Hi my name is Sarah Adam’s and I have epilepsy. I’ve had epilepsy since a very young age, and I want people to become more aware of epilepsy and realize the severity of it. I’m 49 years old and am somewhat seizure free as for right now, but I don’t know what’s going to come. I want to educate and bring awareness to epilepsy. It’s not talked about often enough and I want people to know more about it.
My 1st big seizure that my parents ever remember that they told me about was when I was 6 years old and I fell to the floor and started shaking. They didn’t know what to do. I’ve had 3 head injuries in 4 years. In my life, I have done over a 1000 EEG’S, MRI and CT scans; more than anyone should have to do. My seizures were called complex partial temporal lobe seizures, and they’d start on the right side of the brain. It looks like you’re daydreaming but you’re not and it is hard to explain. Most of the time, I don’t remember them and the only thing I can recall is waking up very confused. My consciousness becomes impaired during the seizure.
1 and 26 people in the USA will develop epilepsy. Over 50,000 people in the US will die from Epilepsy. Everyday epilepsy is a subject that needs to be talked about more often. I have been completely free for over 3 years. I used to take 10 pills a day with seizure medicine, and now I only take 3 and I’m currently living on my own and I love it. I own my own place, and I have my own friends; it’s just like living a normal life.
I been in a fashion show, been to prom, and traveled to the Bahamas. I’ve done everything I wanted to do, and I plan to do more because life is too short. I plan to go to Universal Studios this coming year. I have lost over 40 pounds just exercising & coming off seizure meds. My goal with this story is to inspire people. Inspire others to be advocates not just themselves, but for those around you. Be your own voice and step out of your comfort zone to help others. I hope you will advocate for someone on their behalf. Be an advocate and show support to people who have Epilepsy because it is a lifelong diagnosis and there is no cure.
No matter what your disability is, you’re worth it. The thing I’ve learned in my life by having epilepsy is that everybody is valued and is important. Everybody is a good person no matter who you are or what disability you have or don’t have. Always be strong and always value friendships and yourself because you’re worth it. Believe me, I’m speaking from experience. It’s not easy to make friends, especially when a lot of people don’t understand much about epilepsy. I am beyond grateful to my parents. They’ve always been a huge support system, as well as my brother and sister.
Epilepsy doesn’t define me; seizures don’t defeat me; I am who I am because of my disability. I am a strong-willed person, I am an advocate, and I am inspiring people to be a voice for epilepsy awareness. It is now your turn to go out and advocate for a friend or family member with epilepsy. Be a voice. Above all, choose kindness before anything else.