Hi everyone,
Here is an update of what's been going on these past few weeks. I've been really busy, which I love! It's always better to be too busy than bored (in my opinion).
1.) Television Interview
On Monday, March 24th, I spoke on a TV channel with a member from the epilepsy group. Although I'm still waiting to get a copy of the interview, I think it went pretty well. I spoke with a college student named Edgar who has been helping me organize presentations in different universities. I decided it was only right to give him a chance to have his moment of fame. :-) The host asked us what epilepsy is, how to help someone who is having a seizure, discrimination towards people with epilepsy, my personal experience with discrimination, and the events we were going to have that week. Something that really touched me that day was before the interview when Edgar and I were preparing for what types of questions may be asked. I told him that may ask why he originally became involved with the support group. He looked at me and said the truth is that he never had known anyone with epilepsy but he heard me give a presentation and felt inspired to contribute in a good cause. He said it was an honor to take part in all of this and he will make sure it continues even when I'm not in Mexico. I almost got tears in my eyes when he said that. Those unexpected moments occur like that.
2.) Concert for International Epilepsy Awareness Day
March 26th is International Epilepsy Awareness Day in different parts of the world. That day, here in Puebla, we had a concert where two bands performed and I presented on epilepsy. Honestly not a ton of people came, but we did have some new attendees who were wearing purple (representative color of epilepsy) and who were cheering the whole time. Then one of the band members made an announcement about the group and explained why it is important to inform others about epilepsy.
3.) Epilepsy Conference
On Friday, March 28th, we had a large conference where I presented along with 7 neurologists on different themes regarding epilepsy. It took place in an auditorium and was actually very professional. There was a registration table, and two other tables handing out brochures, seizure calendars, and talking about how to get involved with different groups and associations for those with epilepsy. Over 65 people attended, some of whom came from different states such as Guerrero, Estado de Mexico, and Veracruz. The doors to the auditorium opened at 8:00, which is when we realized there was a line forming, and lasted until about 3:45. Surprisingly, most of the people stayed ALL DAY! That was definitely unexpected, but a great feeling. At the end of the day, I felt very good about everything. I believe we are starting to make a name for ourselves, which is such a nice feeling.
4.) Motivational Speech
On April 1st, I was asked to go to UPAEP, the university where I presented at a conference a few weeks ago, and was asked to give a motivational speech in English focusing on following one's dreams. It's kind of funny because I created the presentation, but then realized that I should probably listen and believe the advice that I was giving to those college students. It went pretty well. I spoke about how change is a part of life and that we can try to plan everything out, but it doesn't work that way. I've had so many unexpected positive experiences. Every day is a new adventure and I'm thankful for that!
5.) Presentation in another hospital in Tlacotepec
Today, April 2nd, I had a new adventure. I got up at 4:00 AM and met up with one of the manager's of a hospital from the small town of Tlacotepec, which is an hour and a half drive from Puebla. We drove to the hospital and I presented my usual presentation of what is epilepsy. At first I was a little nervous because it's definitely a different crowd when presenting in front of doctors as opposed to a bunch of high school or college students. However, 40 people attended and half of them were taking notes. Then at the end, they were asking questions for 20 minutes. That was a nice feeling. Afterward, something great happened! I met the social worker of the hospital and spent the next 3 hours with her. She explained the different factors of her job and allowed me to work with her in helping the patients. We filled out some forms with a few different patients, made some phone calls, spoke to the patients' families, and helped transport a woman from her hospital bed to an ambulance. This was a very small hospital and therefore, she told me that the bigger hospitals in the cities have a different criteria, but I still enjoyed it!
Thanks again everyone for all of your support!
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Busy Week! TV/Radio interview, weekly art therapy workshop. and epilepsy conference
Hi everyone,
Sorry it's been so long since I've written. So far, this has been a very busy week, but very exciting!
