My name is Parker Hadd and I live in Dover, New Hampshire. I live with epilepsy and I am submitting this testimony as an Epilepsy Foundation New England volunteer advocate.
Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain causing reoccurring seizures. It is made up of many diverse types of seizures, affects people throughout the lifespan, and can have different causes and associated conditions. There are thousands of people living with epilepsy in New Hampshire. According to the CDC, one in twenty-six people will develop epilepsy during their lifetime.
I go to Dover High School and I’ve been living with epilepsy for most of my life. I’ve had three brain surgeries at Boston Children’s Hospital to try and control my seizures. In 2020, I had a craniotomy that helped reduce my seizures a little, and in 2022 I had a laser surgery that made things a lot better. Even with these surgeries, living with epilepsy can be really hard—especially in school.
I play soccer and love being active, but sometimes people don’t understand what epilepsy is or how to help when I have a seizure. Being a military kid, I’ve moved around a lot and gone to different schools, and not every school knew how to keep me safe. It would have made a huge difference if all the staff had been trained on seizure first aid or knew what my rescue plan was.
As a student living with epilepsy, I urge you to pass this legislation on behalf of the many children in New Hampshire living with epilepsy. We deserve to feel safe in school, to learn without fear, and to be included in everything other students get to do.
Sincerely,
Parker Hadd
Dover, NH