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Epilepsy Foundation » Advocacy » Public Policy Institute » 2005 Kids Speak Up! Biography: Kathleen Starke Yeend 

2005 Kids Speak Up! Participant Biography

Kids Speak Up! logoKathleen Starke Yeend

Age: 13
Grade: 7
Orange Beach, Alabama

"Rather than assume I'm contagious or exclude me from certain activities, I would prefer people to ask questions about my condition."
- Kathleen

For Kathleen Yeend, a 13-year-old from rural Alabama, being diagnosed with epilepsy was extremely difficult for her and her family. Like many children with epilepsy, Kathleen struggled for many years, trying many medications before finding the right treatment to control her seizures.

Today, the bubbly teenager enjoys cheerleading for her local football and basketball league, and participating in fundraising initiatives for community charities.

Kathleen will advocate for better education about epilepsy during her Kids Speak Up! experience.

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