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Students launching epilepsy awareness campaign today

By Don Fennell

Published 12:27 PDT, Tue August 20, 2019

Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021

Since having her first seizure at 18 months, then being diagnosed with epilepsy when she was three, the Richmond teen must be constantly aware of her health.

Marika Lopez deals with the unknown every day.

She has to.

Since having her first seizure at 18 months, then being diagnosed with epilepsy when she was three, the Richmond teen must be constantly aware of her health.

The Grade 12 Hugh Boyd Secondary student has also had to face the ignorance of the condition, the fourth most common neurological disorder that affects people of all ages. Public misunderstandings of epilepsy cause challenges that are often worse that the seizures.

Today, with the help of her friend Danielle Cosco whom she met last school term in a local youth parliament club, Lopez is bravely moving forward.

The pair of students (Cosco is entering her first year of university) are also striving to increase awareness of epilepsy by launching a campaign called “Seizure Soldiers.” They are holding an information session Tuesday, Aug. 20 until 3 p.m. at the Brighouse branch of the Richmond Public Library, 7700 Minoru Gate.

“My goal is to raise awareness and to educate others about epilepsy, and the difficulties that come along with it, and to create a more understanding and accepting attitude towards epilepsy throughout the Richmond community,” says Lopez. “It is my hope that through my mission for Seizure Soldiers" it will also inspire others who face similar obstacles to start speaking up and share their story and begin the necessary conversation.”

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