Rebecca Thomas was diagnosed with epilepsy at just three years old. Rebecca grew up with support from her family who cultivated an environment where she was not made to feel different due to her diagnosis. Rebecca aims to continue to teach everyone around her that same mindset and help end the stigma around epilepsy.
Rebecca’s dedication to advocating for epilepsy is not solely influenced by her own journey. Recently, her son was also diagnosed with epilepsy. Rebecca aims to instill in her son the belief that he can accomplish great things regardless of having epilepsy. She stated that she frequently reinforces this message for him, as well as herself, with the phrase “We are Warriors!”.
Rebecca is officially three years seizure free after her initial diagnosis, forty-three years ago. She is sure to still be mindful of her epilepsy, by taking her medications every day and on time, avoiding triggers, and limiting stress.
Despite facing epilepsy, she has achieved numerous remarkable accomplishments, which she hopes will serve as an inspiration to her son. She graduated from college in 2015 with a 3.8 GPA, while simultaneously raising children and working. Now employed in a local school district, Rebecca is dedicated to continuous self-improvement. Whether it is pursuing additional training at work, organizing events, or embracing a healthier lifestyle, Rebecca is always striving to better herself.
Epilepsy alone is a challenge for so many. Rebecca has found her diagnosis to be even more difficult due to her family frequently moving due to career changes. Relocating is often momentous for anyone but can be especially challenging for an individual who requires additional medical assistance. Rebecca has been faced with needing to refamiliarize herself with a different set of doctors and neurologists time after time. Rebecca stated that this process has been particularly frustrating since she has found that “no doctor trusts the results of the last one, so I have to start over.”
In addition to the challenging impacts of relocation, Rebecca has also struggled with having her driving license revoked seven times. Each state has its own regulations and restrictions regarding the duration of the length of time you are unable to drive after having a seizure. Despite these setbacks, Rebecca has learned to adapt and maintain a positive outlook.
Rebecca hopes to spread this positivity by being a 2024 Walk Ambassador, on September 8th at the 16th Annual Walk to END EPILEPSY in Saratoga, NY.
Rebecca walks because, “it is so important to support people with epilepsy and to allow my family and friends to support my son and I”. In the past, Rebecca has taken strides for epilepsy both at the Annual Walk to END EPILEPSY in Saratoga and beyond at different walks throughout the country. Rebecca began participating in the walk with her family by her side. Year after year, her team and support system have grown. Rebecca now walks alongside family members, caring friends, and devoted supporters. She stated that her team loves to sport their matching shirts and make the walk into “an annual event of health, compassion, teaching, and contribution.”
Walk alongside Rebecca and so many others impacted by epilepsy at The Walk to END EPILEPSY! Walk in person at the Saratoga Spa State Park, The Walkway Over the Hudson Southern Tier Satellite Walk, or in your own home community! Make your support known by registering today at: https://bit.ly/4astlKF.
What does Rebecca want others to know about epilepsy?
“My mom never made me feel like epilepsy made me different and I want to teach the same to everyone else.”