When I was about 6 months old, I went for my round of needed vaccinations, and about six hours later I went into cardiac arrest. That led me to be living in and out of Boston Children’s Hospital for about a year. I kept having “episodes” that nobody could figure out, until a specialist saw one for himself and realized it was a seizure, and that’s when I received my epilepsy diagnosis. They think my diagnosis was related to the vaccines that put me into cardiac arrest.
I’m now 21 and still battling epilepsy. There are times when I’ll experience a breakthrough seizure. It is sometimes hard to remain seizure-free for a long time, but I am currently nine months seizure-free. I am so grateful for every seizure-free day. Every day may not be easy, but I do my best to get through each day as best as I can. I make sure to know my seizure triggers, and I make sure to take my seizure medications every day, which is important so I can try to have a good stretch without seizures.
I have struggled with friendships as someone having epilepsy over the years, but I am grateful to be a part of the Epilepsy Foundation New England. It’s a community that is welcoming, accepting, and supportive. I’m so happy that I have made some great friends through the foundation. I became a part of EFNE during a low point in my life, but the support I’ve received is amazing.
With November being Epilepsy Awareness Month, I wanted to share a bit about epilepsy. Anyone can be affected by epilepsy, and seizures are different for everyone who is affected. One in 26 people will develop epilepsy at some point in their life, and one in 10 people will experience a seizure at some point in their life. I am one of 71,600 people living with epilepsy in the state of Massachusetts.
Without the help and support of my family and friends, my medical team, and the Epilepsy Foundation New England, I don’t know where I would be today. I’m fortunate to have an amazing support system that has been there for me every step of the way during the ups and downs of my epilepsy journey. A first responder once told me that I am stronger than I give myself credit for, and I’m forever thankful to have that saying in my life.
Submitted by Megan Richardson
