2006 Kids Speak Up! Participant Biography

Carissa Marie

Age: 15
Grade: 10
Hometown: Plover, Wisconsin

"I want to be judged by what's on the inside, instead of my disease. For me, it's important to have friends who are supportive. They're hard to find, but they're out there."

Carissa Marie is actively involved in educating her community about epilepsy. Last year, she sold epilepsy awareness bracelets and partnered with her principal to give classroom presentations about epilepsy.

Carissa was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 11. After many unsuccessful trials with anti-epilepsy drugs to control her seizures, she underwent brain surgery in 2005 to remove her seizure focus.

For now, her seizures are significantly reduced, and she maintains a positive attitude about her future. Carissa hopes that she can influence her representatives to fund programs that promote epilepsy education in the school system.

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