Colleen Fulkerson, Andrea Zonneveld, and Logan Huwalt: Representatives from Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA (EAWCP) Discuss Importance of Educating Others About Epilepsy and Supporting Those Living with Epilepsy

At Highmark Health, we believe what makes us unique makes us better. Our differences broaden our perspectives and foster a variety of skills to complement each other, creating a stronger and more vibrant workforce. It's this belief that earned us recognition as the Best Place to Work for the 10th year for individuals with disabilities in a survey by the American Association of People with Disabilities and Disability:IN. We'll continue to celebrate and benefit from the inclusion of all people. To find out more, visit highmarkhealth.org. Welcome to Disability Matters with your host Joyce Bender. All comments, views, and opinions expressed on this show are solely those of the host, guests, and callers. Now the host of Disability Matters, here's Joyce Bender.

And hello everyone, Happy Thanksgiving week. I know that You are all out there like me saying, when am I going to get that turkey? What am I doing? I'm worried about finding the sage and the thyme right now. This is my biggest concern. But here's what I want to say. I am thankful for all of you, all of you listeners. Oh, I love all of you. You know how you have been so loyal and steadfast. Over, can you believe it, 22 years. We have been on 22 years. I had earlier this year my 1,000th episode. So it wouldn't happen without you. And I know you all listen because you too want to help spread the news about quality of life and dignity for people living with disabilities, and that includes the countries around the world that have listeners, 73, soon 74. So, from Germany to Australia, even a country in Africa, thank you so much. I always say you may be the only one in that country. But one person can make a difference. It all starts with you. No matter where you are, you have to tell people about this show. So thank you so much, all of you, all of you listeners. And a special shout out to Yoshiko Dart. Yoshiko, I am so thankful for you. I am so thankful for you and your life and your late husband, Justin Dart, a real champion and hero, the name in the disability community, disability rights world. I'm thankful for all of what you do. So here it comes, ready Yoshiko? Lead on! In the words of Justin Dart. Love you so much. And I love our sponsor, Highmark. They have been the lead sponsor for years of this show. Years. And so, you know, I love David Holmberg, Karen Hanlon, Larry Klyman, Deb Rice Johnson, Mick Malek, Carolyn Daronio. Oh my, I'm gonna go— Dan Onorato. I am so worried, who am I forgetting? Because there are so many great people there, like Melissa Anderson and Tracy Sala. And I just know— oh, Colleen, how could I forget Mark Semko, the new CEO of AHN, who will be— well, is right now the king of the Mardi Gras that I'll let Colleen talk more about. But thank you. Hi, Mark. Thank you so much. And Mathis on the mic. I am so thankful to Bazelon for allowing us to steal Jennifer, and for the great Holly O'Donnell— by the way, ties to Pittsburgh, so she's okay, she's black and gold— that Holly is so generous with her time that she steps in for Jennifer. And here it is, I'm saying it for the whole world to hear, mouth is on the mic, I didn't come up with that idea, Holly did. So there you go. I thank all of you, and I am so excited to have our guest today. You all know I live with epilepsy, and I am the chair of the board of the Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA. And as I always have said, greatest in the United States. We are the best, hands down. And I love everyone there. I love it. I am honored to be the chair. So we are celebrating Thanksgiving and Epilepsy Month. See the purple behind me, everyone? Love purple, love epilepsy. I am not ashamed I'm living with epilepsy. So this is a special treat for me. I am very thankful for all of you Colleen, Andrea, Logan, I'm very thankful for you and all you have done for people living with epilepsy. So we have with us today Andrea Zonneveld. Yep. Correct? Okay, I'm always worried I'm pronouncing that wrong. That's why I call her Andrea, who is the community educator and events coordinator Colleen Fulkerson, special events coordinator and queen of the Mardi Gras. We know that. And the walk. And Logan Uwald, a student disability rights advocate. I love him so much. Colleen made the mistake of introducing me to him several years ago, and that's it. I took him. I just grabbed him, and I love him so much, and he's going to be with us also. So, Andrea and Colleen, we're going to start with you. Um, what happens is when I have someone on the show, I always have people say, wow, they were great, I wish I knew more about them. So what I do now is I say, okay, I'll have them tell you more about them. So, um, we'll start with you, Andrea. Would you mind talking about your role at the Epilepsy Association, but also just your story, like where you grew up and, you know, how you got there, if we could talk about that.

