ADVOCATES
REAL STORIES • REAL IMPACT • COMMUNITY VOICES
Our advocates help reduce stigma by sharing lived experience, raising awareness, and encouraging understanding across British Columbia.
Meet Our Advocates
Browse advocate profiles and learn how lived experience helps create change.
View AdvocatesAdvocacy at ESEBC
At ESEBC, advocacy looks like school presentations, community outreach, youth leadership, awareness campaigns, and sharing lived experience to reduce stigma.
Learn MoreOur Advocates
We will add more advocates here as our program grows.
Marika Lopez
Diagnosed in early childhood and now seizure-free, Marika focuses on awareness, education, and stigma reduction.
Marika’s Story
Marika experienced her first absence seizure at 18 months old and was diagnosed with epilepsy by age 3. As she grew up, she faced stigma and a lack of understanding at school, including moments where emergency supports were not prepared to respond effectively.
Now seizure-free for six years, Marika is committed to raising awareness and improving epilepsy education as ESEBC’s Youth Advocate.
What Advocacy Means at ESEBC
Advocacy is about making sure people living with epilepsy feel seen, supported, and understood. It means educating others, challenging misconceptions, and helping create safer, more inclusive spaces.
At ESEBC, advocacy often looks like:
- Education and awareness presentations (schools, workplaces, and community groups)
- Youth leadership and peer-to-peer awareness
- Community events and awareness campaigns
- Sharing lived experience to reduce stigma
- Connecting families to trustworthy information and supports
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