Meet Chelle | Epilepsy Lifestyle Ambassador

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chelle, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.” – J.M. Barrie from Peter Pan:

We grow up in a society that teaches us rules to regulate ourselves and control our emotions. That we need to think and be smaller- take up less space lest we make others uncomfortable. But in doing this, we forget how amazing we are and slowly we lose that very unique since of self. I never want to give up my dreams- I always want to be able to fly. So every day I try to remind myself, I can fly- I can do this.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I was diagnosed with epilepsy four years ago and spent most of the first year indoors. While I was recuperating and learning to manage my new life, I spent a lot of time scrolling through social media. It was an escape into the wonderful life of seeing the world through a platform and many of the pictures inspired me. I had never really been an outdoors person before being diagnosed, but overtime learned the ins and outs of hiking. A big part of that was learning how to do it safely with my epilepsy and creating a huge supportive network.

In 2021, my New Year’s resolution was to see as many places as possible and hike my dream destinations. I traveled to 21 National Parks and 36 states, all while managing my temporal lobe epilepsy. Exploring the forests, sand dunes, glacier lakes, and snowy summits gave me space to think. Away from the life I previously knew, I slowly starting to gain solace and peace in my diagnosis. It was through epilepsy that I gained a love of adventure and the outdoors- as well a network of supportive friends and loved ones that would stand by me through anything.

Fast forward to today- I do still have seizures from time to time. Not everything is 100% every day and there have been quite a few cancelled trips. But now I am so passionate about sharing my story and the stories of others with epilepsy. I am deeply proud of being 1 in 26 and want to show others that life doesn’t end when you get diagnosed. In fact, it can be a brand new beginning where you prioritize your life on your terms and say yes to all new experiences.

Epilepsy awareness is more than just talking about seizures and a diagnosis. It’s talking about the emotions and medication struggles we all go through. It’s sharing with the public what to do when they see someone having a seizure and normalizing the conversations about hidden disabilities. It’s having a network of people that showing that you are not alone, and the struggles we face are felt by many. For me- it’s giving a face to a life that is full of adventure and adversity- both outdoors and indoors.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This one doesn’t really apply to me- I spend all my time doing hikes or traveling honestly. Otherwise it’s a nice evening at home with sushi and Korean soap operas!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My story is dedicated to my grandparents- who became my parents growing up. My mom was a stubborn, independent, amazing woman who taught me to draw, cool, and read. She attempted to teach me book keeping as well, but I never could quite catch on. I lost her 2 years ago and think about her every day. And to my papa, who showed me what unconditional love is. He was always there, always had an apple waiting for me when I got home. His workshop was always open and at night he would tell me stories about his days in the Korean War. Though they didn’t have much in the way of means, they always made sure I was more than comfortable 💜

Instagram: www.instagram.com/chellenotshelly

Image Credits
Ben Eastman Ryan Klein