By Sumeyya Ilanbey
Jamie-Lee, 14, was diagnosed with epilepsy about two years ago, forcing her to give up swimming, horse riding and sport because of the risks of having a seizure.
Her younger sister, Brooke, 12, was diagnosed with epilepsy seven years ago, but instead of the chronic seizures, Brooke has absence seizures, meaning she loses consciousness and appears to stare into space for a few seconds.
The family’s social life has taken a big hit, says their mum, Pam McGrath.
“The only way that I can describe life now – right now, it sucks,” Ms McGrath says.
“We hardly get asked out anymore because where our friends choose to go aren’t appropriate.
“I’ve constantly got to look after both girls to make sure they don’t have a seizure. I can’t go to take them to Christmas lights because of the flashing lights.”
Ms McGrath wants to raise awareness about epilepsy and smash stereotypes that surround it. She says some people continue to wrongly think they need to put something in the mouth of a person having a seizure or that someone having seizures swallow their tongue.
She’ll be taking part in the inaugural Walk for Epilepsy with Brooke.
“There are a lot of people who have passed away because of epilepsy,” she said. “We need the research to find out why the brain short-circuits like it does. But it’s more about stopping the stereotypes.”
The walk – a fundraiser for the Epilepsy Foundation – will be on Sunday, October 21, at Princes Park, Carlton.
Details: bit.ly/2PV4QNA
