The Defeating Epilepsy Foundation

I have had an amazing experience with The Defeating Epilepsy Foundation. I found a community where I was immediately and warmly embraced. Natalie Boehm, the president of the board of directors, reached out to me because of my involvement in a branch of the Epilepsy Foundation and my outreach efforts on several Facebook support groups. Since that time, I have found that The Defeating Epilepsy Foundation has been totally different in its mission and approach from other organizations. And, in my opinion, our community is so much the better because of it.

I was immediately welcomed and asked to contribute my thoughts, experiences, and writing contributions, if I would be willing. Ms. Boehm opened up about her own life journey and told me about the group's purpose on a worldwide scale as well as one of its areas was a focus on adults. I felt an immediate sense of trust and value in a world where people with our condition are often marginalized and our opinions do not matter.

I particularly like that the group empowers adults, because I feel that we are neglected. I have been a volunteer with my local Epilepsy Foundation branch for more than a decade, but I had to pull away. When the administration change, the focus did as well. It became almost completely child-centric. There were no virtually activities for adults except for a monthly support group in Boston. My efforts to initiate discussions and activities were not welcome. During the pandemic, the only real activity for adults was playing games over Zoom, which I found disheartening.

At the Defeating Epilepsy Foundation, the focus is on collaboration, sharing, enlightenment and helping others across the globe. I find that so much more enriching and rewarding. I am with a like-minded community that is making positive changes because of our disabilities and not staying trapped in a mindset of being treated like children or inferiors. We have so many talents and skills to offer, and The Defeating Epilepsy Foundation is the springboard for us to utilize them to serve others and work toward eradicating this disease.

I am proud to have contributed an article to the website. As a journalist with disabilities, I think it is important to show people in the epilepsy community - and society at large - that anyone can pursue a dream with enough passion, determination and support.
I am a proud supporter of The Defeating Epilepsy Foundation, and I hold it and its members in the highest esteem for their positive outlook and expansive philosophy.