Interview: Jake Grunberg Doesn't Let Epilepsy Stop Him

Walk for Epilepsy

Join co-captain Jake, his dad Greg and the rest of the "Crazy Brainwaves" for the 2008 National Walk for Epilepsy.

Ten year old Jake Grunberg enjoys the kid life. He plays sports, he hangs with friends, and he has fun at school. He is part of a very loving family – and his parents are devoted to making sure Jake gets the most out of everything he does. There is a wrinkle – Jake has epilepsy. But, Jake puts his epilepsy in its place. He laughs, learns, and plays all he can. Epilepsy is just something he has. Not something that has him. Jake talks about epilepsy and seizures to anyone who asks – friends, family, students, and teachers. We asked him to talk with our readers, too.

What's it like to have epilepsy?

It's hard and I don't like it. It's very frustrating because when I don't want to have a seizure, what do you know? I have a seizure. It's frustrating at school because I will be sitting in my class listening to the teacher saying directions to something and I will have a seizure and the next thing I know I didn't hear the directions and so what I do is I just ask my teacher, "Can you please say that again?" and so she tells me. But I wish I didn't have seizures.

What do you tell your friends about your epilepsy?

I don't have to tell them anything, they just go with the flow. When they see me having a seizure they say, "Jake, are you okay?" and it's nice to know my friends are looking out for me. Most kids don't ask about my epilepsy and it's a good thing, they don't treat me any different.

What kind of questions do you get from friends and classmates when they learn about your epilepsy?

I get all kinds of questions like, Are they all big ones? Does it hurt when you have a seizure? Can you feel what's happening when you have the seizure? Stuff like that.

If another kid let you know that he or she just found out they had epilepsy, what would you tell them?

I would tell them not to be scared and don't worry, it's okay. I have epilepsy too and I don't let it stop me.

What do you tell people who don't know anything about epilepsy? What do you want people to know?

I want people to know everything about epilepsy. Epilepsy is a disorder that takes control of your brain and you can't control it.

Is there a message would you like to give to everyone reading this story?

If you are out there and you have what I have, epilepsy, I want everyone to know you ARE going to grow out of it some day. They ARE going to find a cure. I just know it; don't let epilepsy stop you, just like I don't let it stop me. I know it controls your brain sometimes, and I know it sucks, but it's okay to cry and to let all your anger out. Hang in there