Sure. So my name is Andrea Zonneveld. I'm the Director of Community Education and Outreach for the Epilepsy Association of Western and Central Pennsylvania. Lots and lots of words. But basically what that means is a large part of my job involves making sure as many people as possible know about epilepsy and seizures. How do you recognize that a seizure is happening? What do you do if the seizure occurs. And my education actually started pretty young. My brother had epilepsy. He had his first seizure in the middle of music class in 6th grade, and we didn't have any history of epilepsy in our family, so we didn't have any reason to think that it was going to happen. Um, we really had to rely on the people in the community already knowing what to do. So there weren't programs like the ones that we have at the Epilepsy Association to go around and train people about seizures and epilepsy. So I like that a large part of my job involves making sure that programs like that exist so that we can educate people as much as possible.

My—

Sorry.

Go ahead. My introduction to the organization actually happened in 2010. Unfortunately, my brother Mark passed away from SUDEP, which is sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. And my family and I were really excited to do something positive after a tragedy like that. So we found the Epilepsy Association of Western and Central Pennsylvania. They were doing a run/walk event over the summer. So the first person that I met at the organization, Colleen Folkerson. So I've been with the organization for over 15 years now, and I love getting to do what I do. Seeing the impact of making a difference in the lives of people with epilepsy is something that I'm very passionate about. So I'm just, I'm really thankful to be here doing what I'm doing and that I found what I love.

So young.

Yeah, you're awesome. And you grew up in Pittsburgh, is that correct?

No, I actually came to Pittsburgh for school, so I studied at Carnegie Mellon University. Um, I grew up a little bit all over the place. I was born in Illinois, grew up in the state of Indiana. We moved to Georgia briefly when I was in high school, and then I came back up north because I missed the seasons.

Yeah, I love the seasons. Well, you're a Pittsburgher now. That's it.

Longer than any place. Yes. At this point I've lived in Pittsburgh longer than I've lived any other place.

So, so that's—

Pittsburgher. We're Pittsburgher. Come on, let's go. Yeah. Let's go. You're a Pittsburgher. Well, Colleen, how about you? Let's hear about you.

So I am Colleen Folkerson and I am the senior manager of special events Joyce Bender: I have worked at the organization since 2003. When I was re-reviewing this and typing my notes, I typed 23, and I was like, oh my goodness, I haven't even typed 2003 in a very long time. So I came to the organization with no background in epilepsy. I was out of college, and I was looking for a job. And one of my childhood friends at the time, one of my childhood friends was working here as the Children and Family Services Coordinator. She reached out to me and said, "Hey, they're looking for a special events person. Are you interested?" And I said, "Yes." And the great Judy Painter turned me into a fundraiser, and I have been here ever since. It, you know, it— I have stayed for so long because I see that the work that we do matters. You know, I, I get to raise funds for, for programs that I see truly make an impact in people's lives. And I have met so many incredible families along the way. I've seen people go from being a Camp Frog camper to now being, you know, married and a wife and a mother. And, you know, there's nothing greater than to see people that, you know, hug me at the run walk and say, this is, you know, the once kindergartner who now, like a Logan Hewell, now has his driver's license. Or this, you know, just to see the growth and to celebrate all of those milestones along the way.

Well, you do a fabulous job. We're lucky that we have you, and we're really lucky that we have Logan Uwald. Logan, you're like my recurring guest. You know, when you listen to radio shows and they say, hey, we have our recurring guests come back. You're my recurring guest and you will continue to be my requir— I mean, I think you were first on 2 years ago.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure.

Yeah. Yeah. And here you are now, still on and just getting better as you go along. So when did we first meet? How long ago was that, Colleen? How many Mardi Gras back would that have been?

So we first met Logan in 2018. That was his, that was his first run walk. And then he spoke at Mardi Gras in 2023.

That's when I met him. 2023. Yes. And we connected. All right. Well, Logan, let's talk about your story. Let's start with and go way back, way back in your young life. When did you find out you lived with epilepsy? And what were the first signs? Like, how did you know? What happened?

I mean, before I was diagnosed, I was multi— like, I did a whole bunch of sports. I did baseball, soccer, basketball. And in 2018, Before one of the basketball games, I— my parents noticed I was like, I would be dribbling and like running along the court. And then I would just stop and the ball would kind of like bounce away from me. So they kind of noticed something was on, like something was going on, especially after like dinners and stuff where it just like doesn't seem normal. But like not normal, but like not natural either. So They took me to the doctor and then they connected us with a neurologist and then we got diagnosed and then we were given a binder with a whole bunch of stuff from the EAWCP that really kind of got us connected with them. And then we learned about the run/walk and then everything kind of went on from there.

