Cassidy Laffin

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

I want to raise money and make a difference for people living with epilepsy.  I was diagnosed with Epilepsy in 2017/2018. It was quite a difficult process as I was not having frequent seizures but we got there in the end. This is my story living with epilepsy.  

Getting diagnosed in high school was difficult. I didn’t know what epilepsy was other than sometimes I would have a seizure. I was made fun of. People joked about celebrities unfortunately passing and compared me to them. I missed out on my last school camp due to my epilepsy. It was really hard. 

Unfortunately the comments didn’t stop after high school. I tried to get jobs but the moment the employer heard me say epilepsy I could see them decide “I wasn’t fit for their business.” I started following my passion, musical theatre. I’ll just say I didn’t leave on the best terms. I moved back home because I couldn’t secure a job and I won’t lie I’ve had difficult days trying to accept that I live with epilepsy. 

I’m doing this because I want to help people so people who live with epilepsy or know people with epilepsy can be be more educated on it like I wish I was when I was diagnosed. 

I’m doing this fundraiser because Epilepsy Queensland has helped me understand epilepsy more. They support individuals to live well by providing education and support for people with epilepsy, their family, and carers. They break down barriers to employment and education for people living with epilepsy by delivering industry training and information services. They openly share their knowledge, they advocate to those who can influence change and partner with industry leading research and medical institutes to further the advances of epilepsy care in Queensland.

Please help me by giving whatever you can using the 'Donate' button. The more people that know about the walk, the greater the impact, so please also spread the word by sharing our page with your friends and family. Thank you in advance for your generosity, it means a lot!