1.) Monday - TV/Radio Interview
On Monday, I was at a university called UPAEP where we've been planning an epilepsy conference. I hadn't heard anything from them, but then got an email on Sunday night saying to come to the school for a press conference on Monday. I didn't really think anything of it, but when I arrived, there was a camera crew and various reporters. Sometimes I'm alright in those situations, but usually not. I was behind the microphones and suddenly my heart started racing and I turned bright red. haha Oh well, the good news is, we got the word out that we were going to have a conference on Wednesday. Here are some articles that were written:
http://impulsoinformativo.net/2014/03/11/epilepsia-padecimiento-mas-comun-de-lo-que-creemos-upaep/
http://www.heraldodepuebla.com.mx/2014-03-11/educacion/una-buena-dieta-alimenticia-disminuye-ataques-academica
http://www.oronoticias.com.mx/detalleNota.php?id=117881
http://retodiario.com/despliegue-noticia2012.php?id=59303&-Noticias-Puebla-En-Segundo-Hasta-6-de-cada-mil-personas-padecen-epilepsia
http://www.opinion.com.mx/noticia-desp-imp.php?id_noticia=78199
2.) Tuesday - Art Therapy Workshop in Cholula (suburb of Puebla)
Last week I was told that we were going to begin having weekly art therapy workshops, which are helpful for those with epilepsy. Last Tuesday I was totally unprepared, but thankfully there was only one person, so it wasn't that bad. But this week, there were 5 people and I actually had a plan. If anyone is interested, here is the lesson plan:
"Scribbling with Eyes Closed"
1.) Close your eyes, put a pen in the middle of the paper, and begin scribbling for 30 seconds while listening to classical music. Look for an image with the scribbled mess and use crayons to color, then give it a name.
2.) Turn the paper over and fold it in half. On one side, close your eyes for 30 seconds and do the same thing, but with a different type of music. Then do it on the next half of the sheet with another type of music. Compare your drawings. You will be surprised that a lot of them will be similar, while other drawings will demonstrate lyrics from the songs. This is a way to work different parts of your brain.
3.) Wednesday - Epilepsy Conference in UPAEP
This morning I got up early and went to UPAEP where we had a very professional conference. Over 250 people attended! We had a table set up outside the auditorium where we handed out brochures and seizure calendars. In the auditorium, there was a table on stage where they had me sit along with 5 doctors and staff members. We then had the conference in which two doctors spoke, one neurologist and one psychiatrist. Then I gave my presentation. It truly was amazing to see the facial reactions. After I spoke, a girl came up to me with tears in her eyes and hugged me, saying I was a true inspiration. (That was really sweet!) She said she doesn't have epilepsy but asked if she could still be part of the group. I smiled and said of course.
Then I ate lunch with those two doctors and faculty members as well as my friend Urias who has epilepsy and was helping me. Then at 4:00, Urias and I went to a nutrition class where they were cooking a meal from the Ketogenic Diet, which is a form of treatment for those with epilepsy. It was so interesting. I couldn't believe these faculty members actually took an entire class period to teach others about a form of epilepsy treatment.
I truly am thankful for this experience of being able to be here and give back to others.
Sorry it's been so long since I've written. So far, this has been a very busy week, but very exciting!
1.) Monday - TV/Radio Interview
On Monday, I was at a university called UPAEP where we've been planning an epilepsy conference. I hadn't heard anything from them, but then got an email on Sunday night saying to come to the school for a press conference on Monday. I didn't really think anything of it, but when I arrived, there was a camera crew and various reporters. Sometimes I'm alright in those situations, but usually not. I was behind the microphones and suddenly my heart started racing and I turned bright red. haha Oh well, the good news is, we got the word out that we were going to have a conference on Wednesday. Here are some articles that were written:
http://impulsoinformativo.net/2014/03/11/epilepsia-padecimiento-mas-comun-de-lo-que-creemos-upaep/
http://www.heraldodepuebla.com.mx/2014-03-11/educacion/una-buena-dieta-alimenticia-disminuye-ataques-academica
http://www.oronoticias.com.mx/detalleNota.php?id=117881
http://retodiario.com/despliegue-noticia2012.php?id=59303&-Noticias-Puebla-En-Segundo-Hasta-6-de-cada-mil-personas-padecen-epilepsia
http://www.opinion.com.mx/noticia-desp-imp.php?id_noticia=78199
2.) Tuesday - Art Therapy Workshop in Cholula (suburb of Puebla)
Last week I was told that we were going to begin having weekly art therapy workshops, which are helpful for those with epilepsy. Last Tuesday I was totally unprepared, but thankfully there was only one person, so it wasn't that bad. But this week, there were 5 people and I actually had a plan. If anyone is interested, here is the lesson plan:
"Scribbling with Eyes Closed"
1.) Close your eyes, put a pen in the middle of the paper, and begin scribbling for 30 seconds while listening to classical music. Look for an image with the scribbled mess and use crayons to color, then give it a name.
