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Jessica Gillespie

My Activity Tracking

223
kms

My target 150 kms

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

I was recently (phenomenally) inspired by someone in my life who is experiencing an epilepsy diagnosis for the first time, as an adult. In hearing about their journey, I was reminded of just how challenging and dark the initial stages of an epilepsy diagnosis can feel. Indeed,  for many,  the difficulties and uncertainty don't stop there. I'm choosing to represent Epilepsy Queensland this year, as this is where they are based.  Also, because I've personally experienced a different suite of challenges managing epilepsy whilst living and working in Queensland, where the capacity to receive face-to-face treatment in remote areas, hold a drivers license and access supports services in general is different. I hope that these funds will improve medical care during the early phases of diagnosis and the quality of lifetime treatment and support for persons living with epilepsy.


I've nominated this distance (150 km) and fundraising amount ($5,000) because I think both will present a challenge and what better way to increase awareness for this condition, than a campaign that will require a whole lot of resilience (and maybe a fresh pair of running shoes). The twist? The distance will be completed only through running, with one get-out-of-jail cycle (just in case)! Watch this space.

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

$2,799

My Goal

$5,000

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My Achievements

Trailblazer!

You're on your way to becoming an Epilepsy Champ! Signup complete

Stepping Up

Self donate to show your friends and family how its done

Staying Connected

Let the world know that you're helping those living with epilepsy on your socials

Better Together

Get your friends together to a create a team!

Recruiting For The Cause

Invite others to join in on the fun!

Making Every Step Count!

You've hit the $200 mark for donations! You're in a draw to win a $300 Coles Myer voucher!

Consistent Mover

Thankyou, you've raised $500!!! A Walk for Epilepsy pack is coming your way!

Ultra Walker!

Thankyou, you've raised $1000! You'll be receiving a limited edition W4E hoodie and you're in the draw to WIN an Airbnb voucher ($200).

Step Master!

Thankyou, you've raised $2000! You're in the draw to win a $500 Airbnb Voucher

Halfway Hero

You've reached the halfway mark of your challenge, keep pushing forward!

Money Maker!

You've hit your fundraising goal! We couldn't be more proud of you

Walk for Epilepsy 2024 Champion!

You've smashed your target goal! We couldn't be more proud of you

1 in 25 Challenge Champion

You've completed your 100km in 25 days!

My Updates

A Day in the Life of

Thursday 24th Oct
A typical day for me, living with epilepsy. When you read this, please remember that my condition is very, very manageable and this version of events likely reflects near the smallest disruption to life that may occur for persons living with epilepsy.  This is not a sad summary and having epilepsy is not a sad story to pity, though this post is very raw. I love my life. Literally. I wouldn't trade it for anyone else's and I've never loved being me more.  However, I often find myself in situations where I wish, deeply, people were more thoughtful with their words, could see what happens behind the scenes, had a common life experience so they would see what you aren't saying and created spaces safe enough that it didn't sometimes feel so 'other' to navigate the world this way.  So, yesterday.

- Wake up
- Take medication
- Assess how I slept 
- Stevie at work, assess if it's still safe to get in the shower.  Am I a danger to myself? Did I really sleep enough last night?
- Get ready, assess if it's safe to drive today.  Am I a danger to others?
- Work from home.  I'm fine, but feeling slightly off.  Intuition.  
- Look at calendar, meetings today. Assess speech and word finding.  Not great, but good enough to participate and not worth the awkwardness of flagging.
- Set up OneNote tasks for the day, now trialing scrum method. Slightly low feeling every time.  Memory effects of anti-seizure medication.
- Pomodoro timer on when reporting.
- Breaks to answer emails/attend meetings
- Lunch
- Look at life admin.  Put off family planning appt with neuro for another fortnight. Not ready for the next mountain. Wonder if he wonders why I'm putting it off.  Wonder if it ever breaks him. Small tears put away for the right time. 
- He calls, to check in.
- Reporting
- End of day
- Pick up Finn from school, we're late.  Ladies lovely as always. How was your day? How to answer that quickly and truthfully?
- Prep dinner together, clean house, make next day's breakfast (so I can sleep longer) and lunches, get up to date on each others day. Word finding getting worse.  Can't articulate what I'm trying to say.  Tired.  Can't remember his question. Third times a charm. We laugh about it but a hint to take medication before run.
- Run, far (for me).  Listen to Julia Baird interview.  Inspired and, ironically, in awe. 
- Sleep hygiene routine.  Magnesium, peppermint tea, no artificial light, ambient noise in background to drown out thoughts on how much sleep I need to be articulate and function properly tomorrow.  Exciting meeting with researchers.  Don't want to make a mistake. 
- Hope he sleeps instead of worrying, even bigger meeting tomorrow. 
- Sleep, success.  Atypical level of joy this elicits.

