Brittany Elizabeth Teller

Age: 12
Grade: 7
Market: Westbury, New York

Brittany Teller is an honor roll student, a cheerleader, a field hockey player, a girl scout, a community volunteer, and she has had epilepsy since the age of four.

Brittany’s entire extended family—parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins—united when she was diagnosed to give her the best care and support possible. When Brittany herself first realized she had epilepsy, she felt scared and different because of it, but with the help of her family and other children with epilepsy, she realized she was just another kid. Meanwhile, her brothers, who used to read her books about EEGs and other things when she was little, have become more caring, supportive and non-judgmental men because of her. Brittany has gone on to achieve various commendations for her generous volunteerism, even while she balances school, extracurricular activities and teaching others that epilepsy is nothing to be afraid of.

“I would like people to know that just because someone has epilepsy doesn’t mean they should be treated differently,” Brittany said. “I am someone with epilepsy and I can do anything that people without it can do. I understand some kids with epilepsy can’t do everything and that I’m lucky I can, so I want people to know it isn’t the kids’ fault and they should be treated with respect.” To that end, Brittany teaches people about epilepsy—even teachers.