2.) Turn the paper over and fold it in half. On one side, close your eyes for 30 seconds and do the same thing, but with a different type of music. Then do it on the next half of the sheet with another type of music. Compare your drawings. You will be surprised that a lot of them will be similar, while other drawings will demonstrate lyrics from the songs. This is a way to work different parts of your brain.
3.) Wednesday - Epilepsy Conference in UPAEP
This morning I got up early and went to UPAEP where we had a very professional conference. Over 250 people attended! We had a table set up outside the auditorium where we handed out brochures and seizure calendars. In the auditorium, there was a table on stage where they had me sit along with 5 doctors and staff members. We then had the conference in which two doctors spoke, one neurologist and one psychiatrist. Then I gave my presentation. It truly was amazing to see the facial reactions. After I spoke, a girl came up to me with tears in her eyes and hugged me, saying I was a true inspiration. (That was really sweet!) She said she doesn't have epilepsy but asked if she could still be part of the group. I smiled and said of course.
Then I ate lunch with those two doctors and faculty members as well as my friend Urias who has epilepsy and was helping me. Then at 4:00, Urias and I went to a nutrition class where they were cooking a meal from the Ketogenic Diet, which is a form of treatment for those with epilepsy. It was so interesting. I couldn't believe these faculty members actually took an entire class period to teach others about a form of epilepsy treatment.
I truly am thankful for this experience of being able to be here and give back to others.
Monday, February 3, 2014
More opportunities for Grupo de Autoayuda Epilepsia Puebla
Hi everyone,
Here is my weekly update about what is happening here in Mexico.
1.) Radio Show
Last Tuesday, I spoke on a radio show that turned out to be a national show. I spoke about what epilepsy is and the group, and answered some questions. There were various national phone calls, which made me really nervous, but overall, was very positive. The wonderful people who allowed me to speak on their show said I could come again in March in order to speak about International Epilepsy Day on March 26th.
2.) BUAP
On Thursday, I went to a university known as BUAP where I spoke to a group of students, most of whom study law and human rights. Surprisingly, they are very interested in what I'm doing here in Puebla. They told me that they are going to make sure this group expands to other states and continues when I am not here. They want to plan a conference in their university and invite people from the government. I'm really excited about those opportunities.
3.) Gradual Formation of Non-profit Organization (Asociacion Civil)
On Friday, I met with a woman who works for an organization that has existed for 40 years. That group focuses on people with disabilities. In fact, they have cooking certification classes for the disabled (people with autism, epilepsy, down syndrome....) allowing these people to become employed. The woman I met with really likes what we're doing here and was insisting that I stay longer. haha We are in the process of contacting people to create non-profit organization.
Right now, our support group has extended and takes place in 8 states of Mexico! My hope is to eventually create a non-profit in Puebla that can then extend to the other groups and then become one organization.
4.) Planning Events for March 26 (each group) and a Conference in April (Puebla)
We are now in the process of helping each group plan an event to celebrate International Epilepsy Day on March 26th. In Puebla, we have already found a well-known singer from Puebla who will perform and are planning to hand out brochures about the group. We are trying to come up with ideas for the other groups. It will be a bit harder because those groups are brand new, but we still have time.
Conference in April:
Dr. Coyac is helping me organize a conference for the end of April that will involve about 6 or 7 different doctors who will speak about different themes regarding epilepsy. I am excited for that, and really hope it will all come together.
5.) Went to see Nick Vujici speak
On Saturday, I attended the presentation by Nick Vujicic, the man from Australia who was born with no arms and no legs. It was very inspirational and endearing. He had a 10 year old boy come on stage who is from Puebla and has no legs. The boy (who is extremely strong) used his arms just as if they were legs and jumped right on stage.
