I’m always thinking, ‘What more can I do to live better with Epilepsy?’

Most of the time it’s when I’m having a rotten day…one with seizures. But a light bulb went off inside my head on Tuesday as I listened to Michigan State Senator John Gleason speak. He’s the sponsor of Senate Bill 318. It would restrict pharmacists from ‘switching’ you anti-seizure medication to a generic, or from one generic to another without the authorization of you or your prescribing doctor.

He was encouraging…actually insisting…that we make this issue personal. Actually…for most people with Epilepsy or those who care for someone with Epilepsy, this IS personal. It affects every single one of us. Switching medications can be so brutal in terms of increased seizures, horrific side effects and in extreme cases, death. It’s one thing to know the facts, but it’s another to act on the issue. Those of us in Michigan, and every other state must bring this situation to the attention of lawmakers. If you click here, you can write to the FDA commissioner, encouraging them to put a stop to medication-switching. Tell your story…or your child’s story. We have to pull together and make this happen.

The more we talk, the more people will learn. Advocacy and support is so crucial if we want to erase the stigma and inform those who don’t know a thing about Epilepsy. But, I believe we must do it in a positive way. We can’t accomplish much if we are too negative and we shut ourselves in.

So, I encourage you to commit to doing at least two things each week (or more!) to spread the word about Epilepsy…move the needle! Facebook pages like E Fact A Day are spreading facts one day at a time. Tell your story, but if you can, make sure you explain how you manage to live, not suffer with Epilepsy. We need support and understanding! So, if you are reading this, you have the power to help. In the words of my new friend Samantha, “there is nothing people with Epilepsy can’t accomplish!”