The World of Epilepsy: A Caregiver’s Perspective
A Play Written by Peyton Welch
The Concept
This play focuses on the Caregiver’s “World of Epilepsy.” Although Caregiver’s don’t personally experience seizures, their lives are dramatically changed emotionally, physically and psychologically. Having epilepsy is very personal to me, as I was diagnosed in 2004, had brain surgery in 2011 and a VNS (Vagus Nerve Stimulator) installed in 2013. As a “patient,” I understand what it’s like to have certain “limitations,” but again, these are personal. I have no clue the daily challenges that are faced by the family/friends/co-workers of “patients.” This play consists of specific interviews with Caregiver’s telling their stories, including specific seizure events of their loved ones, how they currently cope with such challenges and what their future holds (according to them). This play shows how Caregiver’s deal with such a life-changing crisis and their words of encouragement to others with disabilities.
Background
This play was written for a playwriting workshop taken at Kansas State University, as I’m pursing my Master’s in Theatre with an emphasis in Drama Therapy. The purpose of the course was to write a non-fiction play based on personal interviews and experience. As a result, The World of Epilepsy: A Caregiver’s Perspective was born! The goal of this is play is to educate individuals and groups on epilepsy through drama.
Interviews
The following information are answers to specific questions provided by Caregiver’s via the internet. I have no personal connections with the Caregivers except for our online conversations, which were great! The point of this survey was to learn the challenges/thoughts/concepts Caregiver’s face on a daily basis, so that I could incorporate them into The World of Epilepsy. I was given permission by the Caregiver’s to post their responses. However, some Caregiver’s and/or Loved One’s name(s) have been changed for privacy purposes. Once again, I am so grateful for their honest replies and cannot thank them enough for participating in my play and the everyday commitments they make as Caregivers. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
*Please note: All details given below are the direct responses given by Caregivers. Punctuation may have been changed for reading purposes. There are also replies from some Caregivers that may be offensive to others. However, these replies are honest and told from the heart and deserve to be told accordingly.
Caregiver: Mike
Loved One with Epilepsy: Sheila
Relationship: Husband/Wife
What is the official diagnosis of your loved one?
Intractable Generalized Epilepsy. learn more
Caregiver: Samantha
Loved One with Epilepsy: Matt
Relationship: Mother/Son
What is the official diagnosis of your loved one?
The official diagnosis of my son is cortical dysphasia. learn more
Caregiver: Mandy
Loved One with Epilepsy: Ethan
Relationship: Mother/Son
What is the official diagnosis of your loved one?
Epilepsy, was complex partial, now generalized. learn more
Caregiver: Leslie
Loved Ones with Epilepsy: Sara and Jamie
Relationship: Mother/Daughters
What is the official diagnosis of your loved one?
Epilepsy. learn more
Caregiver: Kendra
Loved One with Epilepsy: JW
Relationship: Mother/Son
What is the official diagnosis of your loved one?
First was focal epilepsy then changed to generalized epilepsy. learn more
Caregiver: Jon
Loved One with Epilepsy: Laura
Relationship: Husband/Wife
What is the official diagnosis of your loved one?
Generalized Epilepsy manifesting as Tonic Clonic seizures. learn more
Caregiver: Darlena
Loved One with Epilepsy: Keith
Relationship: Wife/Husband
What is the official diagnosis of your loved one?
He has epilepsy due to having had meningitis (brain abscess) and two neurosurgeries. This was in 1965, so it’s a miracle he lived. learn more
Caregiver: Charles
Loved One with Epilepsy: NA
Relationship: NA
*Note: Does not have epilepsy. Rather, he has Inattentive ADHD. He was informative on neurological disorders and gladly answered some of the questions. learn more
Produce Play
The World of Epilepsy: A Caregiver’s Perspective was developed to promote Epilepsy Awareness in different venues and for a variety of guests, including Caregiver’s, loved ones, friends, and those with epilepsy. There are currently no financial charges to produce this play and only a few requirements. read guidelines and download script