Katharine Sokolowski

Age: 14
Grade: 9
Market: North Ferrisburg, Vermont

Katie Sokolowski is an articulate and well-rounded young woman who has had epilepsy since she was six years old. Of course, it’s difficult for a six year old to explain what’s happening to her when she experiences a complex-partial seizure, so she had to withstand myriad tests and treatments before she was correctly diagnosed.

Since then, she’s had her ups and downs—and had seizures and experienced the side effects of medications as well as the depression that results from having to deal with the pressures of adolescence as well as a chronic medical condition.

But still, Katie’s an active participant of her church and also participates in a variety of extracurricular activities at school—as well as being an outspoken advocate of people with epilepsy. She talks openly about her condition, knowing that knowledge can help turn aside the many myths and misconceptions about epilepsy that prevail even now.

“I just wish people would learn that not all seizures involve shaking, loss of consciousness, and foaming at the mouth,” Katie said. “I’d like people to learn the truth about epilepsy and know what is real and what is a myth.”