Testimonial #6 - My Epilepsy Martins

I have had epilepsy for 15 years.
In the beginning, I only had some minor absences. My wife and my family were worried...

👉 One day I had a fit for my boss.
He immediately called my wife and made an appointment at occupational medicine.
I thought it would pass after a few examinations...

⚡ But when the results came in, it was a shock.
I cried for two days straight, inconsolable.
Fortunately, my neurologist and my wife were there to reassure me. Treatment was initiated.

After two months of sick leave, I returned to work.
My boss supported me and said:
➡️ "Your place is not in question. You are a pillar of the company."
He knows the disease, as he has a relative with epilepsy.

🛠️ But in my team, there was a colleague who constantly belittled me:
"Crazy", "disabled", "you'd better leave..."
For ten years, he showed me no respect.

Then everything changed.
His 8-year-old daughter was rushed to hospital 🚨.
Diagnosis: epilepsy.

When he returned to work, he came to me, with tears in his eyes 😭.
He asked my forgiveness, for the whole team.
He finally understood what I had been going through all these years... and what his daughter was going through now.

Today he is respectful, calm, and he regrets his past behaviour.
I said to him, "Don't give up. It takes time, but you will get there."

💜 Epilepsy can affect anyone.
Let us remain united. Let us stand in solidarity. 🫶
Américo Martins