Support this fundraiser and, if you can, donate.  The work it takes to get to this place, where you have all the tools to manage this challenge properly, takes a village of practitioners, medications, counselors and support officers.  What is somewhat 'easy' now, once wasn't. At any time, everything could change. Seizures could increase in frequency and you'll have to start fault finding all over again. Support this cause, because the people whose 'A Day In the Life Of' looks like this, something near this, or even more regimented, complicated and chaotic,  are worthy of being seen and getting the help they need to move their mountains too. 








Thank you to my Sponsors

$300

Mel Bok

What a great cause Jess - best of luck on your journey and for the walk, and for everyone experiencing various challenges of epilepsy

$211

Jack

Very thoughtful Jess, I have shared it around. Peta appreciates your efforts.

$166.69

Doug

Good luck Jess

$158.25

Steven Mayo

I'm so proud of you for supporting others and sharing your own story too ❤️❤️ I can't wait for the final KM's!!

$105.50

Anonymous

Wonderful effort :)

$105.50

Rack

You are an inspiration to so many people living with epilepsy and other chronic medical conditions. Keep absolutely smashing this challenge just like you smash life!

$105.50

Matched Donation

National Major Partner, Nexon and Supporting Partner, UCB are matching donations received for the Walk for Epilepsy.

$105.50

Chris

Good luck Jess! You're a superstar!!!

$105.50

Matched Donation

National Major Partner, Nexon and Supporting Partner, UCB are matching donations received for the Walk for Epilepsy.

$105.50

Sam

Awesome stuff Jgills! Good luck today :)

$105.50

Jim Fotiniotis

Great work Jess!

$105.50

Jessica Gillespie

$105.50

Tara Woods

You are such an amazing advocate for this cause Jess, very proud of you xxx

$105.50

Sonya Palmer

Well done Jess, you can do it!

$105.50

Matched Donation

National Major Partner, Nexon and Supporting Partner, UCB are matching donations received for the Walk for Epilepsy.

$79.13

Rebekah & Nathan

An amazing cause Jess!! So proud of you for raising awareness and supports for those in need.

$79.13

Matched Donation

National Major Partner, Nexon and Supporting Partner, UCB are matching donations received for the Walk for Epilepsy.

$52.75

Brooke Johnston

Go Jess! Backing a wonderful woman on a wonderful cause! Hope Finn helps you with those steps!

$52.75

Carolyn Wheeler

All the best Jess, I know you'll smash it 👍🏻

$52.75

Gustaf Reutersward

inspirational!

$52.75

Hayley Plose

Go Jess! You can do it!!

$52.75

Dwayne Reese

Awesome!

$52.75

Matched Donation

National Major Partner, Nexon and Supporting Partner, UCB are matching donations received for the Walk for Epilepsy.

$52.75

Christine Lamont

Go Jess!

$52.75

Lou Harris

What an amazing lady , good luck! 🤞

$52.75

Narelle Gillespie

Go Jess. You are a true inspiration.

$26.38

Jimm Bowler

Great to see you getting out there Jess! I'm sure the second half will be done in no time. Thanks for sharing your story as well. Impressive as always

$26.38

Sandy Henkes

$26.38

Victoria Jones

$25

Amanda Walallawita

Amazing effort Jess for such a worthy cause - whether walking or cycling that last bit!!! xx

$25

Matched Donation

National Major Partner, Nexon and Supporting Partner, UCB are matching donations received for the Walk for Epilepsy.

$25

Sharon

❤️❤️

$15.83

Laura Baseggio

Thanks for supporting Jack and Peta.