My Epilepsy, My Voice

My Journey With Epilepsy: Finding Purpose Through Pain

 

I never thought that playing the game I loved—basketball—would lead me down a path I never expected. After suffering multiple concussions over the years, I was eventually diagnosed with epilepsy. At first, it felt like everything I knew was slipping away. The uncertainty was overwhelming—Would I ever play again? Would I ever live a “normal” life? How long would I have before everything changed again?

 

The journey has been far from easy. There have been dark days filled with fear, doctor visits, medication changes, and moments when I questioned everything. But through it all, God never left my side. In fact, it was through this trial that my relationship with Jesus Christ deepened in ways I never imagined. I realized that my life wasn’t just about chasing dreams on a court—it was about living with purpose, for something bigger than myself.

 

Epilepsy forced me to slow down, reflect, and ultimately surrender. I began to see that true strength doesn’t come from physical ability but from faith, perseverance, and love. I started to live not for myself, but for others. I became more present with my family, more grounded in my faith, and more intentional about becoming the man God created me to be. Without these trials, I would have never found ESF, which is such an amazing support group that I cherish the opportunity of working with in the future. 

 

There’s still a lot I don’t know about what the future holds. But what I do know is that God is with me every step of the way. Through the uncertainty, He has given me peace. Through the struggle, He has built my character. And through it all, He has never stopped working in me.

 

This journey with epilepsy has been painful, yes—but it has also been purposeful. I’m learning to trust Him more each day and to walk by faith, not by sight.

 

Whatever comes next, I know I won’t face it alone. My faith is in Christ. My strength is in Him. And for that, I’m truly grateful. He has blessed me with a great support system in my family, my friends, my two roommates, my coworkers and all of ESF that I am happy to be a part of.