Mahopac High School sophomore Cira Graap recently represented the Epilepsy Foundation at Capitol Hill as part of the prestigious Teens Speak Up! (TSU) program. Graap, a passionate advocate for epilepsy awareness, traveled to Washington, D.C. last month to participate in the Epilepsy Walk and engage in advocacy meetings with local members of Congress, including Representative Mike Lawler and senior staffers from Senator Chuck Schumer’s and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s offices.
The Teens Speak Up! program, which took place March 16-18, brought together teen representatives from across the United States to speak out on behalf of those living with epilepsy. In addition to connecting with and making friends who share similar experiences with epilepsy, the teen representatives heard from Epilepsy Foundation speakers who encouraged them to transition into adulthood by taking ownership of their health and gradually lessening their parents’ involvement. Graap’s participation in the program is a testament to her commitment to raising awareness, promoting understanding and advocating for change for individuals with epilepsy.
Graap has been open about her own journey with absent seizures, a type of epilepsy that causes brief, subtle seizures where the person may appear to be staring off into space and lose awareness of their surroundings. These seizures are often mistaken for daydreaming, which can make them difficult to diagnose. Recognizing the signs, such as sudden, unexplained staring episodes or brief periods of unresponsiveness, is crucial for providing the appropriate support and care for those affected.
“Kids are not open about epilepsy because they are scared of what people will say, but you have to be strong,” Graap said. “Adversity makes you stronger. If you can beat it, you’ll really go places.”
Despite the challenges of her diagnosis, Graap has remained determined to advocate for herself and others with epilepsy. She discovered the TSU program as a way to speak out and change perceptions surrounding the disease, using her voice to make a meaningful impact.
As part of her commitment to advocacy, Graap will be working with the Epilepsy Foundation for the next year. One of her key initiatives will be to advocate for “Seizure Safe Schools” and the requirement that school administrators in New York State receive education on epilepsy and safe seizure training to ensure that all students are better supported in school settings.
In addition to her advocacy work, Graap is working with the local non-profit Putnam Service Dogs toward earning her Girl Scout Gold Award, having previously received her Silver Award in 2022. She is also collaborating with her neurologist, Dr. Steven Wolf, on research projects, including making and donating EEG head coverings for children. Graap shared how her volunteer and advocacy work will impact her plans for the future.
“I’ve been thinking about going into medicine and being an advocate allows you to develop empathy that will help in that field,” Graap said. “I encourage any Mahopac students who might be having difficulty dealing with an epilepsy diagnosis to reach out to me.”
Mahopac High School Principal Patrick Keevins said the student’s resilience, leadership and determination continue to inspire everyone around her.
“We are incredibly proud of the impact Cira is making not just within our school community but across the country, and we can't wait to see all the great things she will accomplish in the future,” he said.
