What’s happening?
March is Epilepsy Awareness Month, and Toowoomba local Sam Bryce, Chairman of Epilepsy Queensland, is calling on the community to “Be a Purple Hero” by raising funds and awareness for those impacted by epilepsy. His deeply personal connection spans three generations, and he’s using his lived experience to lead change and ensure no one faces this condition alone.
Why it matters
Epilepsy affects 1 in 25 Australians at some point in their lifetime. For Sam, this statistic is more than just a number—it’s his reality. Sam has lived with epilepsy, cared for a loved one with the condition, and tragically lost a grandchild to it. His personal pain drives his advocacy and fuels his mission to improve life for others affected by epilepsy.
“Fortunately, or unfortunately, I’m able to empathise right across the board – I live with epilepsy, I’ve cared for someone with epilepsy, and I’ve lost a loved one to this devastating condition,” Sam shares.
Local Impact
From seizures on the rugby field as a teen to watching his young son struggle through convulsions in a car seat, Sam’s journey has been one of heartbreak, hope, and resilience. He credits Epilepsy Queensland with turning the corner for his family when they felt isolated and unsupported.
“We saw a post about an event around the corner and that’s when things started to get easier – getting the information we needed and connecting with people who understood,” he recalls.
Now, as Chairman of Epilepsy Queensland, he’s using his role to push for better hospital referrals, public awareness, and support systems for those living with the condition.
By the numbers:
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1 in 25 Australians will be diagnosed with epilepsy.
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Sam is approaching 10 years seizure-free with strict medication adherence.
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9-year-old Stirling, Sam’s son, is now medication-free and seizure-free after a frightening childhood epilepsy journey.
Zoom In
Sam’s story starts with a near-fatal seizure at 16 while water skiing. Struggles with medication side effects and the stigma of epilepsy made his teenage years tough. His mother Wendy remembers:
“It got to the point that we’d dread the phone ringing – yet another seizure.”
Years later, his son Stirling had his own terrifying seizures as a baby—once vomiting and convulsing in the car, requiring emergency intervention. His wife Fiona reflects:
“It just leaves you with an undercurrent of anxiety. If other people don’t hear from their spouse for a few hours, they’re like ‘oh well’, but Sam will get 10 messages saying ‘are you okay?’”
Their experiences speak volumes about the need for practical support, awareness, and emergency plans for families living with epilepsy.
Zoom Out
Epilepsy Queensland continues to provide one-on-one support, education, and connection for those living with or impacted by epilepsy. But Sam warns of the broader implications:
“Until there is greater recognition of the lived reality of epilepsy—the physical, emotional, social, and even financial implications of an unpredictable condition—it won’t attract the attention, and the investment, needed to deliver a cure.”
What To Look For Next
Epilepsy Awareness Month runs through March. Visit www.epilepsyqueensland.com.au to get involved—wear purple, make a donation, or start a conversation today.
“We’re calling on Toowoomba locals to Be a Purple Hero—help us raise vital funds and awareness,” says Sam.
For more info or support, contact Epilepsy Queensland on 1300 852 853.
