Chris' Story

In April 2012 I had my first grand mal seizure, now referred to as tonic-clonic. It was a terrifying experience, leading to complete body convulsions and loss of consciousness. This started the journey of emergency room visits, struggles with medications, and diagnostic tests to confirm my condition. This became a relentless exhausting part of my life for years. It felt like Epilepsy took the life I knew from me overnight. 

Thankfully Heidi wasn't about to give up and give in to thinking that this was how things would be from now on. There had to be something out there to help. After unrelenting advocacy, we managed to secure a referral to UCSF Neurology in San Francisco, CA. Little did we know how life changing this would be. 

Under the guidance of a dedicated team of specialist, and another few years of tests and medication changes, brain surgery was my best option. 

In 2018 the decision was made to opt for brain surgery as the most viable option to minimize, if not eradicate, my seizures. I was diagnosed with adult onset, drug resistant Epilepsy. In late June 2018 I underwent a right-temporal lobe lobectomy to remove the spot that my seizures where coming from. This was a nerve-wracking experience filled with risks and apprehensions about long-term side effects. The surgery proved successful in halting my tonic-clonic seizures but unfortunately I began having seizures in another part of my brain that is inoperable. 

I refused to let this news and new seizures impede my journey forward. My recovery spanned six long months, during which I found joy watching hockey, eventually wanting to learn the sport myself! It was during this time of recuperation that I often thought of the children who go through similar journeys of diagnosis and treatment and how hard it must be for them if it was so difficult for me as an adult. This is where my inspiration came to me to write an inspirational children's book with Heidi. 

In January of 2019 I started an adult hockey program. I can't explain the amount of joy it brought me!  The support and community I found playing hockey and learning to skate was incredible. It gave me purpose, challenged me and I felt happy for the first time in what seemed like years. 

Since moving to Minnesota in 2022 I took a part in a more comprehensive adult hockey program and am in a hockey league. I continue to have seizures daily, but am no longer on medications. Heidi gets me to all my games because I cant drive. I sometimes have challenges due to the effects of my surgeries but thankfully I have supportive teammates that understand my challenges. 

"Take Your Shot!" is more than just a book; it is a beacon of hope, designed to bring awareness, inspiration, and dismantle the stigma surrounding Epilepsy and seizures. This is my story, written for children to inspire them to find their joy despite the challenges of living with Epilepsy.  You've got to take your shot, or you may never know what you are capable of accomplishing!