Yeah. That, and there, yes, it did go on. So, Logan, one thing about you is that you are so confident and you are just the greatest advocate. My question is, why and how are you like that? You know, a lot of young people would not want anyone to know that they live with epilepsy. And here you are ready to be a future senator out there talking about this, you know, all the time. So why are you so confident?

With it? Honestly, a big part of it is like you think that more people would know about epilepsy, but really it's not really uncommon, but I feel like that's a big part of it. Epilepsy is only 1 out of every 26 people, which really if you look and like the world has 8 billion or so, however many people, that's a lot of people that live with epilepsy. In that there's obviously going to be a good bit that don't really step up and want to be a voice for others. So I feel like I really want to be able to be that voice for other people with epilepsy.

Well, you are. Wouldn't you say he does a great job at that, Colleen and Andrea?

He is spectacular. We are like proud parents over here. Logan talks and we just celebrate him because You know, we wish that more young people had, you know, had Logan's confidence and had Logan's— he has a great support team behind him as well. You know, we've had all of Logan's family volunteer at events as well. His grandparents, his parents, his sister. And, you know, Logan has a wonderful family.

Yes, he does. And hello to all of you, family. I love all of you also. Um, so Colleen, you first met him in 2018, uh, at the Mardi Gras. I still remember you telling me, oh, this young man's going to be here, this young, very young guy, and he did something great. Do you want to talk about that? Because I still remember you coming up on this platform with me.

He did. So each year when we host our Mardi Gras gala, we have somebody in our epilepsy community come and talk about how epilepsy has impacted their life and how the Epilepsy Association has been supportive of them, whether it is a parent who is speaking about, you know, ways that we worked with them and their child, Or in Logan's case, whether it's a young person talking about the programs and services that they have been involved in, whether they've gone to camp or received a service animal, got a scholarship, you know, talk about our programs and services so that the people that attend the gala know the impact that we are making in the community, like where their money is going. Because I think that that's always very important. And so in addition to coming up on stage and talking to over 600 corporate community leaders, let's see, Logan was what, 14, 13 or 14 at the time, got up on stage with no fear at all. And in addition to that, and talking in front of the Pittsburgh Steelers, because that was the year that we honored Charlie Batch and Latasha Batch as our king and queen. In addition, Logan took it upon himself to do a fundraiser prior to the event. So the night of the gala, he presented us with a check, which that's not— that doesn't normally happen. I, you know, I love a timeline. I like to know everything that is going to happen at my events. Logan surprised me by awarding us with a check of donations that he collected in advance. Then he challenged our audience, our guests to match his support. The great Latasha Batch was the first to say, yes, I will match Logan. And his support.

Yeah, that was so great, wasn't it? I mean, that was awesome. Um, and, and that was so great, Logan, uh, what you did. So I know people listening are probably wondering why, why did he do that? What happened? How did he raise that money? So let's hear the story.

Honestly, I'm trying to think.

Well, let's start with what happened to you at school.

Oh, absolutely. So, like a common practice, I guess you could put it, for teachers to get like attention of the class, just like a quick and easy way to do it would be to just flick the lights on and off. So they would all look at the teacher flicking the lights. And photosensitivity, which is like flashing lights and strobing lights, is a seizure trigger for me. So we would, I would have my parents email the teacher to like kind of warn them about like the risks of flashing lights in the room, like especially purposefully. And the teacher, Sometimes teachers would be like, they would stop doing it, but there were 1 or 2 teachers every year that would just ignore the emails and keep going. So we had the EAWCP come in, in 5th grade, I think it was, to do a training with all the staff. And then we did presentations with all the 5th grade classes to educate them on epilepsy early on.

Yeah. And then you had this way to raise money. What did you do?

I'm pretty sure— oh wait, I actually forget what it was because I remember—

was that, was that the year prior to Mardi Gras? Was that the year? Did you guys do a football pool?

Yeah, I'm pretty— yeah, we did a Super Bowl pool where people would pick, like, there was a grid of different scores, different possible scores during the game, and whatever the score was for at the end of the first, second, and third and fourth quarter, if you picked this square with that score, you would win almost like kind of a raffle of a certain amount of money, and then we ended up keeping some of the money to go towards the donation at the Mardi Gras gala.