I really enjoyed these two quotes from Nick:
"If it's not meant to be, there is something better around the corner. Don't give up! Dream big and make a difference!"
"Your life is a miracle and you can be a miracle for someone else."
Thank you everyone for all of your support! Your support is what inspires me to do what I'm doing here. Thank you for that!
Here is my weekly update about what is happening here in Mexico.
1.) Radio Show
Last Tuesday, I spoke on a radio show that turned out to be a national show. I spoke about what epilepsy is and the group, and answered some questions. There were various national phone calls, which made me really nervous, but overall, was very positive. The wonderful people who allowed me to speak on their show said I could come again in March in order to speak about International Epilepsy Day on March 26th.
2.) BUAP
On Thursday, I went to a university known as BUAP where I spoke to a group of students, most of whom study law and human rights. Surprisingly, they are very interested in what I'm doing here in Puebla. They told me that they are going to make sure this group expands to other states and continues when I am not here. They want to plan a conference in their university and invite people from the government. I'm really excited about those opportunities.
3.) Gradual Formation of Non-profit Organization (Asociacion Civil)
On Friday, I met with a woman who works for an organization that has existed for 40 years. That group focuses on people with disabilities. In fact, they have cooking certification classes for the disabled (people with autism, epilepsy, down syndrome....) allowing these people to become employed. The woman I met with really likes what we're doing here and was insisting that I stay longer. haha We are in the process of contacting people to create non-profit organization.
Right now, our support group has extended and takes place in 8 states of Mexico! My hope is to eventually create a non-profit in Puebla that can then extend to the other groups and then become one organization.
4.) Planning Events for March 26 (each group) and a Conference in April (Puebla)
We are now in the process of helping each group plan an event to celebrate International Epilepsy Day on March 26th. In Puebla, we have already found a well-known singer from Puebla who will perform and are planning to hand out brochures about the group. We are trying to come up with ideas for the other groups. It will be a bit harder because those groups are brand new, but we still have time.
Conference in April:
Dr. Coyac is helping me organize a conference for the end of April that will involve about 6 or 7 different doctors who will speak about different themes regarding epilepsy. I am excited for that, and really hope it will all come together.
5.) Went to see Nick Vujici speak
On Saturday, I attended the presentation by Nick Vujicic, the man from Australia who was born with no arms and no legs. It was very inspirational and endearing. He had a 10 year old boy come on stage who is from Puebla and has no legs. The boy (who is extremely strong) used his arms just as if they were legs and jumped right on stage.
I really enjoyed these two quotes from Nick:
"If it's not meant to be, there is something better around the corner. Don't give up! Dream big and make a difference!"
"Your life is a miracle and you can be a miracle for someone else."
Thank you everyone for all of your support! Your support is what inspires me to do what I'm doing here. Thank you for that!
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Epilepsy Group: Successful "monthly platica" in January and possibility of weekly workshops
Hi everyone,
Here is an update for Grupo de Autoayuda Epilepsia Puebla.
1.) Presentation in two hospitals
Last week, I presented in two different hospitals in front of crowds of doctors. Honestly, that made me really nervous, but I was able to explain a little bit about the group and how these neurologists could get involved. There was a good response afterward, and a few doctors asked for brochures in order to make copies and distribute them to their patients.
2.) Met with another university, UPAEP
On Friday, I met with the directors of a department in the university known as UPAEP. They wanted to know what I'm doing here in Mexico, and after about 15 minutes, they both had their eyes wide open while listening to me. But I think the best part was when they told me that they had expected me to be about 50 years old. haha
They are going to organize presentations in classes within different departments, as well as a conference while I am still here.
3.) Successful Monthly Meeting
On Saturday, we had our first monthly "platica" (meeting) of 2014 in Hospital Betania. I presented on "What is Epilepsy" from a patient's perspective and spoke about my experience. Usually we have about 15 attendees, but that day we had almost 30! That was very inspiring! I then spoke with a girl who came to the meeting all the way from Mexico City, which is a 2 hour drive. She wants to know how she can help and organize presentations in the state of Oaxaca.
4.) Possible weekly workshops in Cholula
On Monday, I met with someone from another university, UDLAP, in Cholula, which is a suburb of Puebla. She brought up the idea of having weekly workshops in downtown Cholula. We will have epilepsy presentations, art classes, talk about books related to epilepsy, different activities, and more. We will invite patients and families to come. It will be a way for people to get involved and meet others who have epilepsy.
