Athletes with epilepsy

Submitted by Lee on Thu, 05/29/2008 - 20:27.
in

You have to read this. It's an article
about an interview with an offensive lineman for the NY Jets who
developed epilepsy when he was 15. In it, a little farther down,
there's a list of other famous athletes in the US who also have
epilepsy. (I'm not much of a sports fan, so I only recognized one name:
Florence Griffith-Joyner, the runner.)

It made my morning. I printed it out and taped it over Seans' bed. And here I was, wondering if I should make him wear a helmet to play soccer.

 

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Crystal Williams's picture

Great article...

Submitted by Crystal Williams on Fri, 05/30/2008 - 01:12.

Hi Lee!

What a great article!  Thanks so much for sharing it.  So you piqued my curiosity and I went on a wild goose hunt to find other celebrities/personalities that also had epilepsy. Here's a portion of a post from World Epilepsy Week 2007:

"Famous personalities who suffered from epilepsy include Vincent van Gogh, Socrates, Alexander the Great, Agatha Christie, Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte, Dante, Sir Walter Scott, Jonathan Swift, Lord Byron, Shelley, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Joan of Arc, Ludwig van Beethoven and Richard Burton to name a few."

Also Lethal Weapon star Danny Glover suffered from childhood epilepsy.

More GREAT names to add to the list...  Wink

Crystal

Made me cry

Submitted by Lee on Fri, 05/30/2008 - 20:02.

I don't know why, but your post made me tear up. So many absolutely incredible people have had epilepsy. I really, really appreciate your adding to the list.

I think I've really been focusing on all the bad news about Sean's seizures--and the list helps me remember that he's still him, with all the wonderful possibilities that brings. He couild still do anything he wants to. I forgot that until I found the article about Faneca and saw your list.

I'm going to print your post and put it on the wall by MY bed. Laughing

 

Crystal Williams's picture

Hi Lee...

Submitted by Crystal Williams on Sun, 06/01/2008 - 00:11.

So sorry I made you cry!  That was certainly not my intention.  I just wanted to add some familiar names that we have all heard of - young and old.  Wink

I know what you mean about focusing on the bad news.  Adam has some lasting neurological damage and seems to be struggling more in school - despite trying really hard.  At first I was devastated.  But then I realized that there are so many Einsteins in the world.  Adam has a purpose and will find his calling.  He's outgoing and athletic.  Maybe one day he'll be a politician, a sports writer or start his own foundation. 

I guess the point is we have to accept the limitations and see the bright skies that remain.  The world is such a big place.  There's room for all our children.

Please give Sean a big hug for me!

Tears are not a bad thing!

Submitted by Lee on Mon, 06/02/2008 - 20:52.

Crystal --

They weren't sad tears at all. Your list just really touched my heart. Thanks for adding such an uplifting post.

Lee

Melissa Cameron's picture

Tears Are a Good Thing!

Submitted by Melissa Cameron on Wed, 07/02/2008 - 02:27.

I know I have sure she my fair share of tears.

Melissa.