By Deron Hamel
Claire Marcotte says her epilepsy has made her resilient because the condition has forced her to be organized and disciplined.
A resident of Kincardine who is planning to study medical radiation technology, Claire says epilepsy has shaped her into the person she is today and even set her on her career path.
After being diagnosed with epilepsy, Claire says she realized that she would face challenges such as ensuring she had enough sleep, keeping her stress low and avoiding activities that could trigger seizures.
“Managing my seizures included organization, self-discipline, and time management,” she says. “I always had to plan when to take my medication, to say no to certain activities, and making sure I wasn’t over exerting myself. Naturally, all of these qualities fell into my life academically. I learned about balance, preparation, time management and prioritizing.”
Living with epilepsy has meant Claire has had to make frequent hospital visits and appointments with specialists, experiences that helped direct her towards a health-care discipline after high school, she says.
“Having different people help me made me realize that I would like to contribute to the health-care system,” she says. “I want everyone to feel seen, supported and wanted. I want to give a voice to those who are struggling with invisible disabilities.”
Claire says she has chosen to pursue a career in medical radiation technology because it will allow her to work directly with patients. Her own experiences undergoing procedures for epilepsy – such as CT scans, EEGs and MRIs – taught her that most of the professionals administering these tests have never been through them themselves, she adds.
“Every time I went, I would ask if they’ve ever done one before,” Claire says. “Most of the time the answer was no. In my case, I have done each scan so I know how the patient is feeling.”
After graduation, Claire says her plan is to work in a hospital to help patients who need scans, address their concerns and provide a level of comfort.
“I want them to feel seen and to know that they aren’t alone because I have been in their position,” she says. Claire is one of four recipients of Epilepsy Ontario’s 2025 scholarship.
For more than 15 years, the organization has been providing scholarships to exceptional students who have confronted and overcome remarkable barriers in their academic and personal lives due to epilepsy.
“Receiving the $1,500 scholarship will relieve some financial stress so I can put more effort and focus into my academics and advocacy for those who need help finding a voice,” she says.
