JANET's Story

When Janet Lee was eight months old, she suffered her first seizure attack. It was just the beginning of a lifelong struggle with epilepsy, a condition that doctors eventually classified as “intractable” due to the unpredictable nature of her seizures and their resistance to medication. Today, Janet is not only a person living with epilepsy but also a source of inspiration to many around her. As she approaches her 34th birthday this December, her story illuminates the journey of strength, resilience, and determination that she has embarked on, living life to the fullest despite her condition.

Early on, Janet's parents were resolute that she should lead as normal a life as possible. They created a space for her to engage with the world around her, from dining out to traveling overseas. The family even broached the subject of her epilepsy openly, instilling in her a sense of normalcy amidst her recurring seizures. They only curtailed high-risk activities such as swimming, badminton due to the drop attacks that accompanied Janet's seizures.

However, the road was not always smooth. Janet began to exhibit learning difficulties when she started pre-school. Her keen interest in education, coupled with her inability to catch up academically, spurred her parents to investigate her learning challenges. Their efforts bore fruit when, at 16 years old, they were told that she had vision processing issues. Despite being diagnosed as intellectually and developmentally disabled the same year, her mum took the chance to work on her vision and she indeed started her world of literacy in the same year. Armed with this understanding, they set out to ensure that Janet was given opportunities to learn, and she did just that – eventually earning a Diploma in Small Business Management in 2017.

Parallel to her educational journey, another aspect of Janet's life began to take shape - her love for art. Despite being told by multiple art teachers that she lacked the aptitude, her tenacious spirit would not be deterred. With the help of a dedicated art teacher, Janet blossomed into a colourist and acknowledged as an international artist, as her vibrant artworks found homes in the United States, Korea, China, the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia. Today, she owns her own gallery and a small studio.

Janet's struggle with epilepsy and her resulting achievements led her to be bestowed with the Young Inspiring Women Award in 2021. Her story, shedding light on epilepsy, has been shared widely, inspiring not only families dealing with epilepsy but also those struggling with learning difficulties. Janet's determination and her dedication to raise epilepsy awareness through her artwork have impacted our community significantly. Part of her earnings support the Epilepsy Society Malaysia and I, as her mother, continue to share her journey, offering comfort and guidance to caregivers and patients alike.

Looking towards the future, Janet plans to continue sharing her story. Her journey, interwoven with the challenges of epilepsy, is a beacon of hope for others, lighting up the path of resilience and empowerment. Through sharing her narrative, Janet aims to motivate others, especially those living with epilepsy, to pursue their dreams and potentials.

Her story is not merely about living with epilepsy but about a determination that defies the odds. It is about rising above the challenges, celebrating achievements, and using the experience to educate and inspire others. Her message to the world is clear - that no matter the obstacle, with perseverance and community support, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

As Janet's mother, it has been my honour to pen this article on her behalf. Her intellectual and learning disabilities do not limit her determination, her spirit, or the impact of her art and her story. In many ways, they enhance it. Janet is an artist. She is a fighter. She is an inspiration to others living with epilepsy and to those facing challenges in life.

We invite you to learn more about her incredible journey. Please visit Janet's Linktree for more information and to view her wonderful artwork. In sharing her story, we hope to inspire resilience and hope, reminding everyone that despite life's challenges, we can find strength in ourselves and bring light to others. After all, it is not just about living with epilepsy or a disability but about finding our unique path to contribute to the world.

Thank you for joining us in this journey. We look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the epilepsy community and beyond.

Joyce Moi

May 2023