2006 Kids Speak Up! Participant Biography

Courtney DiPersico

Age: 16
Grade: 10
Hometown: Wellington, Florida

Courtney is an outspoken 16 year old who is eager to educate people about her condition. She is passionate about dispelling common myths associated with epilepsy, emphatically stating that it's impossible to swallow one's tongue during a seizure and that “not everyone convulses during a seizure.”

In October 2004, Courtney underwent a surgical procedure to remove the seizure focus of her brain. After surgery, she missed school for three months because she contracted bacterial meningitis.

For the past 11 months, Courtney has not had a seizure and confronts the same issues other teens deal with such as obtaining her driver's license, dating, making friends and considering colleges that offer epilepsy training programs.

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

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