1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy. Here’s how Waymo could help them and caregivers.
Podcaster Monica Padman was on a trip when she got her diagnosis. NBA champion Tristan Thompson is a caretaker of a little brother who has it. CEO Bernice “Bee” Martin Lee knew she had it for years before sharing her diagnosis publicly.
What they all have in common is epilepsy, a chronic condition of recurring seizures that will affect 1 in 26 people at some point in their lives.
Epilepsy Foundation and Waymo have teamed up this November to raise awareness during Epilepsy Awareness Month. The Epilepsy Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that works to improve the lives of those affected by epilepsy, including caregivers. Throughout November, one in 26 Waymo vehicles in LA, Phoenix and San Francisco will feature an Epilepsy Foundation decal to recognize the one in 26 people who have been or will be diagnosed with epilepsy in their lifetimes.
Padman, Thompson, and Lee recently rode with Waymo in Los Angeles while having candid discussions about their lived experiences with the condition.
"I think Waymo is an extremely helpful companion to those with epilepsy,” shared Padman, who relied on friends or ride-hailing for transportation after her diagnosis. “Waymo is a great option for those with epilepsy to maintain their sense of autonomy and safety.”
Podcaster Monica Padman shares how Waymo supports autonomy for people living with epilepsy.
Lee, CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation, said the organization's partnership with Waymo reflects its mission to improve the quality of life for those affected by epilepsy.
“For those living with disabilities and having this at their fingertips: it’s a game changer,” Lee said, adding that Waymo provides an additional mobility option to get out and socialize for those with epilepsy who cannot drive, either temporarily or for the rest of their lives. “That lack of access to transportation can feel so burdensome and can lead to that isolation.”
That’s an experience Padman knows all too well.
Epilepsy can be isolating, but Waymo offers mobility that’s judgment-free
Padman, who co-hosts the Armchair Expert podcast with Dax Shepard, has spoken publicly about her epilepsy experiences, and shared that she felt stuck at home after receiving her diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was awful – I couldn't drive anywhere or go anywhere, even just on a nice drive to get out of the house, so that was rough,” Padman said. “It would have been so nice to have had Waymo at the time.”
Lee said that she appreciates how Waymo not only connects people to their community but also a mobility option that is free of any judgment or discrimination.
“As someone living with epilepsy, the ability to have transportation at my fingertips, to have it be non-judgmental and comfortable for myself, I'm so grateful,” Lee said.
Thompson, who has launched several tech ventures since leaving the NBA, said that he also appreciates how Waymo’s technology is so focused on safety and convenience.
“The one thing about this experience with Waymo and the technology is that you could just come as you please, and it's going to make sure to get you home safe,” Thompson said.
Thompson and his late mother co-founded a nonprofit named after his brother, Amari. that raises money for children and families living with epilepsy. As one of Amari’s caregivers, Thompson said that the most important thing for people affected by epilepsy to do is share their story and connect with others.
Tristan Thompson rides with Waymo to spotlight epilepsy awareness from a caregiver’s perspective.
“I think it's all about building a tribe, and I think that the best thing is for people to open up about their (epilepsy) situation and talk about it and build that community,” Thompson said.
Advocates urge others to learn about epilepsy and share their stories
For those with epilepsy, it’s not always easy to talk about the experience. Padman said she grappled with how to share her diagnosis with others.
“You don't want to burden somebody else with your disease,” Padman recalled. “It can become a whole cycle of fear, and so you are always wondering, is this something I should share? Is it not? How will they respond to it?”
Lee struggled with the same feelings. Although she was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 22, she did not share her diagnosis for years.
“I was afraid of what people would think; I was afraid of being judged; afraid that individuals would assume that I had an intellectual impairment, or that I wasn't capable,” Lee said. “But I realized not talking about it actually made the situation worse because I wasn't empowering myself to tell my story and to normalize the conversation around epilepsy.”
Padman said that she shares her story in the hopes of people reframing their perceptions of epilepsy. “We all have things that we're dealing with and working through and having to process and this has given me a lot of compassion for other people,” Padman said. “Trust your body and tell your doctor. Be an advocate for yourself.”
Lee also urged people to become familiar with epilepsy and which kinds of seizures are associated with the disorder.
“There are many different types of epilepsies and many different types of seizures,” Lee said. “Go on epilepsy.com and take the seizure first aid training, and then share it with friends and family.”
Epilepsy Foundation CEO Bee Martin Lee celebrates Waymo’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
Technology for connection and understanding
For its part, the Epilepsy Foundation continues to embrace technology and has recently launched an empathetic chatbot AI assistant named Sage to ensure anyone can get information and understanding about epilepsy at any time.
“Sage is there 24/7 to answer any question that you may have regarding your epilepsy journey or the epilepsy journey of a loved one, or if you'd like to just learn more about epilepsy,” Lee said. “We're so excited about this because prior to this, people didn't know where to turn for resources and they couldn't have that conversation.”
Lee said she is driven to pass on the gift of understanding and empathy that she wishes she had received when she was diagnosed.
“Epilepsy has been what I thought was a burden, but it's ended up being the biggest blessing of my life because I now am leading an organization that supports 3.4 million individuals living with epilepsy,” Lee said.
She said the Epilepsy Foundation’s partnership with Waymo reflects a shared commitment to raising epilepsy awareness and embracing the possibilities of technology.
“I'm so proud to be in partnership with an organization that understands the importance of inclusion and accessibility and has acted upon it, because we always say action speaks louder than words,” Lee said. “This type of technology is so important for our community.”