And you know what? That was so awesome that you did that. That really was. That was so awesome. Awesome. Thank you. Yeah. Why? Why did you want to do that?

Honestly, I just, I wanted to be able to like, Because when someone gives, like, if you go to an event where someone gives a speech, you're, you listen to the speech, but it's not going to be memorable, like, months or years on. So I wanted to do something that would like stick in their minds and be able to like, remember an already extremely memorable event.

Well, I think Colleen and Andrea, would you not agree that is not only spectacular, but like, not everyone does something like that.

We've never had someone do that at the Mardi Gras before. So when we found out that Logan was presenting a check, it was like, we would never ask our speaker to do something like that. But to have someone come up with that idea themselves and execute it so amazingly. And Logan's right. I mean, when you have someone that gives a speech, no matter how powerful of a speech it is, if you're asking people to give money and you say, I'm going to start it with this donation of my own, it kind of grabs people's attention in a way that words just can't.

Yeah. What do you think, Colleen?

I would love if more people just surprised me with $1,000 donations and challenged others to do the same. I mean, that would really make my job a lot easier.

And I know though that Andrea and Colleen will agree with me, Logan, you have no idea how that impacts people. It really does. And what a role model you are for other young people living with epilepsy. Because as we all know, many students at school living with epilepsy are so ashamed, you know, they won't talk about— they don't want anyone to know. And then they see you. Not only are you out there saying, I live with epilepsy and I'm not ashamed, you're saying, oh, and by the way, I'm raising money. I mean, you're— how old are you, Logan?

Oh, I'm 16.

Can you believe this? We're talking about 14 when all this happened. This is what I mean about him. He is unbelievable. And I just want you to know, Logan, you're making an impact. You're making an impact on other young people. And so anyone listening to the show that either has epilepsy or has children with epilepsy, brother, sister, whatever it is, you've got to have them listen to this show. Because it's so inspiring to see a young student in high school do what he has done and not be ashamed he's living with epilepsy. I mean, he just wants to do more. He's always wanting to do more to help. That's how he is. And so if it is you and you're ashamed, don't be. You know what I tell people? I have too many neurons firing off in my head. When you have a seizure like Logan, that's what it is— too many neurons firing off. You know what that means? We've got the firepower. We both— that's our superhero weapon. We've got the firepower. And I have to tell you, uh, Andrea, And Colleen, I spoke somewhere and this young woman heard me speak. And actually, she worked at AAPD. And I got this call from the CEO, Maria Town. Oh wait, you've got to talk to Regina. Got it. And I thought, oh, this is unusual. What happened? So she gets on the phone and says, I never heard anyone say that they weren't ashamed they had epilepsy. And you can't imagine what I went through, she said. So when I heard you speak, it just moved me. And Maria said, no, no, that's not all. Now tell her the whole thing. Well, I got a tattoo on my wrist and it says Firepower, and every time I feel You know, not confident. I look at my wrist and I remember I've got the firepower. And oh man, that really got to me. But I made the mistake of telling that story to our beloved Bridget Greene, who is on the board of the Epilepsy Association and a doctor at Duquesne University. I should have never told her. Now every time she talks to me, says, I'm gonna get you, and we're getting tattoos. We're going together, the two of us. We're going— we're gonna— I said, hey, Bridget, now— oh yes, I'm grabbing you. We're gonna walk in there together and say, Firepower, we want that on our wrist. So I have to hide from her when I see her. So with that, hey, it's time to get ready for the news. We are ready for Mathis on the mic. I just want to say that we are the only place anywhere, anywhere, that every week have news on what's going on nationally in the disability community. People tell me all the time, I love that, never seen anything like this before, that I can find out what's going on in the news. And I do this with Basilon Center for Mental Health Law. I am so proud to be on the board of Basilon, a national board that does policy briefs, fights the fight for people living with mental health disabilities. And, uh, Jennifer Mathis— that's why it's called Mathis on the Mic— is so well known and so highly thought of, uh, as, as an advocate and a superstar attorney working at Bazelon. And then they had made the right choice and hired Holly O'Donnell, the CEO, and she is doing a great job. And she gets the award— she thought of the name Mathis on the Mic. And now we have Holly today. So Holly, welcome to the show.

Thanks so much for having me, Joyce. I, um, have my Bender cup right here.

Oh, look at you!

