Alex Smith

Epilepsy Project for Eagle Scout Award

A Lander area teen has used his time promoting disability awareness to earn the Rank of Eagle Scout, the highest award in Boy Scouts. Alec Smith, a long-time member of the Boy Scouts of America, received the award on November 12 at a special ceremony in Lander.

In order to become an Eagle Scout, a young man must have earned at least 21 merit badges in scouting and must demonstrate leadership while performing a project that benefits the community. Alec, who has had epilepsy since the age of 5, saw this as a great opportunity to educate others about epilepsy.

Epilepsy affects one in every 100 people, and one in every ten people will have a seizure at some point in life. Although epilepsy is actually very common, there is still a great deal of misconceptions about the causes and treatments of seizures. Persons with epilepsy often feel misunderstood and are often met with varied responses to their condition.

Alec completed a series of speaking for seizures. He spoke to numerous community agencies, including the Lander School Board, Lander City Council, and a class of elementary students. One of the highlights of his project was the opportunity to attend the Wyoming Legislative session with Richard Leslie, Executive Director of the Wyoming Epilepsy Association, where he had the opportunity to speak to members of both the House and Senate.

In addition to many public speaking opportunities, Alec distributed flyers about epilepsy and seizures to doctors’ offices and pharmacists around the community. These pamphlets not only provided important information about epilepsy but contact information for the Wyoming Epilepsy Association as well, where patients and community members could find additional support for issues related to epilepsy as it relates to school, family life, and employment.

The Wyoming Epilepsy Association (WEA) is a charitable non-profit organization devoted to making a difference in the lives of those impacted by Epilepsy, seizure disorders, and other health-related issues.

Despite the fact that Epilepsy is one of the oldest conditions known, it is still surrounded by mystery and fear. WEA is committed to bringing Epilepsy out of the shadows through education, advocacy, outreach, support services, and making discrimination and stigmas a thing of the past.

The work at WEA is driven by the passion of individuals who contribute their time and talent to ensure the utmost benefit to people with Epilepsy and their loved ones. It has a strong and dedicated commitment to dispelling myths and replacing fear with knowledge and compassion so work sites, classrooms, daycare, social gatherings, etc. will be empathetic and supportive settings for children and adults with Epilepsy.