Joy Emeh
Updated on: October 8, 2024 10:33 am GMT
Former Collingwood Football Club coach and player Nathan Buckley has publicly shared a significant aspect of his personal life—his girlfriend Brodie Ryan’s battle with epilepsy. The admission was made during an event on Tuesday aimed at promoting the “Walk for Epilepsy,” a charity initiative that encourages participants to walk four kilometers each day for 25 days to raise awareness and funds for those affected by the condition.
Details of Brodie Ryan’s Health Condition
During the event, Buckley disclosed that Ryan has been grappling with epilepsy over the past several years. He recounted their experience, saying, “It’s not really my story to tell, but my partner has had some seizures across the last three or four years.” He further explained how Ryan went from functioning normally to experiencing seizures, describing her condition as a sudden shift from “operating (fine)” to “effectively glitching.” Buckley noted, “As you can imagine, it’s pretty scary going from operating (fine) to effectively glitching.”
Since they began dating in 2022, Ryan has had one or two seizures in their relationship, and they are actively working to understand the underlying causes and how to manage the condition effectively. According to Buckley, epilepsy doesn’t manifest gradually; it strikes suddenly and can be quite daunting to comprehend.
Breaking the Stigma Surrounding Epilepsy
Buckley emphasized his desire to raise awareness about epilepsy and break down the stigma often associated with it. He stated, “We sweep it under the carpet rather than getting in front of it. There’s a stigma with a lot of afflictions, and epilepsy is one of them. Eventually, she’ll understand it a bit better.” By sharing their story, both Buckley and Ryan hope to shed light on the challenges that come with the diagnosis and encourage open discussions about the condition.
The Importance of the Walk for Epilepsy Initiative
The “Walk for Epilepsy” event is not only personally significant for Buckley but also resonates with other prominent figures within the Australian Football League (AFL). Richmond great Neil Balme and Carlton champion Brett Ratten are also involved in the movement. Balme himself is an epilepsy patient and called for more public awareness, stating, “One in 25 people suffer from it, from little kids to old people like me.” Balme shared his own experience with the condition, recalling a sudden seizure that led to an ambulance visit, calling it a frightening moment for both him and his wife.
Ratten has aligned his involvement with the cause due to his daughter Tilly’s struggle with epilepsy, further highlighting the personal and communal impact of the disorder among athletes and their families.
Understanding Epilepsy: Symptoms and Treatments
Epilepsy is characterized by bursts of uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain that disrupt normal nerve signaling, leading to seizures. These seizures can vary greatly, with individuals experiencing different symptoms ranging from altered muscle control to heightened sensations. Treatment primarily involves anti-epileptic medications that work to stabilize electrical activity in the brain and reduce the likelihood of seizures.
In more severe cases, medical intervention may include surgical procedures to remove the brain tissue responsible for seizures, the implantation of devices to monitor and intervene during seizures, or dietary changes such as a ketogenic diet, which has shown promise in reducing seizure frequency for some patients.
The Couple’s Shared Values and Commitment
Although Nathan Buckley and Brodie Ryan are 17 years apart in age, their relationship is built on shared values and a mutual commitment to personal growth and community support. Ryan has spoken about how their similar upbringings and passions for helping others have created a strong bond between them. “Helping others be the best version of themselves and prioritizing their mental health and wellbeing… is a passion both Nath and I have always shared,” she remarked.
Both Buckley and Ryan emphasize the significance of using their platform to assist those confronting challenges, and they aim to inspire others through their actions and advocacy.
Public Support and Awareness Initiatives
By sharing their story, Nathan Buckley hopes to foster understanding and encourage dialogue surrounding epilepsy, emphasizing that many people remain unaware of its effects and prevalence. The couple’s involvement in the Walk for Epilepsy is part of a broader effort to increase public knowledge about this neurological condition.
Their commitment to raising awareness and breaking down stigma is crucial in helping others affected by epilepsy. The couple encourages those interested to participate in the “Walk for Epilepsy” initiative, where people can share their stories and connect with others who understand the struggles of living with this condition.
Buckley and Ryan want to show how important it is to care for and understand people who have epilepsy. With help from the community, they hope to make everyone more aware and kind to those living with this condition.