Full of water in case I get thirsty. Um, I got that the last time I was in Pittsburgh, um, and was able to visit Joyce. So I'm happy to be here. Logan, it's good to hear your story. And thanks for all that you're doing.

Absolutely.

Thank you. I have a child as well who's learning how to fundraise early, and I think it's important.

And what is her favorite city? Pittsburgh. That's right.

And she's a Steelers fan. Yes. Despite living in Washington, D.C. She's from the north side. So, all right. So I will keep it short because I know you want to get back to your folks that are featured today. But I want to talk a little bit, one, before we hit the Thanksgiving break on Thursday. There's a lot happening in Washington. There's a lot that's been happening, as you know. Government's back open. And last week, the administration, you know, I'm going to talk about the Department of Education. And the administration has made it very clear that they want to close the Department of Education, and the administration doesn't have the authority to do this. Congress does. So in an effort to achieve this goal without authorization from Congress, the Department of Education is being dismantled. And last week they announced that it would be moving 6 programs to 4 different agencies. There's two important things to note for folks listening today, which is at this point the Office of Special Education Services was not relocated, and at this point the Office of Civil Rights was not relocated. It doesn't mean that it's not gonna happen, But I think it's important for people to know that and to keep watching. And when Jennifer is on, on, she will keep everybody informed on that. But I worked at the Department of Education many years ago in the Clinton administration, so it is just thinking about how it's going to work to have different programs located, you know, at Department of Labor and HHS. It is something I haven't quite wrapped my head around.

Well, you know, I am getting a lot of calls about this, so I was going to ask you— I'm glad you were talking about this— what will happen to the special education program? IDEA, what will happen to all that?

Right now, um, you know, nothing. It's a, what, $15 billion program? Um, and right now it is, it, it is where it is. Um, so we haven't seen any massive changes to that. Obviously the staff was reduced and then they weren't working when the government was shut down. But, you know, I think that it's not like career and technical education that we know now is going to move to Department of Labor.

Well, we will— you'll keep us tuned in, and Jennifer will keep us tuned in.

Yeah. Can I say one more thing for everybody in the disability community? We lost an incredible activist, Alice Wong, of the Disability Project, somebody, you know, who's very close with Maria Town Joyce. She won a MacArthur Genius Fellow in 2024, and not somebody that I knew personally but admired her. The Bazelon Center worked alongside of her, along with many other people. So we're sad.

Yes, I was very saddened. I, I too have worked with her. I certainly didn't know her as well as Maria or other people, but even her books— she is a giant. She is a giant. And when I first saw that, I was like, oh my God, no, not this, uh, because, you know, we've lost different leaders, but she was special. She was unique. Um, so yes, I have the same feeling. Uh, so you know what, see, Logan, you got to keep it going because we need young people behind all of us to be disability rights leaders. That's why you have to keep it going. And Holly, we love you. This Thanksgiving, I will be giving thanks that I know you and that I know Jennifer and that I'm on the board of Bazelon. Love you so much, uh, and I can't wait to get you back up here.

Thank you. Maybe I'll come, come in June for the race if I can.

Oh, okay, you heard that, Colleen. All right, you'll be up on stage with me. All right, thank you. Bye-bye. She is so awesome. Oh, she is just awesome. I love her so much. She is so awesome. Uh, well, Logan, see, this is what it means to be a disability rights leader, um, and calling people like Logan, and many other young people living with epilepsy are unfortunately brutally bullied. You know, imagine being in the 7th grade, walking down the hall and having a tonic-clonic seizure. You know, what has happened to so many young people I know is horrific how they were bullied after this. I mean, it's terrible. And I was wondering, Colleen, what you and Andrea think about that.

So this is definitely a question that Andrea and I discussed. And as Logan said, you know, epilepsy is a very common condition. However, a lot of people don't talk about it because it has to do with their brain. There are a lot of myths and stigmas and misconceptions about epilepsy. And so if given the opportunity, people try and hide it. Whereas, you know, we are thankful for the Joyce Benders and the Logan Hewalts that talk about epilepsy because people do openly talk about other conditions that they have, and your brain can get sick like any other organ in your body. So, you know, something that Logan has done, and you as well, Joyce, is that you work to raise awareness for epilepsy. And, you know, something that we do as an organization that Andrea does regularly is going into schools and educating people about epilepsy, talking to students, talking to teachers so that they have a better understanding of what it is like. And our Project School Alert, which I'm going to let Andrea talk more about.

