DOCUMENTING EPILEPSY: Hamilton native Louis Stanislaw grew up with epilepsy but kept it a secret from friends and teachers.
Now a filmmaker, he explores the effect the complex disorder has on sufferers and their families in the documentary On the Edge: Living with Epilepsy.
The films debut screening is at the Pingree School in Hamilton on Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
According to Stanislaws website, http://www.epilepsyontheedge.com, epilepsy affects 3 million people directly in the United States, and millions more through family members, friends, co-workers, and caregivers. Still, it is widely misunderstood.
Life with epilepsy can be unpredictable, Stanislaw said. Medicines that control seizures can have staggering side effects. Seizures can be frightening and dangerous. They can be mistaken for aggression, with tragic results. Reactions and improper treatment can have devastating consequences. In a life with daunting hurdles, ignorance is usually the biggest one for people with epilepsy.
On the Edge told through Stanislaws own experience and the stories of other epilepsy patients, their families, and health care providers documents difficulties and misunderstandings at every turn: from family life to school and friends, to leaving home and starting a career and forming lasting bonds.
It looks at the alienation, depression, and loneliness that epilepsy can bring. And it dispels myths that surround epilepsy, ultimately seeking a path to understanding, effective treatment, and a cure.
Stanislaw is a graduate of Pingree, Oberlin College,and the International Film School of Paris.
He will introduce the film at Pingree and be available to answer questions after the screening. A reception also follows the film.
The event is open to the public and free.Call 978-468-4415or visit http://www.pingree.org.
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Pingree School presents debut screening of a documentary on epilepsy