Some thoughts...

Last night a young lady told me about how my daughter's story regarding her diagnosis with epilepsy made her think about a friend of hers.  When she was a little girl, she and a friend were playing and the friend said, "Go get your mom.  Now."  Her friend then had a seizure.  She described what it was like being young and holding this girl while she had a seizure, and how terrified she was.  She told me about her mom trying to calm her down and call emergency services.  She said that later that friend died because of her seizures, and that it was hard on her and her cousin losing this person. 

Yesterday afternoon I was putting epilepsy awareness flyers up around the school, and I noticed a young lady standing there staring at me.  I glanced at her, and she said, "My brother has epilepsy, and I've had a seizure before.  Thank you for doing this."  Then she walked off.

Those two young ladies are part of the reason why I am an advocate for epilepsy awareness.

I think sometimes I annoy people with my constant talking of epilepsy and building epilepsy awareness.  I share my daughter's history with anyone that will listen to me because I believe it is important to share what's happened to her with others to build an understanding. 

I will never stop sharing these things.  I will always be working to build awareness for epilepsy so that people understand what it is and what it isn't.  I won't be happy until more money is allocated from the federal government for research into cures for epilepsy.  I want to see every star in Hollywood wearing a purple ribbon to the Oscars.  I want every person that sees the word epilepsy to know exactly what that means, and know that it isn't anything to laugh at.  I want those idiots that post "funny" videos on YouTube about seizures and flashing lights to know that they aren't funny, but they are hurtful and ignorant. 

Three million people in the U.S. have epilepsy.  One in nine people in the U.S. will have a seizure in their lifetime.  Put yourself in the shoes of someone having a seizure.  Would you want people to stop, stare, and laugh, or would you want them to help you and know exactly what to do to make sure that you're safe? 

Join me in being an advocate for epilepsy awareness.  When you think about it, how could you not?