In a world fueled by viral moments and hustle culture, it’s easy to forget that life can pivot in seconds — especially when it comes to medical emergencies like seizures. March 26, 2025, marks National Epilepsy Awareness Day, and its high time we moved beyond the myths and misunderstandings and into meaningful action. Seizures don’t discriminate — they can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. And yet, many still don’t know what to do when they see someone in crisis.

For far too long, the Black community has faced systemic challenges in healthcare access, especially when it comes to neurological disorders like epilepsy. Lack of proper information, delayed responses, and outdated myths have contributed to avoidable tragedies. One such tragedy? The heartbreaking story of Caleb Wilson, a 20-year-old college student whose life was cut short during a fraternity hazing incident — not because of the seizure itself, but because of the failure to act.

Instead of seeking help, those around Caleb froze, panicked, or simply didn’t know what to do. Caleb didn’t need heroes — he needed knowledge, action, and compassion. Let’s make sure we never stand in the way of help again.

 Epilepsy Brain
 

The Do’s and Don’ts of Seizure First Aid

When someone is having a seizure, what you do — or don’t do — can be the difference between life and death. Here’s a breakdown that could save a life:

✅ DO Stay Calm: Panic helps no one. Take a breath and focus on helping the person.

✅ DO Clear the Area: Remove sharp or dangerous objects nearby.

✅ DO Roll Them on Their Side: This helps keep their airway clear.

✅ DO Time the Seizure: If it lasts more than five minutes, it’s time to call 911.

❌ DON’T Hold Them Down: This can cause injuries.

❌ DON’T Put Anything in Their Mouth: That old myth about swallowing your tongue? Totally false. You might cause choking instead.

❌ DON’T Leave Them Alone: Stay with them until they’re fully conscious.

Calling 911 is essential if:

The seizure lasts more than five minutes

Another seizure follows immediately

The person doesn’t wake up

The person is injured, pregnant, or has a known medical condition

Why Awareness Matters More Than Ever

Over 3.4 million Americans — including 470,000 children — live with epilepsy. Yet, awareness lags behind. In underserved communities, where emergency services may already be stretched thin, it becomes doubly important that bystanders know how to respond.

What happened to Caleb wasn’t just a medical emergency — it was a wake-up call.

Had those around him recognized the signs, cleared the space, and called for help, the outcome could’ve been very different. Time is brain, and in seizure cases, every moment counts. Post-seizure complications can increase the chances of additional seizures, brain injury, or worse — but with proper care, many people recover safely.

Turning Tragedy Into Change

We can’t bring Caleb back — but we can honor his life by ensuring no one else is failed by silence, fear, or misinformation. Let’s use his story to fuel a movement of awareness, advocacy, and action.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, student, coach, or community leader — it’s on all of us to educate ourselves. Host a workshop. Share information. Follow epilepsy organizations on social media. Ask your child’s school if their staff knows what to do. These aren’t dramatic gestures — they’re lifesaving ones.

Class Is in Session — Join the Movement

National Epilepsy Awareness Day isn’t just another color-coded cause — it’s a mission. Let’s make sure the Houston community leads the charge in turning knowledge into power. Because when it comes to seizures, we don’t have time to waste.

So, Houston Style Magazine readers — let’s be bold, be informed, and most importantly, be ready. Caleb Wilson’s life reminds us that help delayed is help denied. Let’s make sure we’re never the reason help doesn’t come.