Blog
News

AEP Participant: Gary Alway

April 18, 2024
AEP team member

Since his car crash nine years ago, Gary has teamed up with a new doctor and is participating in various drug trials and epilepsy research projects, in the hope of once again gaining seizure control.

“My doctor told me about the AEP and the opportunity to undertake advanced testing [not normally available in a clinical setting]. I did think that having a new MRI scan would be good, to see if there are any changes from the last one, I had.”

What would you say to encourage others to signup as a participant?

“I would tell anyone to go for it as it can only possibly help them and others.”

 

Despite the impact of epilepsy in his life, today Gary is a talented Melbourne photographer who creates beautiful mood-provoking shots of both people and places.

Guardian’ by Gary Alway, pays homage to a friend who has accompanied Gary on many of his photoshoots.

“He’s been a second pair of eyes, but also saved my life multiple times. It is also for everyone else who has helped me over the last nine years.”

 

Guardian by Gary Alway

 Follow Gary’s work on Instagram @alwaysphotos

AEP Participant: Bruce Jeffrey

It was the day before his birthday, in February 2022, when Bruce experienced his first seizure during the night. “I was completely unaware of what was happening and only gained consciousness in the ambulance.”

AEP Participant: Gary Alway

Gary has been living with epilepsy for almost three decades. In his early 20s his epilepsy was fairly-well managed with medication, and his seizures were rare. But then everything changed. He began having multiple seizures and blackouts every day, culminating in a car crash nine years ago, caused by a seizure.

AEP Participant: Fiona Waugh

Fiona didn’t experience her first seizure until 34-years-of-age and after a further two tonic clonic seizures in as many days, she was diagnosed with epilepsy. “Since diagnosis I’ve remained drug-resistant with a high frequency of seizure activity. But I’ve always had a desire to try and get on top of it, which has led me to make some big treatment decisions over the years.”