2006 Kids Speak Up! Participant Biography

Kathleen Nolan

Age: 14
Grade: Homeschool
Hometown: Bellevue, Pennsylvania

"Kids with epilepsy are no different than anyone else. They just have a medical problem."

Kathleen Nolan enjoys swimming, sailing and dancing. Her epilepsy diagnosis might have affected the family dynamic, but it also inspired her family – particularly her two siblings – to learn more about the condition.

As a result of her seizures, Kathleen's younger brother and older sister have had to learn how to deal with seizures and how to protect Kathleen from harm. Her little brother has become her guardian, of sorts. He continuously looks out for her and worries about her well-being. Her older sister has volunteered as a counselor at the Epilepsy Foundation of Western/Central Pennsylvania's summer camp, Camp Frog. Kathleen is a proven, successful epilepsy advocate. She is always willing to speak with other families affected by epilepsy, and she is always keen on sharing her story of hope and determination.

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