5.) Tonight (Tuesday) I will be speaking on a radio show, where I will talk about epilepsy and our group.
Thank you everyone for your support! I hope you all have a great week!
Here is an update for Grupo de Autoayuda Epilepsia Puebla.
1.) Presentation in two hospitals
Last week, I presented in two different hospitals in front of crowds of doctors. Honestly, that made me really nervous, but I was able to explain a little bit about the group and how these neurologists could get involved. There was a good response afterward, and a few doctors asked for brochures in order to make copies and distribute them to their patients.
2.) Met with another university, UPAEP
On Friday, I met with the directors of a department in the university known as UPAEP. They wanted to know what I'm doing here in Mexico, and after about 15 minutes, they both had their eyes wide open while listening to me. But I think the best part was when they told me that they had expected me to be about 50 years old. haha
They are going to organize presentations in classes within different departments, as well as a conference while I am still here.
3.) Successful Monthly Meeting
On Saturday, we had our first monthly "platica" (meeting) of 2014 in Hospital Betania. I presented on "What is Epilepsy" from a patient's perspective and spoke about my experience. Usually we have about 15 attendees, but that day we had almost 30! That was very inspiring! I then spoke with a girl who came to the meeting all the way from Mexico City, which is a 2 hour drive. She wants to know how she can help and organize presentations in the state of Oaxaca.
4.) Possible weekly workshops in Cholula
On Monday, I met with someone from another university, UDLAP, in Cholula, which is a suburb of Puebla. She brought up the idea of having weekly workshops in downtown Cholula. We will have epilepsy presentations, art classes, talk about books related to epilepsy, different activities, and more. We will invite patients and families to come. It will be a way for people to get involved and meet others who have epilepsy.
5.) Tonight (Tuesday) I will be speaking on a radio show, where I will talk about epilepsy and our group.
Thank you everyone for your support! I hope you all have a great week!
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Epilepsy Groups in Puebla, Tres Valles (Veracruz), Yucatan and possibly Nicaragua!
Hi everyone,
These past two weeks have been very busy and very exciting. Last week, I had 11 meetings with different people who want to help with the group and have new ideas. Then on Saturday, I presented in another school on Epilepsy and Psychology and then we had an event in downtown Puebla. We were passing out brochures regarding the schedule of the monthly conferences for 2014 and the topics we will present on. I will be presenting on January 25th regarding: "What is Epilepsy? A patient's perspective with life experience".
This week, I met with a woman who is going to put me in contact with 25 different people who can possibly set us up to present in different places. This woman is very good at networking and wants me to train her in giving presentations so we can continue this program when I am no longer in Mexico.
Also this week, I was contacted by the Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group, which is located in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. They are very interested in what I've been doing down here and asked me to write a blog/article in Spanish. They have a Facebook page that centers on Latin America and has 22,000 members and they wrote about us in their group.
Our group (Grupo de Autoayuda Epilepsia) now has three groups, Puebla, Tres Valles (Veracruz), and the Yucatan. We have a logo for our group, three different Facebook pages, and we all act as a team.
Below is a copy of the blog article that I sent to the Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group. Thank you everyone for your encouragement and support!
These past two weeks have been very busy and very exciting. Last week, I had 11 meetings with different people who want to help with the group and have new ideas. Then on Saturday, I presented in another school on Epilepsy and Psychology and then we had an event in downtown Puebla. We were passing out brochures regarding the schedule of the monthly conferences for 2014 and the topics we will present on. I will be presenting on January 25th regarding: "What is Epilepsy? A patient's perspective with life experience".
This week, I met with a woman who is going to put me in contact with 25 different people who can possibly set us up to present in different places. This woman is very good at networking and wants me to train her in giving presentations so we can continue this program when I am no longer in Mexico.
Also this week, I was contacted by the Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group, which is located in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. They are very interested in what I've been doing down here and asked me to write a blog/article in Spanish. They have a Facebook page that centers on Latin America and has 22,000 members and they wrote about us in their group.
