Epilepsy Voices

For our season finale, Derrick shares his inspiring and magnificent story as a person living with epilepsy riding the Wave of Life. We are incredibly thankful to Derrick and all of our guests who beautifully shared their stories, and so grateful to our podcast community for building this important platform. Thank you, as always, for listening and igniting hope for all people affected by epilepsy.

Emily shares her inspiring and moving journey of lifelong learning as a person living with epilepsy. She guides us through her story of being diagnosed with epilepsy at 16 and how it has informed her passion for public health and research. Hear about how Emily’s own experiences inspire her to be a leader and advocate for other youth living with epilepsy, providing critical and support care to teens in transition. In this journey, she recognizes that it is because of, not in spite of, her epilepsy that she is an accomplished researcher and public health expert, and that her experiences critically drive her work to ensure that high-quality care and support networks are accessible and equitable to all. EFNE Programming Segment: Massachusetts Walk to Make Epilepsy History, May 1, 2021 (https://epilepsynewengland.org/events/2021-ma-walk) MA Resource Share: Fenway Health (fenwayhealth.org) NH Resource Share: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Educational Conference, April 10, 2021 (http://go.d-h.org/EpilepsyEducation)

(Part 2)This is the story of an incredible life, magnificent love, loss, and hope. Zsatara Savard was just 31 years old when she passed away due to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP.) In this two-part series, we celebrate and honor the life of Zsatara, as told by her fiancé, Geoff. Geoff shares with us Zsatara’s incredible gifts and passions in life, from hairstyling to motherhood, and the life that he and Zsatara built together. In the aftermath of her passing, he shares with us how he and their 4 year old son Nathanael coped with the loss, how Geoff honors Zsatara by being an advocate for epilepsy, how he keeps her memory thriving, and finally, how their story reminds us all, ‘There iZ Hope’. This series is dedicated to the life and legacy of Zsatara Savard.

This is the story of an incredible life, magnificent love, loss, and hope. Zsatara Savard was just 31 years old when she passed away due to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP.) In this two-part series, we celebrate and honor the life of Zsatara, as told by her fiancé, Geoff. Geoff shares with us Zsatara’s incredible gifts and passions in life, from hairstyling to motherhood, and the life that he and Zsatara built together. In the aftermath of her passing, he shares with us how he and their 4 year old son Nathanael coped with the loss, how Geoff honors Zsatara by being an advocate for epilepsy, how he keeps her memory thriving, and finally, how their story reminds us all, ‘There iZ Hope’. This series is dedicated to the life and legacy of Zsatara Savard.

Nazeeh is a young man from Niha, Lebanon living with epilepsy, and an inspirational advocate to many. A talented writer, orator, life coach, and leader, Nazeeh titled this episode, “Never Give Up”, as a testament to his resiliency as he faced the obstacles of stigma and discrimination that many living with epilepsy experience. Nazeeh wants to share the message to people living with epilepsy that they can accomplish their dreams, and have important and valuable gifts and talents that leave indelible impacts on the world. Segment Timestamps: Epilepsy Foundation New England Programming Segment (25:33-26:05): Hope the Lion New Hampshire Resource Share (26:15-28:00): Little Angels Service Dogs (littleangelsservicedogs.org) Massachusetts Resource Share (28:12-29:42): Diggity Dogs Service Dogs (indogswetrust.org) Positive News (29:53-30:29): Nazeeh’s Positive News

Veronica is a young woman living with Epilepsy and visual impairment. She has chosen to share her experiences with others to give them hope and remind them to never give up. She explains that music has helped her through dark times and has inspired her to keep fighting. Listen now to hear her story. Segment Timestamps Epilepsy Foundation New England Programming Segment (18:15 – 18:45): Kids Connect Program Massachusetts Resource Share (19:01 – 19:54): Be My Eyes (bemyeyes.com) New Hampshire Resource Share (20:08 – 21:57): 211 New Hampshire (211nh.org) Positive News (22:14-22:34): Veronica’s Positive News

Meg is a young adult living with epilepsy. Listen to her story.

Meet Shane. Listen to his journey of living with epilepsy while navigating school and life. Please note this episode contains information pertaining to bullying, alcohol usage, and suicidal thoughts. Follow the time-stamp below to skip these parts: • 10:25 – 12:30 (bullying) • 15:15 – 16:50 (use of alcohol as a coping mechanism, anxiety attack, suicidal thoughts, inpatient hospitalization for anxiety, depression & suicidality)

Alison Troy, an expecting mother and hair stylist, has lived with epilepsy since she was a child. Listen to Alison's incredible story of growing up with epilepsy, overcoming obstacles, and how she is currently living seizure-free.

Chloe Rossignol is an occupational therapist who has lived with epilepsy for much of her life. Chloe had a second chance at life. Listen to her story