My Story.....
I was born on December 21, 1969, in Toronto, Ontario, and moved west with my family in 1982, when I was 12 years old. I now live in Alberta, Canada, and proudly call myself an Epilepsy Survivor.
On December 3, 2002, I underwent neurosurgery at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton. The surgery, called a Left Selective Amygdalohippocampectomy, changed my life forever. Since that day, I have been 100% seizure-free.
I know firsthand what recovery from brain surgery can be like. Looking back, I wish I had access to the resources and support networks that are available today. Being able to connect with others who had gone through, or were going through, a similar experience would have made an incredible difference during my own recovery.
My seizures began when I was only 2½ years old. After years of living with epilepsy, I experienced a long remission, only to have the seizures return when I was 20. At the age of 32, I decided to seek a second opinion. That decision ultimately changed the course of my life.
I have lived with seizures. I have faced brain surgery and recovery. And today, I am living life to the fullest.
Because of those experiences, I want to reach people around the world and remind them of one very important message: You are not alone.
To anyone living with epilepsy, I want to say: You are who you are. Be proud of YOU.
I am a mother of three boys, an Education Assistant, a sports enthusiast, a traveller, and someone who believes strongly in living life without allowing epilepsy to define what is possible. Even while I was experiencing seizures, I continued working, playing sports, travelling, raising my family, and pursuing the things that mattered to me.
I want others to know that they should never give up and never automatically assume they cannot do something because of epilepsy. Staying positive can be difficult at times, but having someone who truly understands what you are going through can make a world of difference.
I would be honoured to attend events, conferences, support groups, or gatherings that are looking for speakers who can share a lived experience with epilepsy and brain surgery. I am a people person with a genuine passion for supporting those affected by epilepsy.
I understand because I have been there.
I also invite you to visit my Facebook support group, Life After Brain Surgery. It is filled with incredible individuals who have their own stories, experiences, opinions, and a wonderful passion for supporting one another.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story.
Take care,
Ann Marie O’Connor
