2005 Kids Speak Up! Participant Biography

Cassandra Wilson

Age: 9
Grade: 4
Toledo, Ohio

Cassandra's journey with epilepsy began when her teacher labeled her as disruptive and inattentive because she often appeared to be daydreaming. After beginning to home-school Cassandra, her mother scheduled a doctor's visit when she recognized the peculiar behavior that the teacher had previously noted. Later, the physician concluded she was experiencing atypical absence seizures.

Since Cassandra's diagnosis, she maintains a busy schedule campaigning for various national and local candidates for elected office. She was particularly active in the past presidential election. She is also a recipient of the "Camp Pretty Lake" award, and the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan's "Winning Kid" award. Cassandra created a website that receives more than 2,000 visits per month by people from more than 60 countries.

Cassandra is a bright, political activist who has been featured on various broadcast and print publications advocating for uninsured children with epilepsy. When she is not promoting epilepsy awareness, Cassandra enjoys riding her "awesome" Trailmate bike, ice-skating and encouraging other children to pursue their dreams.

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Read more about Cassandra: Another Ohio Youth Shares Epilepsy Message on Capitol Hill (Newswire, March 30, 2005)