TV Interview, International Epilepsy Awareness Day, Successful Epilepsy Conference, Motivational Speech, and Presentation in front of various doctors

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!