Grainne Reid

Why Rebecca’s Road Runners are Walking for Epilepsy Ireland 💜

It is almost 11 years since my daughter Rebecca was diagnosed with epilepsy at just 5 years old, and throughout that journey, Epilepsy Ireland has been there for our family every step of the way.

Over the years, Rebecca has faced more than any young person should have to. This past year in particular has been incredibly challenging. She underwent brain surgery in December, followed by a second surgery at Easter, and despite everything she has been through, she continues to experience seizures regularly.

Through all of this, Epilepsy Ireland has been an incredible source of support. They have helped us through the uncertainty and worries that come with epilepsy and supported us in navigating some of its more difficult realities, including SUDEP. Their support has gone far beyond advice and information — they have helped us access practical supports and put additional safety measures in place at home to help keep Rebecca safe and give us greater reassurance as a family.

Having people there with the knowledge, compassion and understanding to guide and support us through some of the most difficult parts of this journey has meant more to our family than we can put into words.

But their support over the past 11 years has been about so much more than the difficult times.

From a young age, both Rebecca and her sister Emma have been involved in Epilepsy Ireland’s youth programmes. Through Get Charty, the Teen Group and, for Emma, Sibshop, they have had opportunities to meet other young people who understand what it is like to live with epilepsy in the family. They have made connections, grown in confidence and gained so much over the years from being part of the Epilepsy Ireland community.

Rebecca and Emma have also been proud to take part in Epilepsy Ireland’s awareness campaigns over the years, helping to promote the important TIME SAFE STAY message and using their own experiences to help educate others about epilepsy and what to do when someone has a seizure.

Epilepsy Ireland hasn’t just provided information about a medical condition — they have supported our whole family through almost 11 years of living with epilepsy.

Rebecca’s Road Runners means so much to us because it gives us the opportunity to show our appreciation for an organisation that has supported our family in so many ways. We are proud to take part and to help raise awareness and funds so that Epilepsy Ireland can continue its important work supporting families affected by epilepsy.

Over the past 11 years, we have been completely overwhelmed by the generosity, kindness and encouragement shown to us. Every donation, every message and every person supporting our challenge and our journey means more than you know.

We walk for Rebecca. We walk for every family affected by epilepsy. And we walk to give something back to Epilepsy Ireland, so they can continue to be there for every family who needs them. 

From Rebecca, Emma and all of Rebecca’s Road Runners — thank you from the bottom of our hearts. 💜