Hi, my name is David Marton. I was born with Epilepsy Sturge Webber Syndrome. I care about epilepsy because through my story I want to inspire and build up others who are dealing with anxiety, depression, bullying, or loneliness. I was connected with Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario because a friend on social media inspired me to share my story and I want to inspire others about what I went through.
In my immediate family, I am the only one with seizures. My first seizure, I don’t remember, because I was too young. I do remember having seizures in my sleep; I shared a room with my older brother when we all lived at home. Epilepsy effected my life big time. Growing up in grade school and high school, I used to be made fun of, called names, put down, and be bullied. It was really hard on me. I was always the last one picked for sports teams and people looked at me strange because of my birth mark. When I was made fun of and teased; the way I handled it was I brushed it off by laughing back at them and sometimes I just bit my tongue because the words hurt me personally. When I was 8 or 9 years old, I had such a big seizure I became paralyzed and had to go to the Children’s Hospital in London for approximately 6 months. They did surgery on me and with the Neurologist’s help, my parents, family and my church family praying for me, I was healed through rehab and therapy. By God’s Hand, I’m walking, biking, and I’ve been working at Zehrs Great Food a Loblaws Company from 1992 to present.
Because of my Sturge Weber Syndrome, I’ll never in my life be able to drive. This is something that really sucks for me and gets me down as it is something in my life that, as a guy, I really wish I could do. Every guy loves to drive a car and dreams of owning a nice sports car; I’ll never be able to experience this, but I’ve learned in my life that there are a million other things that I’m passionate about and I can focus on that can fill that void.
Here is one thing people dealing with any kind of epilepsy should know – no matter what your limitations are in this life, please don’t let it get you down because yes, I might not be able to drive, but I’ve been DJing for the last 10 plus years and I love it. One thing I also want to add is that I used to have low self esteem about myself and felt lonely that no one will ever love me for me, but I was wrong! Don’t let your limitations keep you down. Focus on the things you’re passionate about. For example, if someone likes art, paint pictures that make you happy and joyful and use your talent to inspire others.
FOR THOSE LIVING WITH EPILEPSY, I’D WANT THEM TO KNOW: Don’t let others’ bullying or insults affect your life. Let it go in one ear and out the other, then call a trusted friend or family member and if it takes opening up and venting over the phone, do it right away, until eventually, the insults won’t bother you anymore. If anyone ever needs encouragement or a listening ear, I’d love to inspire anyone who wants to reach out to me. God Bless ya’ll!
-David Marton DJ REV