Alabama Woman Gets National Recognition for Turning Personal Tragedy into Social Benefit

Lee Brown wins the Foundation's 2002 "Making a Difference" Award.

Posted: September 23, 2002

Lee Brown accepts her award at the
Epilepsy Foundation National Conference

When Lee Brown found herself wrongfully committed to a mental hospital because of her epilepsy, facing a divorce and loss of custody of her only son, little did she imagine that one day, out of her own personal battle, an oasis for other people with epilepsy would be born.

Through hard work, dedication and use of her own personal funds, Brown started an Epilepsy Foundation in Mobile, which has grown over 30 years to provide award-winning services and programs.

Brown received a special recognition award and a cash prize of $1,500 for making a difference in the lives of women with epilepsy.

"Making a Difference" Award

The award was presented during a gala at the national Epilepsy Foundation's annual conference in September in New Orleans, LA.

The award recognizes the value contributions women with epilepsy make in their communities and the examples they set for other women in overcoming obstacles related to having the disorder.

The seventy-six-year-old Mobile, Alabama resident had her first convulsive seizure several decades ago, a few hours after her child was born.

Her husband at the time said she was "acting drunk."

Committed to a Mental Institution

Even though a doctor diagnosed Lee with epilepsy, her husband did not provide understanding and support. Instead, he committed the young mother to a mental institution.

When she first walked into the hospital, an overwhelming fear took over and she fell to the ground in a panic. "Oh my God," she gasped, "What am I doing here?"

Every day Lee took the epilepsy medication the nurses gave her. But her thoughts were not on her condition.

Her mind wandered back home to where her little boy went to bed every night without a good night kiss from his mother.

Lee wondered, "Who is washing his clothes and making his meals?"

The thought of seeing her son again made the days go faster. Three months later, Lee was sent home.

Divorce

Little did she know that her husband had other plans. He said he wanted a divorce and wanted full custody of their son.

"During divorce proceedings, attorneys and witnesses made fun of my seizures. They openly mocked me in the courtroom," said Lee.

"My husband took the stand against me. Worst of all, my own son took the stand against me. I guess he felt I had abandoned him," she says.

Slowly, Lee started to pick up the broken pieces of her life. Her son grew up and went on to become a military pilot, but refused to return her calls. To this day, he refuses to have any contact with his mother.

While most people would think they had sunk into the depths of despair, Lee decided she would do something to prevent this kind of suffering for other people with epilepsy.

"Feeling that no one with epilepsy should experience the ridicule, discrimination and loss of family I had, I began writing letters to neurologists, medical clinics and to the national Epilepsy Foundation," says Lee.

"I wanted to gain support from community and political leaders to start an organization that could help people with epilepsy," says Lee.

While working on her project, a friendship blossomed into romance with a local resident. The two soon married. Understanding and supportive, Lee's second husband helped his wife in every way to realize her dream.

Founded South Alabama Affiliate

Eventually, she founded the Epilepsy Chapter of Mobile, lead by local businesses, and medical and political supporters.

Today, the Epilepsy Foundation of South Alabama, an affiliate of the national Epilepsy Foundation, serves about 1800 people in 28 South Alabama Counties.

The Foundation provides support for teens, assists adults seeking employment and provides community education about epilepsy, among other programs.

"Over the decades, I have seen circumstances improve for people with epilepsy," says Lee. "Today, people with epilepsy talk about their condition. They're not ashamed of it."

"But all the problems are not solved. I have gotten letters from people around the country telling very poignant stories. In fact, I believe someone with epilepsy can still be mistaken for a psychiatric patient because the general public just doesn't understand."

Recently, Lee and her second husband celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary at Seabreeze Nursing Home where she lives. Many nursing home residents and outside friends helped celebrate the festive occasion with flowers, music and cake.

Although Lee's husband lives in a nearby apartment because his health is good, he visits his wife everyday and takes care of their dog, who they say senses when Lee is about to have a seizure.

With a loving husband and close friends beside her, Lee doesn't waste time dwelling on the past. "My life is beautiful," she says.

She tells anyone with epilepsy she meets to "hold your head up high."

And that's how Lee lives her own life.