Our group (Grupo de Autoayuda Epilepsia) now has three groups, Puebla, Tres Valles (Veracruz), and the Yucatan. We have a logo for our group, three different Facebook pages, and we all act as a team.
Below is a copy of the blog article that I sent to the Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group. Thank you everyone for your encouragement and support!
The first time someone is diagnosed with epilepsy, it very
common to ask oneself, “why me? Why do I have to go through this? Why can’t I
simply be normal?” It’s interesting to ponder on the moments when we find ourselves
asking these questions. Most of the time, these questions come up from fear
that other people won’t understand. But, it is important to remember that there
is a reason every person is different, and therefore, we can use our differences
to learn and teach other people.
Throughout my life, I have always looked
at epilepsy as an adventure; as the factor that simply makes me special. I have
had different types of seizures throughout my life which have caused memory
loss and have resulted in brain surgery. But through all those experiences, I
have received so much support and have learned that there are ways in which we can
support each other.
In March 2013, I came to Puebla,
Mexico with the intention of staying for two months in order to embrace the
culture and improve my Spanish capabilities. By May, I had met various
wonderful people and decided to stay for a longer period of time. However, if I
was going to stay for the summer, that meant that I wasn't going to be able to
attend an epilepsy event that was going to take place in various cities within
the United States that summer. That’s when I thought to myself, “Why can’t we
create something like that here in Puebla? That was the beginning of Grupo de
Autoayuda Epilepsia Puebla.
On June 15th of that
year, our group had our first monthly conference focusing on what epilepsy is and
how to help someone who is having seizures. Afterward, we went to a park where
we distributed 200 brochures about the group. At the end of the day, a woman
came to our table asking about our group. When I began to explain, I saw that
she had tears in her eyes. She told me that her son had been diagnosed with
epilepsy a long time ago and they had never met anyone else with this
condition. She hugged me and asked how she could help with the group.
Since that time, the group has had
three events, eight monthly meetings of different themes related to epilepsy,
one conference, and we have given around forty presentations in different
schools and businesses. We have also been able to create two more groups in
Tres Valles, Veracruz and the state of Yucatán. It is also possible that we may
create a group in Nicaragua. We are always looking for more opportunities to
help others. The intention of this group is to let people with epilepsy
know that they are not alone. This medical condition can occur at any time in
one’s life and therefore, it is always helpful to learn more. Although we are
in the beginning of forming these groups, we already have a lot people on our
team and are looking forward to the positive impacts that will be taking place in the
future for those with epilepsy.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Christmas, New Years and new epilepsy group in Veracruz, Mexico
Hi everyone,
I hope everybody had a WONDERFUL Christmas and New Year. I definitely have!
1.) Christmas
For the holidays, I went to the state of Veracruz and traveled to the town of Tres Valles where I stayed with my friend Mauro and his family. I met some truly amazing people and learned a lot of new cultural traditions. For instance, here in Mexico, most people celebrate Christmas on the night of Christmas Eve. That night I was with Mauro's immediate family, as well as their relatives. There were about 30 people in the house that night eating, drinking, and dancing! It was a lot of fun!
Then at midnight, everyone went outside where there was a manger for the baby Jesus. The kids in the family then took the doll that portrayed Jesus and began rocking him in a blanket before putting him in the manger. Everyone began singing these traditional songs that go along with that custom. Although I've been Catholic my entire life, I've never been introduced to this tradition and it was really inspiring.
Everyone kept partying until about 2:00 in the morning and then eventually the night ended. On Christmas morning, people woke up and said Feliz Navidad, but it was pretty calm and casual. Then that night, I went to church with Mauro and his friend to finish our Christmas day.
2.) New Year's Eve
The week between Christmas and New Year's, Mauro and I decided to go to the city of Veracruz for a few days. We walked along the beach, met up with his family, and then went to a very entertaining cantina/bar one night.
Then on New Year's Eve, Mauro and I took the bus to the town of Cosamaloapan to celebrate with the rest of his family. That day, I learned more new traditions, such as "El Viejo". "El Viejo" is a scarecrow that families create for New Year's Eve. Our particular viejo was entertaining because he was holding an enormous bottle of tequila. Then at midnight, everyone sets their viejo on fire in order to start the new year. haha Definitely a new experience. In between all of that, there was more food, drinking, and dancing. I'm getting used to the style of Mexican fiestas!
