Tim Finnigan is a Senior Broadcast/ Journalism major, with a minor in Sports Administration at the University of Southern Mississippi. He is originally from Satsuma, Ala. He is currently serving as an intern with WMPI NBC 15 News in Mobile, Ala., preparing for a career in broadcast journalism. He aspires to one day be a play-by-play announcer for a professional sports team.

As a person living with epilepsy, I have always strived not to let the disorder define my life, but rather inspire it. I was diagnosed with epilepsy at birth, after being born with a lack of oxygen and high fever. I had multiple seizures every day of my life, up until the age of 9. For many years, it seemed as if I would never have the same opportunities as everyone else, but I was determined to ensure that I would.

When I was 6 years old, I underwent brain surgery. At the time, doctors believed that the procedure was the only solution to stabilizing my symptoms. After the procedure failed, there didn’t seem to be many options left for me. It was then that I began to look at my life like a test. I believe that I was given the disorder as a test of my inner strength.

At the age of 9, I was given an opportunity to face yet another challenge, the ketogenic diet. It is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that required me to eat the same carefully weighed meals every day, along with diet drinks and drinks containing heavy whipping cream.

After two years on the ketogenic diet, I finally felt that the doors of opportunity had opened for me. It began when I first attended the Epilepsy Foundation’s Kids Speak Up! advocacy program in Washington, D.C. Kids Speak Up! had such an influence in my life because, for the first time, I was able to see other people who had epilepsy, just like me. It was that same year, 2000, when two very significant things occurred in my life: being chosen the National Epilepsy Winning Kid and meeting former congressman Tony Coelho.

In meeting Tony Coelho, I was able to see that someone living with epilepsy could accomplish everything he has and have a positive impact on the lives of others. I decided that I wanted to do the same. In the fall of 2006, upon entering college, I was selected for the first Epilepsy Foundation Youth Council. In spring 2008, I was able to attend the second annual National Walk for Epilepsy in Washington, D.C. Both of these events— the Walk and Kids Speak Up!—were very important in my life because they enabled me to meet other people who live with epilepsy and are successful in their individual lives. Connecting with other people with epilepsy gave me the strength I need to accomplish the goals in my life. I have never limited myself in any way due to epilepsy, instead I’ve raised my standards so I can be the best that I can be.

The In My Own Words column gives people whose lives are affected by epilepsy the chance to share experiences and solutions to their problems. These are real stories by real people that show strength, resilience, optimism and courage. We hope they will inspire others.