Over the last year and a half, epilepsy went from something I barely thought about to something that completely changed my life.

It started with back-to-back grand mal seizures out of nowhere. Hospital stays. MRIs. EEGs. Bloodwork. Test after test — all “normal.” No clear answers.

Then it happened again. And again.

Some seizures came almost 60 days apart, early in the morning before I’d even wake up. Some were worse than the last. My kids witnessed them. I couldn’t drive. I couldn’t remember conversations from the day before. At one point, it felt like living in my own version of 50 First Dates — relearning life every day.

The medication meant to help brought intense side effects — mood swings, rage, exhaustion, memory gaps. There were moments I genuinely didn’t recognize myself.

And yet — in the middle of it all — I kept moving forward. I passed my licensing exams. I showed up to work. I leaned on my husband, my friends, my faith, and my doctors. I learned how much strength it takes to live with something unpredictable.

Epilepsy is more than seizures.

It’s the waiting.

The not knowing.

The loss of independence.

The emotional toll.

That’s why I’m walking.

“Seize the Day” isn’t just a play on words. It’s a decision. A decision to raise awareness, fund research, and support programs that help people like me — and so many others — feel less alone and more supported.

If you’re able to donate or walk with me, I would be incredibly grateful. And if nothing else, learn seizure first aid. It matters more than most people realize.