NEPA Next

My first seizure was in June 1984. My seizures were uncontrolled for ten years. Everything I knew to be normal, was gone & despite getting older, I was still a child who didn't have the emotional ability to grow. I felt excluded from class, after school activities were limited, my future was told to me that I would never drive, get married or have children. Once I graduated from high school I went to a university, like my peers, but I did not know how to make decisions without someone telling me what was acceptable. I wasn't able to stay.
I am 1 of 5 kids and when we would ask a question our mom would tell us, "figure it out." Except, I couldn't.
I felt like an outcast. I was angry. I couldn't communicate what I needed. I was depressed. I felt like life wasn't worth living.

I did get my drivers license, and Ive had it taken from me because of a seizure, and Ive gotten it back back. I did get married, I have a son & a grandson. I even had a job as a traveling insurance agent, until a physician wanted to change my medication & I had auras. I couldn't think let alone drive. I called hospitals and insurance companies, NOT ONE knew where I could find an Epilepsy support group. I had to work to find one...and it was right across the bridge.  It was only 1 hour a month, I was unable to volunteer with them because the space they had closes before I get out of work, and I met THE MOST AMAZING SOULS at group. We all have a similar struggle. and I would NEVER EVER think any of them were not worthy. Seizures are more than just the seizure itself. Everyone here understood. They gave me permission to be myself.

I have had 36 years to think about what I didn’t get to do, what I wanted to do, what I could do but can no longer do, what I have had to fight to be able to do and how I could make it right for someone else.I am blessed to have one of the best quality of life's of someone living with a seizure disorder. I want everyone in my community to have the confidence & knowledge that THEIR LIFE MATTERS.

Everyone deserves to feel worthy and included. Everyone deserves a sense of community. Everyone deserves a safe space. Help the EFEPA better reach, serve and connect the NEPA epilepsy community with a gathering space of our own.​

Hear me out:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coffee-and-tea-with-carrievee/id1514671446?i=1000488474444