Better Tomorrows
I believe that I have been graced with compassion - the compassion to help those who cannot help themselves; to be a voice for those who have no voice; and to empower those with a voice to stand up and be heard. Webster defines compassion as a “sympathetic consciousness of others' distress, together with a desire to alleviate it”. Compassion is a fundamental part of human love, a cornerstone of humanism, and a depth of emotion to virtuously “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31.
I believe every human being should be treated with respect and dignity. Perhaps this is why my work in a non-profit has been so fulfilling. In my daily work I focus on educating the community about epilepsy, educating parents how to be a voice for their child, and educating the person with epilepsy to manage their epilepsy, find their voice,self-respect and self-worth.
For people living with epilepsy it all about the fear… the fear of their next seizure, who will be there, what will they do, will they die. Parents often wonder will their child be able to have a somewhat normal life, will they get married, have a family, and have a life without fear. As a nurse I have always been compelled to help and care for people. My passion to be a voice for persons with epilepsy developed after I met Alejandra 10 years ago. Alex, as her mom called her, was a beautiful 16-year-old girl that contacted our office for support. Despite the multiple medications that were supposed to give her relief, she continued with unrelenting daily seizures. Alex’s very traditional family lived under the premise that they were not allowed to question the doctors that were treating their daughter. They did not realize that there were other options. After many heartfelt discussions with mom, she finally decided it was time to an epilepsy specialist. At her first appointment in the EFCST epilepsy clinic Alex did not speak, her facial gestures were faint, and she had little response to verbal commands. The doctor made several changes to her treatment plan and after only 4 short months - Alex woke up! Her seizures continued to improve, and she was able to attend classes in school. In a short time the girl who did not speak, found her voice and found her life. Alex attended her high school prom, took some college classes, and is now married with a beautiful daughter of her own. At the age of 12, doctors told her mother that she would never be able to take care of herself. After years of seeing her daughter suffer, her mom found her voice, fought for her daughter, and won. Mom says “Alex doesn’t have an easy life, but she now has a life.”
Inside every person with a chronic illness is an “Alex” - waiting, hoping, and fighting to be heard. This experience has helped to develop my passion to speak for those, like Alex, who cannot speak for themselves. I will always remember what I learned in childhood – those pearls of wisdom my parents taught me – always value life and the life of others - every single person is worthy of respect and dignity. The greatest honor is having the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life every day - giving someone hope for a better tomorrow.
This is why I support the Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas. Help me reach my Walk to END Epilepsy fundraising goal to help provide essential services to people with epilepsy. Together, our gifts improve the lives of people with epilepsy and help us win the fight against epilepsy.
Living with epilepsy is a challenge and you can help change that. Your online donation today to my team allows people to receive medical treatment, benefit from social services, participate in youth camps and feel part of the epilepsy community.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your help.
