Stepping Towards a Hopeful Tomorrow

November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month. This past Friday I attended the 38th Annual Celebration and Auction Hope Gala in Boston put on by the Epilepsy Foundation of New England in support of my wonderful friend Erin who has been living with epilepsy for the past 21 years. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder where there is abnormal brain activity that causes seizures. There is a wide spectrum on how severe someone can function and suffer from epilepsy. To put it into perspective, some can be fully functioning, and some cannot even walk an entire block on their own.

According to the Epilepsy Foundation of New England’s website, 3.4 million people are living in the United States with epilepsy. There are 150,000 new diagnosed cases on average each year, and 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. It can be genetic, but it can also develop at any point in someone’s life.

After learning so much from the first-hand experiences of the many speakers Friday evening, I was so touched and moved. When volunteering was being discussed, a phrase that stuck with me was: “The best way to find oneself is to lose oneself in the service of others.” That statement speaks volumes. It is the reason I love volunteering for non-profits and those in need, and I hope to continue to one day start a family and carry on the tradition of dedicating my service to others.

Chills ran down my spine and tears welled up in my eyes as featured speaker, Philip Haydon, spoke. He founded Sail 4 Epilepsy, where he embarks on sailing trips across the world to raise awareness and inspire others, since he has personally endured the many challenges and hardships that epilepsy offers, but has not let it take over him. Sail 4 Epilepsy’s mission, according to their website, is to inspire people with epilepsy to take one more step towards achieving a fuller life. Their goal is to sail the oceans of the world to inspire people with epilepsy, raise funds to support research for a cure, promote awareness of epilepsy, and educate the public. You can track Philip Haydon’s boat when they sail as well. The connections he builds on and off shore with those who are affected by epilepsy is remarkable.

It was truly an unforgettable event. The stories shared and the money raised makes me so hopeful for what is to come in helping all who are affected by epilepsy. Erin does not let epilepsy define her. She is a force to be reckoned with and the strength and bravery she embodies is beyond inspirational. I was honored to sit beside her, her boyfriend, and her siblings at the gala, and will continue to support her and others as well. As you enter the Epilepsy Foundation of New England’s website, look out for the big bold face letters that read, Help for today, Hope for tomorrow. The foundation’s mascot is named Hope the Lion, which could not be more fitting! A push for hope, strength, and resilience will make for a brighter future.

To learn more, and find out ways on how you can help, please visit: https://www.sailforepilepsy.org/ and https://epilepsynewengland.org/

Remember to stay humble and kind, always!

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xo –Jess