Embrace Every Possibility
by Chad Riese
“Embrace every possibility.” This is my life slogan. I have it tattooed on my right arm. And it’s on a piece of wood that hangs over the door that I see every day before I walk outside.
Thanks to my willingness to embrace every possibility, I underwent surgery in 2017 to have a NeuroPace RNS device implanted in my skull when it became clear that medication alone would not be enough to control my seizures. This remarkable technology can detect and help stop seizures within milliseconds. After living with the device for four years, I underwent a temporal lobectomy, a procedure in which a portion of my brain was removed to help reduce seizure activity.
My journey with epilepsy has been a long and difficult one, but it has also shown me the power of perseverance, faith, and access to quality healthcare. I was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2013 while attending the University of South Florida, where I studied Political Science. With the support of JoshProvides, affordable healthcare programs, hospital foundations, and prescription assistance programs, I completed my bachelor’s degree and graduated in 2014. It wasn’t easy. At times, I spent more each month on prescription medications than on rent.
As my seizures became more severe, they began taking greater control of my life. I made the decision to give up my driver’s license and eventually applied for disability benefits. Since my diagnosis, I have undergone six brain surgeries, all performed at Tampa General Hospital.
Today, I am grateful to say that epilepsy no longer controls my life the way it once did. I still live with seizures and understand that epilepsy will always be part of my journey, however, I am now able to live peacefully and pursue a meaningful life.
My goal is to use my experience and fighting spirit to help others face epilepsy. I want to share my testimony with new patients and families who are beginning their own battles, just as I began mine in 2013 with my diagnosis. I want people to know that there is hope, that they are not alone, and that progress is possible. Your attitude is the forerunner of your Epilepsy condition!
More importantly, I want to be an advocate for other people facing serious health conditions. I will fight for those who believe they cannot afford the treatment they need and for those who feel overwhelmed by their diagnosis. Every person deserves access to the care, support, and opportunities necessary to live a full and productive life. With resources such as JoshProvides, you can have easier access to healthcare items, transportation, support groups and a team of people who genuinely care about you and the struggles you are facing. They want you to know you have someone to count on in a trying time of need; their dedicated staff is wonderful and truly passionate about what they do for the epileptic community.
Thank you to JoshProvides for helping me embrace every possibility!