3.) Grupo de Autoayuda Epilepsia Tres Valles; Ver.
Something I am extremely excited about is that we have now created a second epilepsy support group in Mexico and it happens to be in the town of Tres Valles, Veracruz where Mauro's family lives. When I went there in August, we had a small meeting with some people who have epilepsy, and since then I have continued to talk to one of the guys named Jair. He is 27 years old and also has epilepsy. These past few weeks, I have met up with him numerous times and we decided to create a support group there in Tres Valles, but both of our groups will be connected. He and I are now "business partners".
We have created two pages on Facebook for our groups called: Grupo de Autoayuda Epilepsia Puebla and Grupo de Autoayuda Epilepsia Tres Valles; Ver. We are organizing some presentations in Tres Valles and have contacted someone from the radio station there. I will most likely return to Veracruz in February or March to help Jair get started with the presentations.
I am so excited for everything. We have only been in the year of 2014 for five days, but so far I am loving it! This coming week will be very busy for me. I have a lot of meetings and we have an event in downtown Puebla next Saturday.
Thank you everyone for all of your support!!!!
I hope everybody had a WONDERFUL Christmas and New Year. I definitely have!
1.) Christmas
For the holidays, I went to the state of Veracruz and traveled to the town of Tres Valles where I stayed with my friend Mauro and his family. I met some truly amazing people and learned a lot of new cultural traditions. For instance, here in Mexico, most people celebrate Christmas on the night of Christmas Eve. That night I was with Mauro's immediate family, as well as their relatives. There were about 30 people in the house that night eating, drinking, and dancing! It was a lot of fun!
Then at midnight, everyone went outside where there was a manger for the baby Jesus. The kids in the family then took the doll that portrayed Jesus and began rocking him in a blanket before putting him in the manger. Everyone began singing these traditional songs that go along with that custom. Although I've been Catholic my entire life, I've never been introduced to this tradition and it was really inspiring.
Everyone kept partying until about 2:00 in the morning and then eventually the night ended. On Christmas morning, people woke up and said Feliz Navidad, but it was pretty calm and casual. Then that night, I went to church with Mauro and his friend to finish our Christmas day.
2.) New Year's Eve
The week between Christmas and New Year's, Mauro and I decided to go to the city of Veracruz for a few days. We walked along the beach, met up with his family, and then went to a very entertaining cantina/bar one night.
Then on New Year's Eve, Mauro and I took the bus to the town of Cosamaloapan to celebrate with the rest of his family. That day, I learned more new traditions, such as "El Viejo". "El Viejo" is a scarecrow that families create for New Year's Eve. Our particular viejo was entertaining because he was holding an enormous bottle of tequila. Then at midnight, everyone sets their viejo on fire in order to start the new year. haha Definitely a new experience. In between all of that, there was more food, drinking, and dancing. I'm getting used to the style of Mexican fiestas!
3.) Grupo de Autoayuda Epilepsia Tres Valles; Ver.
Something I am extremely excited about is that we have now created a second epilepsy support group in Mexico and it happens to be in the town of Tres Valles, Veracruz where Mauro's family lives. When I went there in August, we had a small meeting with some people who have epilepsy, and since then I have continued to talk to one of the guys named Jair. He is 27 years old and also has epilepsy. These past few weeks, I have met up with him numerous times and we decided to create a support group there in Tres Valles, but both of our groups will be connected. He and I are now "business partners".
We have created two pages on Facebook for our groups called: Grupo de Autoayuda Epilepsia Puebla and Grupo de Autoayuda Epilepsia Tres Valles; Ver. We are organizing some presentations in Tres Valles and have contacted someone from the radio station there. I will most likely return to Veracruz in February or March to help Jair get started with the presentations.
I am so excited for everything. We have only been in the year of 2014 for five days, but so far I am loving it! This coming week will be very busy for me. I have a lot of meetings and we have an event in downtown Puebla next Saturday.
Thank you everyone for all of your support!!!!
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Latest update: Epilepsy Support Group, Christmas Parties, and Random Observation
Hi everyone,
Here is the latest update. Another calm week, but then an amazing turnout!
