It is crazy how fast your life can be changed forever. 
7:55 I get up to do my breakfast dishes and head to work. 
8:15 The sirens of an ambulance pulling away from my house brings me back to reality. 
I opened my eyes surrounded by strange faces and needles poking at me. So many questions being thrown at me and racing in my head. Finally, I can comprehend “You just had a seizure, we are on our way to the hospital”. 
All of this happened six short days before I left to start my college adventure at St. Cloud State University. As I left for school the doctors assured me this seizure was a one-time thing and wouldn’t happen again. Just two weeks into school I woke up on my dorm room floor with a pounding headache and a large cut on my face. After a few calls home and another trip to the ER it was determined that I had another seizure and this was going to be a bigger problem than we thought. I was referred to a wonderful neurologist in the cities, who spent time to work with me and answer the hundreds of questions I had. November 15th, 2016 I was diagnosed with generalized or idiopathic epilepsy, meaning when I have a seizure the electrical energy causing the seizure occurs throughout the entire body from unknown causes. I have a range of seizures from grand mal seizures to less severe absence seizures, affecting me in different ways. 
Epilepsy has certainly changed my life. It has opened a world full of opportunities and I have been fortunate enough to experience so many wonderful things since I have been diagnosed. The summer after I was diagnosed I had the opportunity to intern at the Wisconsin Epilepsy Foundation in Madison. There I worked closely with a support group and helped them cope with similar struggles to mine and bigger problems they may have been facing. It very humbling to hear their stories and how they have dealt with their epilepsy. I have learned so much about my health and others. I have taught and co-taught seizure training courses and first-aid within the community. This entire experience has inspired me to go into health care, specifically neurology and care for others the same way I would like to be cared for. 
Epilepsy has made me stronger as a person and helped me appreciate so much more in my life. Being diagnosed with epilepsy has taught me to rely on my others, take care of myself, utilize my resources, take it one day at a time and to keep things in perspective. Everything happens for a reason, even when you aren’t sure why it is happening there is something good to take away from every situation. Take advantage of the time given to improve yourself and those around you. 
I have been fortunate enough to be a part of several different fundraisers and events for epilepsy. The amount of support and money raised last year by the walk in St. Cloud was incredible. It was so fun and inspiring to be surrounded by people so passionate about helping those with epilepsy. All funds from this walk allow the Epilepsy Foundation to continue providing and enhancing their programs and services in the community. 
Please consider donating or joining my team to help this foundation continue its amazing work.