Seventeen-year-old Lia Turner says she hopes a series of videos documenting her life will send a positive message about how people can live with epilepsy and be thriving and productive.
The videos are part of a project Epilepsy Ontario has embarked upon in collaboration with Universus Media Group Inc., the company that created the videos.
Lia’s family members, friends and her equestrian coach are all featured in the videos. One thing that shines through with all the people interviewed is that Lia is a determined young woman who lets nothing get in the way of her dreams and ambitions.
A talented horse-rider, Lia has a close relationship with her horse, Echo. Lia and Echo are seen several times in the videos, and this bond is something Lia is proud to share.
“I was really honoured that they chose to shine light on my relationship with my horse because that’s so special to me,” she tells Voices of Epilepsy.
Lia is also touched that the filmmakers interviewed her grandparents, Rudy and Agatha Platiel; her mother, Tina; and friend, Ben Howlett.
“That was really amazing because it focused on my bond with them and how they deal with my epilepsy,” she says.
“Epilepsy is not something that just I have to deal with, it’s something that everyone I love and who loves me has to deal with as well. I’m really glad that they chose to share my story and I hope that the public is able to see the depth and the complexity of the support that I receive from my family. I hope (people) take that message away.”
Universus produced the videos pro bono. Universus was first connected with Epilepsy Ontario last autumn when the media company filmed a video for the Canadian premiere of the documentary On the Edge: Living with Epilepsy.
Universus president Niel Hiscox says his company was inspired to produce the video for free as a way of giving back to the community. The cost of producing the videos would have been substantial, but Universus saw an opportunity that far outweighed financial gain.
Lia’s story, says Hiscox, is a story too powerful not to be told.
“We knew that we could give back in a way that would actually have a multiplier effect; by donating the value of the video, in fact, we were making a donation that was worth many times more (than a financial donation),” he says.
Lia says she hopes other people living with epilepsy see the videos and will be inspired to pursue their dreams and excel on the path they choose.
“I think it’s so important (for people with epilepsy to) start telling our stories and getting them out there,” she says.
Writer: Deron Hamel
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