World Congress on Epilepsy and Brain Disorders November 22-23, 2018 Cape Town, South Africa

Ann Marie O’Connor is an Education Assistant for Grades K-12, where she works primarily with students who suffer from FAS/ ADHD and ODD. She is also a Canadian Advocate for Epilepsy and former Vice President for the Edmonton and Northern Alberta Epilepsy Association, where she was on the Board of Directors for over 11 years. She has published two books and had several articles written on her behalf (Surgical Neurology International/Your Health Magazine/Spruce Grove Examiner) as well as she has been interviewed on Global Edmonton and Breakfast Television Edmonton. Her topics of discussion are Women and Epilepsy-Sex and Seizures-Depression-Side effects of R-Her surgery-Books published. In Canada alone, an average of 42 people a day learn that they have Epilepsy and over 50 million people worldwide suffer from the disorder. I can say that I Beat Epilepsy. It was 6:30 AM on December 03, 2002. I remember being wheeled down the hall at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada by the porter with the silence it felt like we were the only ones in the building. You could hear a pin drop. I had lived with epilepsy for almost 20 years of my life and that was about to change. Left selective Amygdalohippocampectomy is the surgery I was about to undergo and it is what cured me of my seizures. The left parahippocampalgyrus, left amygdale and left hippocampus were removed; structures within the left temporal lobe. I had 6 seizures 2 days before the surgery and I have not had one since. Since my surgery, I have accomplished some amazing tasks in my life. I have written two books, was asked to be a Canadian Advocate for Epilepsy in 2012 and have been a motivational speaker for over 8 years. Helping others is my passion, is my calling. I want to educate others internationally from a patient’s point of view, help them understand that they are not alone when it comes to living with epilepsy.

• Her energy and enthusiasm are contagious! Along with this her life experiences and talent make her a top candidate for your speaking engagement. I would be happy to communicate with you at any time regarding my sincere recommendation of Ann Marie. I know your audience will walk away energized and inspired. Chuck Carmen, Executive Director at Epilepsy Association of Central Florida, Inc. Orlando, Florida

• Ann speaks from the heart! Her personal experience has given her an awareness that is often unmatched and has helped her navigate a very complex journey. When working with Ann, we discovered a passionate and sincere woman who wanted nothing more than to be helpful and giving. Gary Collins, Toronto, Ontario, Epilepsy Canada

• I had the privilege of welcoming Ann to our grade 9 health class to give a presentation on Epilepsy and her own personal journey. This was an incredible addition to our health unit as it is something that wouldn't typically be covered in our curriculum, but very beneficial to our students. Ann is very comfortable and confident speaking to a group of teenagers, constantly encouraging student engagement and creating positive interactions. Ann presents her journey and diagnosis to the students in a way that made them feel as though they could ask her anything, students took a genuine interest in the topic. Jenaya Whalen Duffi eld School, Alberta, Canada Grade 8-9 Teacher

• Don't let epilepsy take control of you. Epilepsy is not easy but Ann Marie O’Connor is a survivor of epilepsy, she taught me that I should never give up on anything in life - Ann O’Connor did not give up! Ashlyn