Yeah, so we are fortunate that we're able to travel to schools and other community organizations and provide free trainings to teach people how to recognize and respond to seizures. And it's great to have all of that knowledge of what to do if a seizure happens. But I think one of the other byproducts of that is that we're creating an environment where people feel open to talking about seizures. When we do programs in classrooms, oftentimes the parents will say, "This is great. Just don't talk about my child by name. I don't want to draw attention to them." And so we honor their wishes. We don't bring up that there's even a child in the room that has seizures. But by the time we're done with our presentation, more often than not, those children raise their hand themselves because they feel comfortable talking about epilepsy. So it's amazing to see how just talking about it can have an impact. And being aware that epilepsy affects you beyond just the seizures and giving students the ability to have things that they can do to help support their peers helps turn the focus from possibly teasing them to really becoming their advocate and their friend and confidant.

Yeah, I have run into this frequently, sadly. And so I have a saying for parents when they tell their young children, "Don't tell anyone." You know, don't tell anyone, don't let anyone know. And I say, every time you do this, shh, don't tell anyone, you know what you're doing? You're saying it's bad, it's something to be ashamed of. I mean, you're not helping doing that. You're not. Because you want children to be like Logan, you know, you want them to grow up and say Hey, I'm living with epilepsy. Actually, I'm a warrior. I'm an epilepsy warrior. I'm out there fighting the fight. And although I meet adults that after I speak somewhere, they take me aside. Now, this can be like a senior vice president. I'm like you, but I'd never tell anyone. I don't want anyone to know. And many employees at companies keep this a secret Not just that, other disabilities, because they are afraid they'll be treated differently. So listen, if you know of a child being bullied, or an adult, I don't care what it is, have them listen to this show. They've got to hear this show and they've got to know Logan. Hey, what is the website of the Epilepsy Association?

Our website is eawcp.org. So they can come to our website, they can learn about our programs and services. They can also follow us on our social media. All of our social media links are on our website so they can learn about upcoming events, education events, social events, fundraising events. All through our website and our social media.

One more time, what's that website?

E-A-W-C-P dot org.

Okay, now why I told you that is you're hearing Logan, you hear about everything he's doing, uh, you, you should make a donation and or go to the walk. Or both. Because it's, you know, I love this organization. You know, we have the Bender Leadership Academy. And do you know the Epilepsy Association is the only not-for-profit that has made a donation to events we have? See, that's why I always say all silos down. We all need to work together. Sadly, it isn't like that. But so I'm telling you, make a donation to the Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA. Great social media that I think Colleen is behind. So go to the Facebook, Instagram, and see what's going on at the Epilepsy Association. And Logan, I have to have you tell everyone about that pasta party.

Yeah. So for my senior project, I want to— well, I guess I should start with the background. The EAWCP sends a family to Disney for the Epilepsy Expo that happens. And they sent me back in, I think, 2019. And I wanted to be able to send another family to that expo for my senior project in, um, 2027. So to start that, I wanted to have a way to raise money. And the way we decided to go with is a pasta dinner where it's just $10 per person and you come in. And it's an easy dinner to have. And I think by the time this airs, it will already have happened. But it is— it would have been the 23rd of November. So I think we already have over 150 people RSVP'd to that. So yeah.

Wow, that is great. Listen, pasta party. Are you going having dinner at the person's house? I mean, how does this work? Where is the pasta?

So I am a part of the Teen Leadership Corps for our church, and I got in contact with the person who runs it, uh, Mrs. Vauder, and she said we can have it at the— there's a big hall beneath one of the churches called Froehle Hall.. And we're going to have it there. It can hold like, I think, 500 people easily. So we're going to have it there and it'll be— it has a kitchen too. So all the pasta will be cooked there. And it has a lot of tables and things for people to eat out there.

Well, if you are in the Pittsburgh area, you heard it, $10. Gotta go. Gotta get to that. Because you can still make a donation, right, Colleen?

Absolutely.

No matter what, you could still make a donation.

You can make a donation to support Logan's fundraising efforts.

So just send that in, send in that contribution in honor of Logan Uwalt. Get out there today. So, Andrea, Colleen, and Logan, we'll start with you, Andrea. You are also awesome. People, though, don't just get like that. So something, someone, whether it's in history, work, their personal life, had such an impact on them. So Andrea, we'll start with you. Who, who is your role model?

