If I Can,
You Can
Following on from Purple Day, If I Can, You Can is a campaign all about the power of sharing stories to help more people understand what living with epilepsy really means.
If I Can, You Can
If I Can, You Can is all about shining a light on the power of sharing stories, starting conversations, and helping more people understand what living with epilepsy really means and we need you!
We want everyone to know how epilepsy is more than just seizures, the impact it has on the individual, their family and loved ones, employment, mental and physical health and the daily challenges facing people with epilepsy.
Thank you to everyone who has shared their stories so far, you can read them below and we’ll be adding more over the coming weeks and months.
If you’d like to share your story please contact us at Press.Office@epilepsysociety.org.uk.
Personal stories
Penelope's story
subtitle: Creating the My Penelope app
Little Penny is five years old and has just started school. She has epilepsy, autism and cerebral palsy and is the inspiration behind a new free app ‘My Penelope’, to help others cope with the daily challenges of epilepsy.
Ben's story
subtitle: How running became part of my life
When Ben was first diagnosed with epilepsy at 20, he tried to keep it hidden — from his parents, friends, even himself. Then, he realised how important it is to speak up.
Priya's story
subtitle: Seizures so painful that they would often make her cry
Priya is keen to make sure people understand the different types of seizures beyond the convulsive seizures portrayed on television.
Chalk it up – James aims high for World Snooker Disability Day
James has been invited to take part in the World Disability Snooker Day at the famous Crucible Theatre in Sheffield next Wednesday, 22 April. He plays in the Group 6B classification (Autism with an IQ over 75) and was first diagnosed with epilepsy in 2015.
Beth's story
subtitle: Creating the Epilepsy Warriors podcast
Beth was diagnosed with epilepsy ten years ago and has idiopathic generalised combined epilepsy which is not controlled by medication. She set up the Epilepsy Warriors Instagram account (@epilepsywarriors) in 2021 when her seizures were at their worst as, she wanted to create a support network for herself and others in the UK and around the world. Beth now hosts a podcast, also called Epilepsy Warriors, which is available on Spotify.
Running the Course, Simon's story
subtitle: Embracing Life with Epilepsy, Brain Surgery, and a Positive Mindset
Diagnosed with epilepsy, aged seven, Simon has shown remarkable strength and determination despite the challenges of living with drug resistant epilepsy. In 2018 Simon underwent brain surgery as he was at a higher risk of sudden unexpected death by epilepsy (SUDEP) which has reduced the volume of seizures, but he still experiences them regularly.