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!
