We ask the question so often. Why don’t more people ‘Talk about It’? In other words, why is it so difficult to speak freely and honestly about Epilepsy and seizures?

Greg Grunberg has done an excellent job of pushing the issue, as have organizations like the Epilepsy Foundation of America, its affiliates, CURE, The Danny Did Foundation. But really…is it so tough to be frank about this? Apparently, yes.

A friend who is deeply involved in Epilepsy programs and advocacy said something to me yesterday that really stuck. She said that it will be the young people that bring Epilepsy out of the shadows. In other words, they seem to have shed the fear and have made the commitment to help erase the stigma. They recognize that some won’t accept their situation, but still, they move forward. When you look around and really examine all of your relationships with advocates, those who live with Epilepsy and those who care for people living with Epilepsy, isn’t this the case?

I’ve mentioned before in other posts that I have no issues speaking freely about my illness, either to others in the Epilepsy world, or those who have no affiliation. I’ve suffered greatly for this; lost friends, sacrificed the trust of co-workers, and raised some eyebrows among other things. But, I committed myself to honesty because this is truly the only way we can help raise awareness and erase the stigma. And, I see so many others who have approached this in a similar way.

But, when I see or read about young people like Kaitlin Nolte or a young man named, Michael Hutton, winner of the 2010 Dakota Pequeno Memorial Scholarship from the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, I’m amazed at how open they are about their Epilepsy. They have courage and strength that is so admirable. Not only do they live with their Epilepsy, but they are fighting to make a difference and to raise awareness. Chances are, they suffer like so many of us do, but they don’t let their pain stand in the way of their goals.

It might be too late for many to begin to talk openly about their Epilepsy, but we can certainly support the young people that are fighting to raise awareness and bring more attention to this condition. Whether it’s a $10 donation to their campaign for an organization’s event, the purchase of a purple beaded bracelet or simply reaching out to send them a note of hope, we can support their efforts. Helping them will help us all!