Richard

My mom first noticed my seizure when I was about 2 years old because I would just stare out into space. The doctors at the time dismissed it. It was not until I was 12 years old that I had my first grand mal seizure.

The doctors at the time thought it was pesudoseizures but that would not be the case. From the time of 13 years of age till I was 23 my mom and I battled the seizures on our own because we could not find a doctor who thought the seizures were real. Dr. Joseph Drazkowski helped me solve the problem so I could pursue what I want to do.

Even though I had seizures in public and at home I still managed to pick myself up and keep going. I have achieved the Eagle Scout award and also graduated from college with a degree in psychology.

Right now I am pursuing a Master's degree in clinical psychology. After this I will be going for a doctorate in psychology. I am currently working on an internship with Barrows Neurological Institute or Mayo Clinic in Arizona. I want to help adolescents with epilepsy so they have another source to go to for help since I had so little.


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Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder in children, often causing damage to the developing brain and causing premature loss of life. Sadly, public perception is that epilepsy is a benign condition that is easily treated, and this is why research efforts have lagged far behind where they should be, given the prevalence and devastation of epilepsy. I applaud the Leyden family for their courage in sharing their personal story. I know that by doing so they will help to raise awareness of the millions of other families who are also desperately seeking answers for their children.

Susan Axelrod - Founder of C.U.R.E.