I think it's hard for me to pinpoint one single person as a role model. I really, um, take guidance from all of the people who lead with kindness. I think there's a lot going on in the world where There's too much focus on negativity, and the power of kindness and finding joy in life, those are the things that I gravitate towards. So, I love the people who make it part of their mission to spread kindness.

Oh, that is so good. Kindness was a theme one year. We have a theme every year at Bender, and we gave out kindness awards in the office. So, I agree with you. How about you, Colleen?

Um, this is a really, a really good question that both Andrea and I had trouble with, like, just picking something. And, you know, I have been so fortunate throughout my lifetime to have so many incredible strong women in leadership roles that I think really helped to make me who I am. Um, So, you know, my grandmother was a phenomenal person. But today we were talking about my Sunday school teacher, my first Sunday school teacher in the Presbyterian Church. Her name was— is Mrs. Westwood, and she just turned 102.

Oh my goodness. Yes. Are you kidding? Wow.

Just turned 102. She wanted pizza and cake for her birthday. So her family just honored her and celebrated her. And, you know, by far she was, you know, she really helped to start, you know, my foundation, both religiously and just personally, you know, just because she was always just such a wonderful leader and just a kind woman. And so, yes, I'm going to go with Mrs. Westwood.

Well, Mrs. Westwood, you get Sunday School Teacher of the All Time Award. Absolutely. This is why I always tell people though, there is always someone watching you. I never forget when I— Marlo Thomas spoke at Carlow University years ago, and she said, because it was all women at that time, uh, student enrollment, and she said there is always a young girl watching you. And you know, children learn just by what you do and how you act and how you respond, you know. And when I meet— I can always tell when I meet a child, I can always tell that their parents must really love me because they'll be over the top when they meet me, whereas If it's the other way, then you know, okay, something's wrong here. Because children watch. They do. They watch, they listen, and they're impacted by you. Well, Logan, how about you? Who is your role model?

Um, so as Colleen said, it was like a really hard question to think about, to like pinpoint one person. But I really— in 2021, when Pitt football made the ACC championship, I really kind of gained a passion for football. And obviously with epilepsy, it's really hard to play football because it's a contact sport and how it really does increase the risk for seizures. So I just went— my role model, I guess now, would be mainly Justin Fields. He's a quarterback now for the New York Jets. He was a quarterback. He was in Pittsburgh last season, but he plays football and he's very good at football, but he also has epilepsy. And I think it kind of like proves to me that, and it helps me because I really want to play football. And if I, if he can play football and he has epilepsy, why can't I? So even though I can't really play football this past season, I coached the 5th and 6th grade football team for Baldwin, and that was a lot of fun. And I also like just hearing you guys talk. I wanted to point out what you, Joyce Bender, said about how children listen and watch and learn, because it really, like, you do see that. I did see that when I was coaching and how like you can, it's so amazing to see the growth. Of the team across the entire season. And like, it's just fun comparing how we were on day one to the last day of the season where I think we came closer to winning a playoff game for Baldwin than the team has in a very long time.

Yeah, that, uh, I, he, I, I also respect him very much and Do you have a message for our listeners, and what are you thankful for?

Um, honestly, I'm thankful for you, Joyce, and I'm thankful for the EAWCP because I believe that you guys have really shaped me as a person. And this is 7 years ago now that I got connected with the EAWCP, and 2 years ago with you, Joyce. I think it I think it really has helped me as a person. And honestly, I think my message to young people listening is to recognize that you have firepower and to use that in advocacy in the future.

You're so awesome. You are so awesome. Colleen and Andrea from the Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA right here here in the best city in America, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I am located. And Logan, you are our champion. You are a champion, Logan. I love you and I'm so proud of you. Uh, thank you all for being on the show today. And it's amazing who you talked about, Justin Fields, because wait till you hear the quote I have for today, and it is "Epilepsy does not stop me," said Alan Banega, the Hall of Famer who, yes, lives with epilepsy, and his birthday is the same day as mine in December. So I get to talk to him and ask him how he's doing, and wow, I mean, what a great person. So I'll talk to you all next week. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. And in the words of Mary Brooker, when you get up tomorrow, remember, choose joy. And if you do, we know you can't go wrong. Talk to you all next week.

Voice America would like to thank Thank you for tuning in. Please join us next Tuesday at 11 AM Pacific time and 2 PM Eastern time for another installment of Disability Matters right here on the Voice America Variety Channel. We are the leader in live internet talk radio. VoiceAmerica.com.