Hi all! My name is Kelly and, starting January 1, 2023, I will be biking across the southern tier of the United States, documenting the experiences of people affected by epilepsy and other seizure disorders.

 

Epilepsy affects approximately 1.2% of the US population (3 million adults and 470,000 children) yet is rarely discussed. The stigma surrounding this disorder remains today, and it is about time it vanishes from society. To address this issue, I will regularly release video compilations with footage of my journey and discussions with individuals about the subject. The grand purpose of this trip is to develop a documentary that effectively communicates the many perspectives and experiences associated with epilepsy. I will be asking about the quality of medical care, workplace obstacles, and the impact of social stigmas. It's not all doom and gloom, though: I will also be building a repository of successes, great and small.

 

As part of this venture, I am raising funds for The Center for Epilepsy and Seizure Education (BC, Canada) and the Defeating Epilepsy Foundation (USA) along the way.

 

I hope to bring to light the many obstacles faced by those affected by seizure disorders so as to create a better understanding of what epilepsy is and what it means to all of us.

 

I humbly ask for your help in this venture. I will be biking over 5000 kms from California to Florida, staying in a small tent and pedalling all my gear. My expenses are low and my focus is towards spreading awareness and raising money for the foundations. Your support goes to the small -- but essential -- things that will help me better conduct my interviews and complete my mission. Things like unplanned bike repairs, washing my clothes at a laundromat instead of a stream, providing a beverage for the person I am interviewing, a shower at a rec center, or even a tiny but meaningful bite of glucose after a 100+ km day. These small details add up over four months of biking, and they make a significant difference in the care and attention I am able to provide in making this important documentary about persons affected by epilepsy.

 

Thank you deeply for any donation you are able to give, no matter how big or how small. If you are unable to donate, thank you for reading through this proposal regardless.

I hope to see you on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube where I will be releasing content along the way.

 

You are welcome to visit the Storytelling Seizures website and check out some of my plans.