Iona | Encouragement

Iona Sawyer has been part of Epilepsy Alliance Florida since 2003. She was diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age but has chosen to live her life with joy and resilience. She’s determined to not let the fear of having this disease get in the way of living her best life.

She came to know about Epilepsy Alliance Florida through her grandmother. Their goal was to find a community Iona could relate to – an epilepsy community. By joining support groups and other activities the organization offered, Iona found encouragement to be a support system for those who don’t have one, advocate for those in her community, and educate others about epilepsy. She now feels more open to talking about her epilepsy and sharing her story with others. Another way Epilepsy Alliance Florida has had a major impact on Iona’s life is by helping her obtain transportation services. Iona is grateful to be able to use the public bus which has given her the chance to explore and not close herself off from the world. She’s able to travel anywhere she wishes and feels that if transportation isn’t a limitation, then nothing can stop her from living her life.

Iona is happy to be part of an environment where she can learn so much from others by seeing how they manage the challenges epilepsy can bring them. Being able to relate to others has empowered Iona. By not having to provide any explanation and just feeling understood, it has inspired her to keep moving forward.