My Story

Hi! I'm currently a freshman at UC Berkeley!

Seize and Shine is a project of mine advocating for seizure awareness following my experience with seizures. So here's the story of how it started!

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My Grandma called me from downstairs, telling me it was time for dinner. It was a typical afternoon, and I about to go down to eat my grandma's cooking. As  I made my way down the stairs, my body suddenly twitched - and I stumbled and fell, finding myself on the bottom step. It was a startling experience, and the twitching continued at the dinner table. The soup had spilled across the table and I turned around and saw my brother frozen in his seat. Moments later, everything went black. 

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When I regained consciousness, I was in an ambulance with a paramedic asking me a variety of questions. What school do you go to? What are your hobbies? However, the one thought in my mind was what had just happened and how my life would change.

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The journey from the hospital to the diagnosis from my neurologist was confusing. I had gotten different scans and tests. But what did those tests mean? Eventually, the diagnosis came: Juvenile Myoclonic Seizures. And the main thing that scared me and made me anxious was the unknown. What would come next or what steps would I need to take, especially regarding athletics and school. Thankfully, my neurologist provided clear explanations and guidance, making the transition easier to navigate. Additionally, something that made the transition easier was understanding different aspects of my condition and accepting that it was going to be a part of my life. 

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I decided to create this initiative called "Seize and Shine." It consists of artwork that will address various aspects of seizures, such as the emotion they foster, treatment options, or factors that play a role in seizures. Additionally, I am also writing a picture book, inspired by my experience with seizures, aiming to offer another aspect of seizures. I will be updating my website with artwork and updated pages of the picture book.

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I realized the immense fear that accompanies these types of diagnoses, especially when I didn't understand everything that came along with them. Moreover, the stigma surrounding these conditions often takes a toll on mental health. Through my project, "Seize and Shine," I hope to provide children diagnosed with seizures a greater understanding into their conditions, where a sense of acceptance is created and children can feel heard.

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Let's shine a light on seizures and make a positive impact on the lives of children navigating these journeys.