1.) Epilepsy Support Group
This week, I met with the doctor and we finished making the schedule for the monthly conferences of 2014. It turns out that I will be presenting at the first one at the end of January. It's titled: "Que es la Epilepsia? Perspectiva de paciente a paciente, experiencia de vida"...(What is Epilepsy? From a patient's perspective and life experience). We have also decided that January 11th, we will go to the Zocalo and give out brochures about our support group, which will have the dates and themes of those meetings for the year.
On Saturday, I got two different messages on Facebook from people who have heard about what I've been doing here in Puebla. That was such an amazing feeling! I may be meeting up with one of them next Saturday in order to inform her about the support group and how to get involved. I'm really thankful for everything that has been happening.
I also learned that we may have some new members in January and some possible places to present at. I will keep you updated on that.
2.) Christmas Parties
On Friday night, I went to a party at the house of Mauro's boss and it turned into "mojito night." Everyone was going around the room with their mojitos and eventually, we got out the computer and started playing the favorite song of each person. It was definitely entertaining!
On Saturday night, I met up with my closest friends here and went downtown. We exchanged presents while eating pizza, then walked around downtown Puebla taking pictures with the Christmas lights. Tonight (Sunday night) we are returning to downtown and will be going to the Zocalo where there will be a snow machine at 9:00. There's a first time for everything! I think this will be memorable experience.
3.) Random Observation
Today I was in Starbucks and was drinking a TAZO tea from a bottle. I randomly looked down at the bottle and noticed the phrase: "Made in the U.S. from Imported Teas....Portland, OR" Who would have thought? This whole time, I've been drinking those teas that came from my own city. That was a nice feeling, knowing that whenever I get homesick, I can go to Starbucks (which is Seattle-based) and get a Portland-based tea. haha Anyway, I just thought it was funny.
That's it for now. Next week should be pretty busy, especially next Saturday, December 21st. That's the day of the jornada (medical day with the neurologist) where we will be assisting numerous patients with epilepsy. Thank you everyone for your support and I hope you're having a wonderful Christmas season!
Here is the latest update. Another calm week, but then an amazing turnout!
1.) Epilepsy Support Group
This week, I met with the doctor and we finished making the schedule for the monthly conferences of 2014. It turns out that I will be presenting at the first one at the end of January. It's titled: "Que es la Epilepsia? Perspectiva de paciente a paciente, experiencia de vida"...(What is Epilepsy? From a patient's perspective and life experience). We have also decided that January 11th, we will go to the Zocalo and give out brochures about our support group, which will have the dates and themes of those meetings for the year.
On Saturday, I got two different messages on Facebook from people who have heard about what I've been doing here in Puebla. That was such an amazing feeling! I may be meeting up with one of them next Saturday in order to inform her about the support group and how to get involved. I'm really thankful for everything that has been happening.
I also learned that we may have some new members in January and some possible places to present at. I will keep you updated on that.
2.) Christmas Parties
On Friday night, I went to a party at the house of Mauro's boss and it turned into "mojito night." Everyone was going around the room with their mojitos and eventually, we got out the computer and started playing the favorite song of each person. It was definitely entertaining!
On Saturday night, I met up with my closest friends here and went downtown. We exchanged presents while eating pizza, then walked around downtown Puebla taking pictures with the Christmas lights. Tonight (Sunday night) we are returning to downtown and will be going to the Zocalo where there will be a snow machine at 9:00. There's a first time for everything! I think this will be memorable experience.
3.) Random Observation
Today I was in Starbucks and was drinking a TAZO tea from a bottle. I randomly looked down at the bottle and noticed the phrase: "Made in the U.S. from Imported Teas....Portland, OR" Who would have thought? This whole time, I've been drinking those teas that came from my own city. That was a nice feeling, knowing that whenever I get homesick, I can go to Starbucks (which is Seattle-based) and get a Portland-based tea. haha Anyway, I just thought it was funny.
That's it for now. Next week should be pretty busy, especially next Saturday, December 21st. That's the day of the jornada (medical day with the neurologist) where we will be assisting numerous patients with epilepsy. Thank you everyone for your support and I hope you're having a wonderful Christmas season!
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