By Deron Hamel
Mallory McDonald describes two parts of her life: the part before June 21, 2023, and the part after.
It was on that date that Mallory was diagnosed with epilepsy. At the time, she was in her last semester of a social services diploma program, and she had started experiencing seizures in class and at work.
“It was terrifying waking up in an ambulance, not knowing what happened, where I was, or who I was with,” she tells Voices of Epilepsy. “I began to worry about how others would see me and whether I could still pursue the career I had worked so hard for.”
Following her diagnosis, Mallory says she had to learn how to manage her condition while continuing her education. This meant adjusting to her medication, going to doctor appointments and living with the uncertainty of when she would have her next seizure.
“I struggled with anxiety and depression as I accepted how much my life had changed, especially when I was close to getting my (driver’s) licence back,” she says.
“There were days when I questioned whether I could continue, but I refused to let epilepsy take away my future.”
Mallory took control of her condition and would go on to complete her diploma. Each hurdle she has faced because of her epilepsy, she says, has provided her with “strength and resilience.”
“Living with epilepsy has shown me invisible challenges and strengthened (my) compassion to support others,” Mallory says. “Although epilepsy is part of my story, it does not define me. It has inspired me to persevere, advocate for others, and pursue a career dedicated to helping people.”
Today, Mallory is studying criminology at Trent University. She is also one of four recipients of a $1,500 Epilepsy Ontario scholarship, which is sponsored by Waymo.
Mallory says she wants to use her education to help others. After she completes her degree, Mallory has her sights set on becoming a 9-1-1 operator.
“I want to help people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives by providing calm, compassionate and effective support,” she says.
“My experience with epilepsy has strengthened my empathy, communication skills and determination through challenging situations.”
Mallory adds that living with epilepsy has given her an interest in educating people to help reduce the stigma surrounding epilepsy.
She says she wants to share her experience of living with epilepsy, provide accurate information and encourage conversations.
“I want people living with epilepsy to feel understood and supported rather than embarrassed or alone,” she says.
If she had the opportunity to speak to her younger self, Mallory says she would explain that she was going to experience something she never could have prepared for – but that she would also get through it.
“I would tell her not to blame herself or wonder why this happened to her,” Mallory says. “She is still the same person she was before epilepsy.”
Epilepsy Ontario would like to extend a sincere thank-you to Waymo for sponsoring our scholarships for the first time this year. Through Waymo’s generous support, four Ontario students living with epilepsy were each awarded a $1,500 scholarship to support their post-secondary education. We are grateful to Waymo for helping make these opportunities possible and for supporting students living with epilepsy across Ontario.
