Samantha’s Journey: Finding Her Path

“I felt like everything I worked for was yanked away” 

Samantha’s story is one of perseverance and resilience. From a teenager grappling with the sudden onset of epilepsy to a young woman charting her course in Social Service Work, Samantha’s journey reflects her determination to overcome challenges and make a difference in the world.

Samantha grew up in Ottawa, where she still resides today. Her life took a dramatic turn at the age of 15 when she experienced her first seizure.

“I didn’t even know what a seizure was at the time,” she recalls. The initial episodes were confusing and terrifying, not only for Samantha but also for her family. A pivotal moment came during a family trip to Disney World when multiple emergency responders were called after she had a seizure. Shortly after returning to Canada, Samantha was diagnosed with epilepsy.

For a teenager, this was a daunting reality. “I didn’t know what was happening, but seeing the fear on my family’s faces was the scariest part,” she says. Over time, the seizures became a frequent occurrence, severely impacting her daily life. High school was particularly challenging, with seizures occurring almost daily. This not only disrupted her education but also her confidence and sense of normalcy.

Despite the setbacks, Samantha was determined to pursue a post-secondary education. Her journey in post-secondary studies has been anything but straightforward. After several attempts at different programs at Algonquin College, Samantha faced institutional challenges due to her seizures. One particularly disheartening moment occurred when she completed all requirements for the Personal Support Worker program, only to be told she couldn’t graduate due to her need for accommodations. “I felt like everything I worked for was yanked away” she says, describing the frustration and heartbreak of that experience. Samantha turned to Epilepsy Ottawa to help guide her through the overwhelming and intimidating process of self-advocacy. This allowed her to make an informed decision about her next steps.

Undeterred, Samantha refused to give up. “I knew I had a lot to give. I just needed the opportunity to prove myself,” she says. Today, she is thriving in the Social Service Worker program at Algonquin College, having completed her first semester. By advocating for herself and working closely with the college’s disability services, Samantha has found a program that aligns with her strengths and aspirations.

Samantha’s epilepsy journey has been marked by progress and setbacks. After years of frequent seizures, a recent change in medication has brought newfound stability. “For the first time in years, my seizures are under control,” she shares, though lack of sleep remains a trigger. However, new challenges have emerged, such as recurring jaw dislocations following seizures, prompting her to seek specialized medical care.

Support from family and friends has been a cornerstone of her resilience. “They know what to do if something happens but don’t treat me differently,” she says, expressing gratitude for their understanding and preparedness.

Samantha credits much of her growth to connecting with community programs and resources that are offered at Epilepsy Ottawa. Reflecting on her experience in the UPLIFT program, a mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapy workshop for adults with epilepsy, she says, “It was comforting to know I wasn’t alone. Even just listening to others’ stories helped me feel seen and understood.” This sense of community has inspired her to create similar connections for others.

Looking ahead, Samantha hopes to use her experiences to help others throughout her career. “I’ve always wanted to ease others’ suffering,” she says. While she initially thought about working with youth, she’s keeping her options open as she explores the field.

To anyone struggling with an epilepsy diagnosis, Samantha offers simple yet profound advice: “You’re not alone.” She wishes she had reached out for support sooner and encourages others to seek connection and community. Her journey is a testament to the power of persistence and self-advocacy, reminding us all that challenges can be overcome with the right support and mindset.

You can help people living with epilepsy like Samantha. With your support, programs like UPLIFT, Clinic to Community and the peer mentor program, Epilepsy Connect Ottawa, will remain free and accessible in Ottawa and the surrounding rural regions.

Here’s how donations help:

• $25 provides someone like Samantha with program materials for UPLIFT.

• $100 covers a Clinic to Community meeting, so someone like Samantha can learn more about living well with epilepsy.

• $10/month trains up to 6 peer mentors.

• $25/month can do so much more!

Your support makes a difference for people living with epilepsy. 

We are counting on you. Please make your donation today.