Stephen’s Story: Chef, Runner and Survivor

Stephen submitted his personal epilepsy story to Living Well With Epilepsy to share his epilepsy experience.

I had seizures since I was 2 years old but was not diagnosed until I was 8 years old. I had Petite Mal and in school and was disciplined for day dreaming.

I had one of the best teachers in Fourth Grade. She suspected that I was having seizures and alerted my parents. I went to a neurologist and he examined me and diagnosed me as having seizures.

When I was around 17 my seizures developed into Grand Mal seizures. This caused many falls and injuries.

Enjoying seizure-free days

I have been seizure free for 14 months and feel that my epilepsy is not behind me but I should enjoy being seizure-free. My neurologist has even given me the approval to drive.

I love running and completed close to 50 marathons, 10 New York City Marathons in a row. I am working toward a degree in the Culinary and Restaurant Management area . I have been on the Presidents list 2 semesters in a row.  I am working towards receiving my degree in Restaurant and Hotel management.  I am a Chef who loves to bake and cook. I love art and I am participating in the Art Therapy Program through the Epilepsy Foundation.

Read other personal experiences