2006 Kids Speak Up! Participant Biography

Matthew Villarreal

Age: 7
Grade: 1
Hometown: Sugarland, Texas

"My life is like other kids' [lives]. I just have to take my medicine before I go out to play."

Matthew is an energetic child who enjoys playing with his friends.

A week before his first birthday, Matthew had a seizure. The years that followed included numerous visits to the emergency room, weekly pediatric check-ups and special schooling. Although he has epilepsy, he is still too young to comprehend why he has seizures and what it all means.

Dealing with the pressures of living with a seizure disorder can be overwhelming at times, but Matthew and his family depend on the Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Texas for assistance and encouragement.

The Villarreal family is happy to Speak Up and Speak Out on Capitol Hill.

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