Skylar Swatt was diagnosed with myoclonic and generalized tonic-clonic seizures at the age of 14. Now 29, she continues to navigate life with epilepsy. To manage her seizures, she relies on medication, exercise, and talk therapy. Despite the challenges that come with her diagnosis, Skylar continues to thrive both personally and professionally within her career at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).  

In recent years, Skylar has set a meaningful personal goal: writing a book about her life, her knowledge, and her journey with epilepsy. She hopes that by sharing her experiences, she can help others who relate to the challenges of seizures, mental health issues, and the difficulty of adapting to a condition that can be very hard to live with. 

Looking into the future, Skylar hopes to expand her understanding of different kinds of seizures through the process of writing her book. She also wants to find ways for insurance companies, doctors, and pharmacies to work more closely as a team, so that getting and ordering medication is not so stressful for people living with epilepsy. 

Skylar wants others to know that there are many different types of seizures and that they can be caused by many different things. Triggers can vary widely and understanding them is an important part of living with epilepsy. Although her epilepsy is one that requires ongoing management, she has never let it define her potential. Skylar proved this to herself by making the move to Arizona by herself, something she never thought she would do. 

Skylar has been a dedicated advocate for the epilepsy community. Through her advocacy, she has raised awareness about epilepsy by sharing resources like seatbelt wraps for drivers with medical conditions. She also participates in community events, such as the Saratoga Springs Walk to End Epilepsy, which she has attended for two consecutive years with her family. Skylar and her family plan to continue participating and donating each year.  

Her message to others is clear: epilepsy does not define a person’s potential. Through determination, honesty, and a willingness to share her story, Skylar continues to navigate her life with epilepsy and looks forward to helping others along the way. 

What does Skylar think everyone should know about epilepsy?  

“Even though it is a condition that people have to live and manage with, they are still capable of doing amazing things.”