Walter Fiuza was diagnosed with epilepsy at 14 years old. However, this did not stop him from graduating as a doctor. During his studies in Paraguay he founded an academic organization to raise awareness of epilepsy locally, which spread to the border countries of Argentina and Brazil. This work escalated to advocacy with local authorities and legislators, which was recognised by the Brazilian Federation of Epilepsy (EpiBrasil). Here he played an active role in driving and leading national initiatives, and was recently elected President.

Fides’ personal experience of facing and combating the stigma and discrimination associated with epilepsy – as a mother of a child with severe epilepsy – provided the impetus for Fides to become a passionate parent advocate and to set up the Tanzania Epilepsy Organization (TEO), of which she is now CEO. She advocates for ending epilepsy-related discrimination, protecting the rights of people with disabilities, and improved access to quality health care that is affordable, physician-directed, and person-centered. Fides is certified in seizure recognition and first-aid from the Epilepsy Foundation of America; knowledge which has allowed her to design training programmes for schools and improve public awareness in her home country.

Wayne O’Reilly is an active volunteer with Epilepsy Ireland. This has included sharing his personal story of his journey with epilepsy on Epilepsy Ireland’s social media channels, at national conferences and directly with the media. In fact, he has fronted two of Epilepsy Ireland’s most successful #EpilepsyDay campaigns. Wayne has made a huge impact in raising awareness of epilepsy in Ireland and has been an inspiration to others to speak up and get involved.