2005 Kids Speak Up! Participant Biography

Natalie DiSabatino

Age: 16
Grade: 11
Newark, Delaware

Natalie DiSabatino was diagnosed with epilepsy when she started second grade. During a reading assignment, Natalie's mother noticed she would periodically put her book down to gaze out the window. Not wanting to assume she had an inattentive child, which Natalie's teacher had previously indicated, her mom drove Natalie to the doctor. The physician revealed she was experiencing absence seizures.

Today, Natalie is seizure-free and confronting the same issues many teenagers with epilepsy face such as obtaining her driver's license, dating, and going to college away from home.

The Epilepsy Foundation of Delaware has been a great support to Natalie and her family, and she shows her gratitude by volunteering her time to causes and events that help fight the stigma associated with seizure disorders.

Natalie believes that by participating in Kids Speak Up! she can help eliminate the shame connected to seizure disorders.

Read a press release about Natalie: Delaware Youth Shares Epilepsy Message on Capitol Hill.

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