Caitlin Anderson

I’m taking part in Walk for Epilepsy because...

1 in 25 Australians will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. For many people, living with epilepsy comes with challenges that extend beyond seizures, from countless doctor's appointments, scans and tests to the unpredictability of what can come.

This October, I will be taking part in the Walk for Epilepsy fundraiser to show my support for everyone living with epilepsy and to help raise funds to support people throughout their epilepsy journey. From the 1st to the 25th of October, I’ll  be walking at least 2km every day and making a donation to support this important cause.

For those of you who don't know my story, I was diagnosed with juvenile absence epilepsy at the age of 11 in 2019. I have now been living with epilepsy for 7 years. Throughout those years, l've experienced the struggles and reality of what it feels like to live with a condition that can be so unpredictable.

When I was first diagnosed, I was scared and confused of what was going to happen in the future and at such a young age it was scary undergoing countless tests, scans, neurologist appointments and medication changes while trying to understand what was happening to my body.

Throughout my journey with absence epilepsy I was told it was unlikely for me to have a seizure. But in 2023, I experienced my first chronic seizure and a year later I experienced a few more, they were extremely scary moments in my journey and it reminded me just how quickly life with epilepsy can change.

To this day I am 2 years and 5 months seizure-free. 

My epilepsy journey hasn't only affected myself but it has also affected my family and the people i’m closest to who have been there for me through the appointments, recovery and everything in between. I'll forever be grateful for the love and support they've given me throughout the years.

If you're able to, I would love your support.

Any donation, no matter how big or small, means more to me than you know and will help support people living with epilepsy.