By Deron Hamel
When Anya-Belle Brown began having seizures in Grade 8, she says she began to lose her self-confidence and found it challenging to complete her schoolwork.
Her condition would not be diagnosed for a few years, and in the meantime she continued to experience seizures, which caused Anya-Belle to fall asleep and exhibit “unusual behaviour patterns.”
Eventually, Anya-Belle was diagnosed with ring chromosome 20 syndrome, which is caused by the arms of the normally straight 20th chromosome to curl and form into a ring shape. The condition often produces seizures.
Unfortunately, Anya-Belle didn’t receive much support from her teachers; she recalls how one teacher didn’t even believe she had a seizure disorder, which shook her self-confidence even more.
While Anya-Belle continues to experience about six seizures per day, understanding her condition, coupled with the support she receives from family, friends and some of her teachers, has been a game-changer, she says.
“They encourage me every day to do well and to put my best foot forward; they’re my champions, they cheer me on during every race, and they seek out the best possible resources for me to succeed,” Anya-Belle says. “They always expect the best from me … I don’t know where I would be without their never-ending support.”
Anya-Belle’s family and friends, she adds, educate people about her seizure disorder to help them understand the condition and how to respond to it.
Anya-Belle says this outpour of support has resulted in an upswing in her self-confidence, which has helped her segue into the next phase of her life. In September, she will attend Sheridan College’s journalism program.
“Today, I can say that my confidence level has increased over the five years I have struggled with my seizures, and things are looking up for me,” she says.
“If I could go back five years ago, I would tell my scared and worried self that I will get through this and this is just a small part of me and not the whole sum. I am stronger and wiser than ever before.”
To help with her educational pursuits, Anya-Belle has received an OBCL Epilepsy Scholarship Award. She is one of four students to receive the award this year. The scholarships were presented to recipients June 17 during Epilepsy Ontario’s Summerfest: Sail Away cruise in Toronto.
OBCL has been supporting students with epilepsy through the scholarship awards since 2006. Every year, up to 10 Ontario students win a $1,000 scholarship for post-secondary education. As part of their application package, students must submit a personal essay under that year’s theme.
As she prepares for the next phase of her life, Anya-Belle says her self-confidence is stronger than ever.
“With more self-confidence and self-esteem, (and) the love and support of my family and friends, I know my future is very bright,” she says.
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