while driving and was unlawfully questioned. That event sparked my idea for this foundation. Throughout all my memories as a child, epilepsy has always stood out as my main focus. As an adult, having some growth and gained some understanding from my parents; they can only do so much with what they know. What they did not know was not even out there yet. Here is my advocacy for brain disorders and how we can improve our lifestyle for those with hardships in our lives, as well as pushing for education and resources available to us. Not too long ago, I was mad at the insurance company, the doctors, my parents, and even the legal system. Through courage and grace, I have decided to move forward by helping others navigate the hardships I went through, with no answers.