Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures, affecting people of all ages, races, and ethnicities. The condition varies in severity and impact among individuals and may include accompanying conditions. Seizures can manifest as convulsions, loss of consciousness, or brief lapses; however, not all seizures indicate epilepsy.
Approximately 50 million worldwide suffer from epilepsy. Among these people, Ariana Guebara (12), at the age of 2, was diagnosed with epilepsy after numerous tests and varying diagnoses. From missing significant portions of her school days to having gaps in her memories, Guebara has been fighting a hard battle throughout her life.
Guebara shared that despite having epilepsy, she doesn’t let the disability ruin her life, and she is perfectly capable of doing things despite misconceptions.
“The biggest misconception is that I wouldn’t be able to live a normal life. [That’s] true in many ways, but who wants to be normal. You do things your way, and there’s nothing wrong with a little tweaking,” said Guebara.
Among the successes, there were also difficult times Guebara had to face, like finding the right medication that didn’t make her physically sick, experiencing several allergic reactions, and missing so much school that she needed “Home to Hospital Care” for years.
Guebara has a very structured routine when it comes to her condition, following strict deadlines for taking her pills.
“My former routine prior to stopping my medication two years ago was two pills in the morning, two when I came home from school and three at bedtime. I felt very out of it and I didn’t think they were really doing what they were supposed to do,” said Guebara.
Even though there’s difficulty, Guebara finds motivation in the people she loves. For example, her mom always pushes her to try new things and her friends support her in everything she does.
“The fact that she has [epilepsy] and is still pushing forward impresses me a lot,” said Sam Frausto (12), a close friend of Ariana.
Guebara’s condition often surprises people who don’t know. Many of Guebara’s friends and teachers admit that you wouldn’t be able to tell she had epilepsy, showing how level headed she handles situations.
“She is great at getting her work completed even if she has missed school,” said Mrs. Jennifer Mehaffie, the Culinary Arts teacher. “She is also great at communicating with me about needing extra time on assignments and help. I’m really big on communication and appreciate her efforts.”
Mehaffie has had several students with epilepsy, however, she appreciates Guebara’s hard work and is always trying to make her learning environment more inviting.
“She has not needed any medical help,” said Mehaffie. “[However] I tried to walk her through situations that she might find stressful.”
Guebara is a great example of not fearing failure, and instead embracing it to achieve what challenges you, adapting and perservering with success in mind.
“Don’t be afraid to try and fail. It will mean so much more accomplishing something you’ve had an issue with,” said Ariana Guebara (12). “It’s okay to adjust things to your needs, eventually you will get there.”
