@lesmal, Carenity Ambassador: Living with epilepsy, leading with empathy

Hi Lesley,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your story and experience with us. We’re so grateful for your openness and for everything you bring to the Carenity community.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your health journey?

I am 68 years of age and have lived with epilepsy for 52 years. I also have other health issues, i.e., hypothyroidism, osteoporosis, hypertension/high blood pressure, GERD (reflux disease) and several allergies. I had a brain aneurysm operation in 2019 but am now fully recovered. I enjoy advocating and educating the community on many health issues, but my passion lies with giving advice, friendship and support to all those living with/affected by epilepsy.

Photo courtesy of Lesley D. (@lesmal)

How did you find your way to Carenity?

I was a Voluntary National Board Member and Epinews Panel Member of Epilepsy South Africa for several years and moved to Northern Ireland in 2017 mainly due to health issues and other reasons. I have always loved doing voluntary work and came across Carenity’s website whilst doing a Google search. I joined Carenity in January 2018 and was requested to join the Ambassadors’ team for Carenity UK in April 2018.

What inspired you to take on the Ambassador role, and what has being an Ambassador meant to you?

Taking on the role was a way to share my experiences with other members, guide them through the Forum, and make it easier to participate in discussions, as well as benefit from others’ opinions on Carenity.

Being an Ambassador gives me motivation, a way of showing empathy, kindness and willingness to help people struggling with health conditions and life in general.

I love all aspects of being an Ambassador; I have always enjoyed assisting people, using my skills in typing, editing, communication and public relations.

What does your role as an Ambassador involve on a day-to-day basis, and what advice would you give to someone starting out?

I welcome new members, start, revive and comment in/on the forum discussions, guide people on the site, exchange opinions by being friendly and supportive, and help them find the information they are looking for.

My tips/suggestions for starting out in the role:

• Empathy
• Kindness
• Willingness to help others
• Take part in discussions
• Guide members in the Forum with different health conditions
• Ensure they find information they are looking for and benefit from Carenity in general.

Are you involved in any other community or volunteer activities?

I continue to offer my volunteering skills in editing, community support (cancer and epilepsy), and administrative support in many groups on social media. I am also an Ambassador for My Epilepsy Team, participate on many other health sites, and run an inspirational page on Facebook for the epilepsy community called Epilepsy Motive Quotives.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming an Ambassador?

To anyone thinking of becoming an Ambassador, please be advised it is a fulfilling role as one is always communicating on behalf of the community with the Carenity Team regarding the website, content of the website, new features, and topics regarding different health conditions, surveys, polls, etc.

Anyone wanting to become an Ambassador on Carenity is very welcome to contact me should they have any queries in this regard.

A big thanks to Lesley for sharing her Carenity Ambassador journey with us!

If you found this interview helpful, feel free to give it a “Like” and share your thoughts and questions with the community in the comments below!

Take care!