Lance's Walk for Epilepsy

Please support Lance's Walk for Epilepsy

I have had to overcome many obstacles since being diagnosed with epilepsy 7 years ago after a significant brain injury. I was having up to 15 silent seizures a day which eventually turned into tonic-clonic seizures. Some tonic clonic seizures being so serious I would stop breathing and had to be resuscitated.

I could no longer do the things in life that made me happy and fell into deep depression after my diagnosis. I used to be a very confident person but epilepsy took all my self confidence and happiness away for a long time. I struggle with meeting new people and going out in public places due to my fear of having a seizure and judgment from people who don’t understand the effects that anti-convulsant medication has. My speech, memory, comprehension and learning abilities have been significantly impacted which is extremely hard to accept and express to people at times. 

I am doing this challenge not only as a personal goal for myself to face my fears and challenges but also to prove to others in the same situation that it is possible to push yourself and achieve your goals no matter what you suffer from. We need to raise awareness in schools, workplaces, communities, families and individuals surrounding the families, about the impact that epilepsy has on the individual as well as the carers, family and friends surrounding those people who also are struggling as well. 

I understand that there are many disabilities and people ask me the question ‘what makes this one so important’? The reality is every 33 minutes another Australian is diagnosed with epilepsy, another person's life has been completely turned upside and are about to face struggles and challenges they have never had to go through before and that gives me motivation on its own. 

Before I was properly diagnosed my life was in limbo for 4 years. I faced a lot of darkness which could only be explained as depression. It wasn’t until I was introduced to Epilepsy Queensland that I could thank my lucky stars. They have given me a lot of grace and gave me my first step towards my path of healing. They helped me on the right path and I then found my neurologist who I am very grateful for. Epilepsy Queensland are an amazing support network of people who can offer so much to those impacted by epilepsy, their friends and family, what they have to offer is truly incredible and really can make a difference to someone’s life.

On the 26th, 27th and 28th of August, I will be walking to raise money and awareness for epilepsy and Epilepsy Queensland. All funds go directly to Epilepsy Qld. The walk starts at Nanango along the old stock route to Yarraman, from Yarraman I will be walking the Rail Trail to Blackbutt then finally to Linville. I originally planned to do this riding my horse but due to safety concerns and other Epilepsy Warriors would understand after a head trauma we had to change the plan so my Red Cattle Dog Sandy will accompany me as well as a support worker to ensure my safety. I will be camping at each town along the way to meet, greet, chat and take donations. Please follow my Facebook page to stay updated with my progress and where to find me at each town. 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094566579926&mibextid=LQQJ4d 

Thank you to everyone for their support and kindness. Hope to see you along the way. 

Kind regards Lance.