Hello everyone,

My name is Tracy and I'm fundraising for a charity that is very close to my heart. I was diagnosed with Epilepsy in 2001, I was 12 years of age when I was diagnosed. I have been living with Epilepsy with 15 years. So for those who don't know what Epilepsy is let me try and explain briefly.

The word 'epilepsy' is derived from the Greek word meaning 'to be seized, to be overwhelmed by surprise'. To have epilepsy is to have a tendency to have recurring seizures. Anyone can have a seizure, if the brain is exposed to a strong enough stimulus. We know that about 1 in every 20 people will have a single seizure at some time during their lives (cited from Epilepsy Ireland 

I'm going to attempt to explain to you how a seizure happens in my own words...: so the brain is made up of neurons and they are lets say like traffic lights. The traffic lights generally all work in sync with each other and the traffic runs lovely and smoothly. So imagine if the traffic lights one day did not work the way they should, they all went green for example what would happen? Yes mahem...accidents!! I think this is a good way of explaining what a seizure is like! 

So knowing this I will tell you briefly about how I was diagnosed with Epilepsy. I went to bed at the age of 12 to go to sleep as we all do, I remember feeling extremely overwhelmed and calling my parents, and all I remember after that is waking up in an abulance. I gave the parents an awful fright because they of course they didnt know much about epilepsy. Long story short I was told I have Epilepsy and hopefully if I take a few tablets I wont get those scary seizures again.

I have nocturnal epilepsy where I get them in my sleep. I have had up to eight seizures in total. I am one of the lucky ones where my medication stops me having seizures. This of course has to be followed by leading a  healthy lifestyle. I am happy to say Im seizure free with 5 years!

In my teens I was unfortunately lacking awareness! I didnt know anyone like me and I like any tennager just wanted to fit in with my peers. I wanted to party and have fun. I didnt acknowledge that I had epilepsy. So I brought a few seizures on myself that could have been avoided. One of my main triggers is lack of sleep and as a teen you can see how this can happen a lot! Which meant me getting a lot of seizures!

Would you believe I have never actually witnessed a seizure, I only know what they feel like. It is a scary feeling you feel your body starting to freeze up and you know that soon you are going to have no control over your body. It also must be very scary for the person witnessing it. All you have to do is put the person on their side and stay with them. Don't ever put a spoon in their mouth or try and hold their tongue. Also if a seizure lasts more than 5mins you need to seek medical aid. 

I am at a stage of my life where I understand my condition and aware of my triggers. My medication helps me live a good and active life. Everyone deserves this gift! I am raising funds for Epilepsy Ireland, the organisation's main objective is "to undertake, encourage and assist research into the causes of, cure for and management of epilepsy and into the social and psychological effects of the condition".

Epilepsy for me is part of who I am and I couldnt imagine not having it in my life. I hope my story helps people understand epilepsy a bit more. I also hope it helps people with a long term illness come to terms with their diagnosis. I also believe that in order to banish the stigma attached to having a disability or any long term illness the person themselves needs to feel like they can talk about it. Sharing stories will banish stigma!!

Please Donate

Thanks everyone

Love

Tracy