By: Devan Mighton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
Also known as seizure disorder, epilepsy is a chronic condition that afflicts the brain through recurring seizures. Due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain, seizures temporarily affect the way the brain functions.
Symptoms of epilepsy are far-ranging, but can include a loss of awareness, staring blankly, or repetitive twitching in the arms and legs. This disorder affects people of all ages. Epilepsy cannot be cured, but has the potential to be controlled so that it has a lesser impact on a person’s life.
On Wednesday, March 26, people around the world will participate in Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness by wearing purple in support of people with epilepsy and in an effort to increase worldwide awareness of the condition.
LaSalle resident David Marton is an Epilepsy Influencer. He uses his experiences as an epileptic to raise awareness and understanding of the disorder. Marton was born with a form of epilepsy known as Sturge-Weber Syndrome, a rare, non-hereditary neurological condition characterized by a port-wine birthmark upon his face.
People with Sturge-Weber Syndrome generally have this birthmark near their eye or forehead and suffer from neurological issues like seizures.
“When I was born the doctor’s professional opinion and comments to my parents were “Don’t be surprised if David doesn’t or will ever have a normal life.” he said.
As a child, Marton was often bullied due to the birthmark by his classmates.
“Back in grade school, Kindergarten to Gr. 8, I had to live with epilepsy and my disability, and part of that was my red port-wine stain on my face, which I was very insecure about,” he explains.
“I felt neglected by a lot of people and I thought to myself, ‘I’ll never love, I’ll never get to experience life like everyone else because I’m ugly and no one will want me.’
“Going through grade school and high school, I got picked on made fun of, called names, and been teased because of the way I look, and in gym class I was always the last one to get picked for everything and when people used to make fun of me, or I used to have a seizure in the playground during recess time.
They used the crowd around me and laughed at me and it hurt a lot. Even in high school, I had a bunch of names people used to call me and put me down, and it’s because of how I handled it. That’s why I am where I am today, because I would laugh it off at school but when people called me all those names it stuck with me deep down and I used to go home crying and that’s when it hurt the most, but I never really told anybody about it.”
He says that a major issue for him is that he isn’t allowed to drive due to his condition. Although epilepsy does not automatically disqualify you from being a driver, and many epileptics are permitted to drive if their mediation prevents seizures for a period of six months, due to the chance of losing consciousness at the wheel, many epileptics are not permitted.
Marton found a life-changing story on YouTube and it has inspired to help others, along with his faith.
“It wasn’t until I saw a story of change from this guy on YouTube called Nick,” states Marton. “He was born with no arms and no legs and after seeing his story and hearing how he gets through life, I told the Lord that I have nothing to complain about, because I was paralyzed in a wheelchair before and God healed me through surgery, and through therapy rehab, and I thank God every day for where I am today.
“Those of you who are dealing with depression and anxiety because of your disability, I want to be that person to encourage you that you could. You can do anything you want to if you put your mind to it. If Plan A doesn’t work, there’s always a Plan B.”
Marton now works to spread the word of epilepsy awareness, allowing people to understand what it is, what people who have it deal with, and spread “Joy”.
“As an Epilepsy Influencer, now I’m excited to speak life into people who went through what I did before,” states Marton, who works at Zehrs on Malden Rd. and rides his bike there for his shifts.
“This is why in March, Epilepsy Awareness Month, we will have an info booth with the founder of Epilepsy Windsor-Essex County, Jaime Valvenan, along with other volunteers at Zehrs on Malden Rd. and Zehrs on Lauzon Pkwy. all four Fridays in March, and March 26 is Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness.”
On top of his work at Zehrs, Marton is the proud owner of a Christian DJ Service.
“I can’t drive, but I can DJ a wedding with somebody helping me as an assistant,” he says. “Don’t be discouraged if you can’t do something or you see other people doing something that you want to do, I want to encourage you to go for it because you can do it if you put your mind to it.
Now, I work for Zehrs in the produce department, which I love what I do. Yes, I have had seizures in the past, at work, but my co-workers help me get through the day if I do have a seizure. I rest and I keep going.
“I also own my own business a Christian DJ Service and I specialize in weddings and any event people book me for. I always have an assistant DJ with me and my own driver to help me set up and tear down. So, if there is anyone who needs encouragement or a buddy, I can cheer them on. I’m an Epilepsy Influencer and I would love to help anyone out who doesn’t have an outlook on life because of their disability.”
He enjoys being an advocate.
“Jesus gave me hope and joy in my life and because of Jesus, he gave me the joy in my heart to honor him and everything I do. Despite my disability, he gives me the ability to DJ and play music for him and put on great shows for other people and the community. At the same time, I get to inspire people one conversation at a time. That’s a big part of my life. Yes, I take my medication everyday as it’s part of my life.
There’s nothing wrong with being on medication, whether it’s for seizures, depression, anxiety, or anything that people deal with. One day at a time is my advice to everyone out there who has epilepsy, or any kind of disability. Don’t always look at the things that you can’t do, look at the things that you can do and focus on that, because when you focus on the things that you can do, you will have so much joy.”
Epilepsy Awareness Day, otherwise known as Purple Day, takes place on Wednesday, March 26. Please feel free to come visit Marton, hear his story, and learn more about epilepsy at Zehrs on Malden Rd. or on any Friday in March.
“If there is anyone needing advice or encouragement you can reach out to Marton through social media or Instagram: raver4jesus
For more information on Epilepsy, please visit Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario’s website at www.EpilepsySWO.ca.
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