Published 22 July 2024
Krystal Epilepsy First Aid was created to help you become an epilepsy ally!
Founded in March 2018 by Krystal herself, this service aims to educate and empower. Krystal own journey with epilepsy inspired her to spread knowledge and understanding in a fun way.
Growing up in a family with their own family business, it makes sense that Krystal had the drive and know-how to start her own. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the entrepreneur. It was after the family business closed and Krystal started job seeking, that she found her calling. After exploring all the options in the job market, she struggled to find meaningful work. It was during this tough time of job seeking that she realised the big gap in epilepsy awareness.
"I wanted to change that.”
And so, she is! Krystal goal is to teach people that epilepsy is more than just Tonic Clonic seizures. "There's more to epilepsy than meets the eye," she explains.
Through fun workshops and talks, Krystal shares facts and tips from her own experiences. She spreads her message in homes, schools, and workplaces: knowledge is power, and being ready is key.
People love her workshops. "The session was really informative and exactly what my group of drivers needed,” says Sarai from Wellington Combined Taxi.
Kath from The Salvation Army said, "There were things that we hadn't ever heard about before, so this was extremely helpful information.”
But it's more than just knowing what to do; it’s about changing how people see epilepsy. "Success for me is changing how people see epilepsy," Krystal says. Through expos, trade shows, and word of mouth, she shows that epilepsy is just one part of a person’s story.
Not everyone with epilepsy considers it a disability. But people with epilepsy may be more likely to live with other physical and cognitive conditions. Just take these stats from Epilepsy New Zealand :
- 1 in 4 people with a cognitive disability also live with epilepsy
- 1 in 4 people with cerebral palsy are also likely to live with epilepsy
- 1 in 5 people with autism spectrum disorder also live with epilepsy
Krystal’s Epilepsy First Aid is special because it’s about action! She offers a handy Epilepsy First Aid book covering eight seizure types. For tamariki (kids), there's "Snowy's Talent," a fun children's book about her horse, Snowy, and their days with the Hutt Valley Riding for the Disabled.
Krystal plans to expand online and across New Zealand. "COVID taught us resilience," she reflects. "Now it’s about enhancing accessibility and advocacy."
So, whether you're curious about epilepsy, want to support someone with seizures, or love a good story of triumph, Krystal Epilepsy First Aid is here for you.
For more info on workshops, books, and Krystal’s journey, visit Home | Epilepsy First Aid (external link) or catch her at an event near you. Learning together makes all the difference!
Are you a member of our disability community running your own business? We’d love to share your story and promote your mahi (work). Together we’re building a community of exceptional business owners doing epic things with our community, not just for us. Get in touch with us at comms@firstport.co.nz or drop us a DM at @firstportnz on social media.