BIANCA TORREZ
bdtr_93@yahoo.com
Finding Light:
Living with Epilepsy
For most people in a split second, things go black. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, try it. Just blink. What did you miss? Probably nothing. For those living with epilepsy they might miss something. A simple thing such as blinking can take a few minutes. A few minutes of absolute quiet and dark, a few minutes of stillness. Though while people with epilepsy can feel the stillness, they don’t know while it’s happening, that they can twitch, shake, convulse and cause physical damage to their bodies. Not all who have epilepsy convulse; some can appear to be blankly staring off into the distance.
Walking to class on the CSU campus Fort Collins, CO.
Photo by: Bianca Torrez
Clouded History
Christine Flahive has dealt with seizures for a large majority of her life. Her troubles first started after an unfortunate interaction with a mosquito when she was only 4-years-old. The reaction from being bitten by a mosquito led to her having brain surgery and being placed into a medically induced coma for about a month.
She says, "When I woke up from my coma I was unable to do many things. I had to re-learn how to walk and I didn't even remember the people of my family."
Flahive smiles through the pain while tests are conducted at the hospital.
Photo by: Kathy Flahive
Relucant Mornings
Most people can't get their day going without that extra shot of espresso. Flahive can't even make it to the coffee pot. It can seem almost impossible to get her day doing if she is overwhelmed with seizures.
"If I could sleep in my days would be more productive. The more sleep the better," says Flahive.
Once she has started her day the chance of a seizure decreases, though she is always at risk.
Enjoying the time she gets to sleep, Marley snuggles up next to her for extra comfort.
Photo by: Kathy Flahive
In the Classroom
Flahive gets ready to take notes for class after Marley settles down next to her.
Photo by: Bianca Torrez
Despite the seizures, Flahive is able to follow her dreams and attend college courses.
She often sits in the back of a classroom primarily so her eyes can focus on the screen better. Though it is important to consider Marley as well; she needs to make sure there is enough room for him to get comfortable and allow other students to walk past him to get to their seats.
She says, "the most difficult thing is trying to focus [in class] when I am having an aura (mini seizure) or I am seeing double. I want to learn and do well but it is very difficult when I am having 'sick' day. I am also always nervous that I will seize and end up being embarrassed or end up hurting myself with all the eyes on me. "
Flahive takes notes hoping that one day she can make a difference in the lives of children.
Photo by: Bianca Torrez
Meeting Marley
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Marley hasn't always been around to help Flahive with her seizures. She got Marley in August of 2015.
"Getting Marley was great because he decreases my stress with his presence," she says, "[however there are] frustrations that come with him, [like] when he doesn’t listen or act how he is supposed to with seizures."
Though Marley does offer help during seizures, he still has some training to be completed. He is a great way to offer emotional support through her daily life. Life is especially stressful for the average college student, but having seizures doesn't help. Marley is an extra responsibility, but much needed, and much appreciated.
Brighter Days
Having seizures doesn't hinder her from experiencing life as an average American girl. Though it may be hard to get from place to place, it isn't impossible. Being surrounded by family and friends who love and support her will always make the difficult days more bearable.
Life will never be easy for anyone, but all we can do is take on the day between each blink. That's all Flahive can do. Take in each moment and keep blinking away the things she will one day overcome. She will always find the light.
Enjoying the days she can, Flahive spends time with her friend, Jessica.
Photo by: Kathy Flahive
Family has always been an important part of her life. Flahive is pictured here with her siblings and her niece.
Photo by: Kathy Flahive
Flahive's friend, Kelly, is pictured here holding up Flahive after a seizure.
Photo by: Kathy Flahive