In My Own Words
In My Own Words-- Share Your Story!
Share your epilepsy story by writing an "In My Own Words" (IMOW) story! IMOW 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. IMOW are written by people with epilepsy both young and old, parents, caregivers, siblings, friends and anyone else affected by epilepsy.
How do I submit my own In My Own Words story?
You can write your IMOW and e-mail it to IMOW@efa.org. Pieces should be 500-700 words and be written in first-person. Please also include a photograph of yourself and one of the person in your story who is living with epilepsy. By submitting an IMOW piece and photograph, you are giving us permission to use them.
How are IMOW stories used?
In My Own Words began as a column in the epilepsyUSA magazine. Now it has expanded and the submitted stories are used in various areas at the Epilepsy Foundation. We use these stories for the magazine, the website, media pitches, development initiatives, and much more!
Where can I read others' IMOW stories?
Below is a list of achived IMOW columns from the magazine....
2011, issue 3 --Carly Mance
Carly is 23 and was born & raised in Tuscon, Arizona. In May or 2010, she graduated from Providence College in Rhode Island and currently lives in Flagstaff, AZ with her service-dog-in-training, Tugboat. Carly was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 11 and has since become an active advocate for epilepsy awareness.
2011, issue 2 --Elizabeth Musick
Elizabeth aquired a passion for politics by her early teens. That passion, along with the ups and downs of epilepsy, has developed into a commitment to improving education about epilepsy and demystifying the beliefs surrounding it. She recently began working at the Epilepsy Foundation national office.
2011, issue 1 --Ryan Dillon
Ryan Dillon, originally from Rolla, Mo., is a public servant who lives in Washington, D.C. He experienced his first seizure when he was 6 months old. Ryan is now 26 and a member of the Epilepsy Foundation's Board of Directors.
2010, issue 6 --Stanley Hunter
Stanley is a senior at Clemson University majoring in sports management. He played linebacker for the Clemson Tigers and currently serves as a student coach for the team.
2010, issue 5 --Alysse Mengason
Alysse has lived with epilepsy for nearly 8 years. She writes a blog, www.brainthunders.com, and lives in suburban Detroit with her husband and daughter.
2010, issue 4 --Steve Coldwell
Steve is a communications specialist and writer for public affairs and marketing at Children's Hospital Boston. He lives with his wife and daughter in Massachusetts.
2010, issue 3 --Bryan Farley
Bryan Farley is in his forties and had his first seizure when he was sixteen. He is a father of two children, husband, and son. Bryan is also a photography and technology educator in the San Francisco Bay area.
2010, issue 2 --Emily Elkind
Emily is originally from the Atlanta area. She attends college at the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana.
2010, issue 1 --Paul Rothbein
Paul is a freelance Internet marketing consultant, and also a part-time speaker for the Epilepsy Foundation of Texas. He lives in Dallas.
