CNN iReport

After 25 years of near perfect health, late 2006 was a scary time in my life. I was on a phone call at work when all of a sudden I felt confused and different, I could not communicate with the coworker who was talking to me nor understand what he was saying. He later told me that I was just mumbling sounds. I started having these episodes where I was unable to speak or understand language, both spoken and written words, for several minutes at a time. During the episode, I realize what I'm experiencing, however I'm unable to put together even the simplest of thoughts. I just sit there, waiting for the feeling to pass. After a period of having six episodes in 4 weeks, I knew it was time to see a doctor. A series of tests led to a diagnosis of Epilepsy and I came to know these ‘episodes' as Simple Partial Seizures.

The tests revealed that there was abnormal electrical activity in the left Temporal Lobe of my brain. The cause? Unknown. It is my neurologist's belief that they are being caused by a small tumor that at this time is undetectable, only time will tell if one is there and if it grows. Over the last year and a half, I've experienced over 30 seizures, they're always the same. Realizing the seriousness of this condition, I've also made other changes in my life. Earlier this year I have committed myself to a life of health and adventure. I have recently lost almost 25lbs and will continue to lose more.

Just now I had a seizure while writing this, it was short, only around 15 seconds in length. Despite having to live with this condition, I'm determined not to let it rule me or shape my life. I just returned from vacation in Costa Rica last week and had the time of my life. I made it a goal to push myself hard and not give in to my limitations. On the vacation, my father and I visited one of the many National Parks, specifically Barra Honda which is known for its intricate network of caves. Four hours later I had just completed the hardest hike of my life. It included 3 hours of hiking through the jungle and a 200ft vertical decent into a deep cave that we explored for over an hour. It left me with such a sense of accomplishment when we were finished.

I will take this new feeling of pride with me everywhere I go. I will not let my health be a road block in my life. Instead I will make a path around it or build a bridge over it. Life is a collection of memories stringed together, some good, some bad. No matter what the future brings or what our health becomes, we should all be determined to live it to our fullest and leave it a little better for all those who are to come. The best time to do something that makes you happy is NOW!!!