Today we’d like to introduce you to Drew Debose
Hi Drew, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
At the age of two years old my family and I went on a trip to visit my godmother in Las Vegas, Nevada in August of 2020. I was sitting on my mother’s lap and began to pat really hard on her chest and my body started to shake. Emergency was called and my body seized for 20mins. Once taken to the hospital, test were ran and I came to after an hour. They told my mom and dad everything appeared fine and sent me home. In November 2020 I experienced my second seizure that happened while at daycare. My parents didn’t understand why it was happening because I just finished rounds of testing from EEG’s to MRI’s, and everything was clear. November 13, 2020 is where my life changed and I was officially diagnosed with Epilepsy. With my diagnoses I overcame complex partial seizures, absence seizures, and recently Intractable seizures has been diagnosed. I’m a smart, loving, and outgoing boy that is full of life. I have a heart of a warrior and I was designed to survive!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road hasn’t always been smooth, some of the struggles I face is when 9-1-1 has to be called and being stuck with needles. I don’t like going to the hospital, the people are friendly but they scare me sometimes. I have had to miss school sometimes as well due to to my Epilepsy. Some of the medication I’ve had to take makes me really sleepy, and that’s a struggle. My seizures unfortunately are not under control and I currently must take 3 different medications twice a day.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
#DrewStrong was developed to help bring awareness to Epilepsy. My foundation is to also help spread more awareness about Epilepsy in the black community. Statistically African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with Epilepsy and to experience Status Epilepticus, which is a seizure that lasts five minutes or longer. I currently have my own annual Epilepsy walks in November, where I help raise money for Epilepsy Foundation of Los Angeles. All of my supporters come out to help me spread awareness and to remind me that I dont fight alone! #DrewStrong also participates in other walks including Epilepsy Foundation of Orange County. We also participate in Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyland Resort and we join in on different activities for The Hundley Foundation.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Im a 6yr old boy who lives with Epilepsy. Even with my struggles in life, I live everyday with Positivity. I love soccer, playing Roblox, and learning at school. I battle and overcome Epilepsy everyday which makes my inner strength grow. I am a fighter that doesn’t give up, back down, or let anything stand in my way. With the support of my warriors I will continue to prevail until Im free of this disability. I am #Drewstrong, we are #DrewStrong, The Epilepsy Warrior! His Fight, Is Our Fight!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_drewstrong?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553450984458&mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Other: https://donate.epilepsy.com/participant/DrewK
Image Credits
Meshawnda Crow
DeJaron Crow
Khai Joseph
