Zoey Wade presses on despite challenges

Zoey Wade readily admits that high school has been somewhat of a challenge. She holds an 89.54 average, is taking a course for college credit, is a state championship-winning swimmer and captain of the swim team, serves as a mentor and does volunteer work. And she has epilepsy. 

"When people look at me, they have no idea," says Wade, 17, who attends Northport High School. "That's been a challenge because I don't look like I have anything wrong with me."

Wade, who was in sixth grade when she was diagnosed in June 2005 with the seizure disorder, said she was in denial and embarrassed when she found out she had epilepsy, which affects various mental and physical functions. "I finally told my best friend after I had the seizure in front of her."

But Wade soon found out that the more she talked about her epilepsy, the easier it became to deal with. "And now I'll tell a complete stranger," she said.

So, three years ago, in an effort to get her story out and help others with epilepsy, Wade held the Zoey Wade Big Bash for Epilepsy Awareness at the American Legion in Northport. Her dinner-dance raised $16,000 for the Epilepsy Foundation.

And the foundation, appreciating her efforts, invited Wade and her family to Washington, D.C., for their annual walk and to meet with members of Congress and the Senate to tell her story and advocate for more funds.

Wade didn't stop there, though. She held her Big Bash again in May 2010, this time moving it to the Crestwood Manor in Northport and raising $27,000.

She attends support groups at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital / Columbia University Medical Center and mentors others with the condition. And to further help her own understanding of epilepsy, she's taking medical anatomy and physiology for college credit.

Wade also donates time to Grandfriends, a program that pairs young people with seniors for friendship. "I really enjoy it because they are so wise and have such great advice," she said.

Wade began swimming with the high school varsity team when she was in the seventh grade and competed through the 11th grade, winning the state championship in March 2008 when she was 14.

"I'll never forget that day," she said, beaming at the memory. She swam the 500-meter freestyle in 5:33:06. And while her epilepsy has kept her out of the pool for much of her senior year, her team still made her captain.

Wade will attend Farmingdale State College in the fall.

"She has a strong, determined spirit, and nothing will get in the way of her goals," said her guidance counselor, Mary Ann Powers. "I pray that her doctors can control her disorder because once that happens, I can only imagine what Zoey will accomplish."