2006 Kids Speak Up! Participant Biography

Shayna Dickson

Age: 14
Grade: 8
Hometown: Albany, Minnesota

 "I have complex partial seizures. I stare into space and when I come back I'm not always fully aware of what's going on. Not everyone understands these types of seizures. That's what I want people to know, that every seizure is different."

Complex partial seizures are sometimes confused with daydreaming, and that's exactly what happened with Shayna Dickson and one of her teachers at an old school. This misunderstanding happened before Shayna was diagnosed. Luckily the family eventually moved to a different school district, one that employed a teacher who witnessed this behavior and subsequently urged Shayna's mother to have her tested for seizures.

As a result, Shayna promptly received the proper diagnosis and medication. An avid Girl Scout, Shayna earned her silver award in summer 2005 by making a float and pamphlets to bring awareness to the Stroll for Epilepsy event. In addition, she planned a miniature carnival for the children to have fun after the stroll.

Back to 2006 Kids Speak Up! Participants by State...