Meet Bright Bwalya

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bright Bwalya a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Bright, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

My confidence stems from a profound journey of self-acceptance and realization. It all began when I accepted my epilepsy condition and recognized the value I still held as a person. I embraced the mantra, “I have Epilepsy, Epilepsy does not have me,” which allowed me to see beyond the limitations of my condition.

A pivotal moment in this journey was when a remarkable woman pursued me and confessed her love for me. Despite having many suitors, she chose to pursue me for a year, reminding me that I was just as valuable and capable as anyone else. This experience reinforced the idea that people perceive me as I present myself. Accepting myself set me on a path to healing, showing me that a confession of my condition was actually a confession of strength. It demonstrated my courage to face and overcome a condition that many fear to even talk about.

This realization has been the cornerstone of my confidence. It has empowered me to advocate for epilepsy awareness and mental health, knowing that my strength lies in my ability to rise above adversity and inspire others to do the same.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Bright M. Bwalya: A Beacon of Hope in Epilepsy and Mental Health Advocacy

Bright M. Bwalya, a 30-year-old Software Engineer, Epilepsy Awareness Activist, and Mental Health Advocate, has made significant strides in the field of epilepsy management and advocacy. As the founder of The Purple Glow Foundation and the innovator behind the Seizure Assistant mobile application, Bright’s work supports epilepsy management, learning, and SOS calls for patients and caregivers.

Personal Journey and Motivation
Bright’s passion for epilepsy and mental health advocacy stems from his personal experience with epilepsy, a condition he developed following an abduction in 2016. Guided by his mantra, “When faced with a problem, do not wait for the solution to be created; be a part of the solution creators,” he created the Seizure Assistant app. This innovation has won seven international awards and received two local grants from the Zambian government.

Global Collaborations and Recognition
Bright has established strong global relationships, sharing insights and learning from various organizations. His extensive knowledge in the neurological field has made him an epilepsy counsellor, offering pro-bono sessions to educate families on best care practices. His work has been featured by institutions like the BBC.

Foundation Activities and Impact
Zambia’s largest hospital hosts his foundation’s awareness talks at the Neurological Clinic every Wednesday and Thursday, providing patient education and Q&A sessions before consultations with neurologists. Through interactions with patients, caregivers, and healthcare experts, Bright has enhanced his app to serve three user groups: Patient, Caregiver, and Seizure Assistant. The app has evolved into an ecosystem with wearable devices and health gadgets, now sought after for other disabilities. His efforts have been recognized with awards from the International Bureau for Epilepsy and the International League Against Epilepsy. He also serves on the boards of the Africa Neurophysiological Society and the Africa Alliance for Epilepsy, contributing to planning and advocacy efforts.

Bright M. Bwalya’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. His contributions continue to make a profound impact on the lives of those affected by epilepsy and mental health challenges.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Technical Expertise:
As a software engineer, I have the technical skills necessary to develop innovative solutions like the Seizure Assistant mobile application. My ability to integrate technology with healthcare has been pivotal in creating tools that support epilepsy management and patient care both for high and low income earners.
Advocacy and Communication:
My ability to communicate effectively and advocate for epilepsy awareness and mental health is crucial. My work with The Purple Glow Foundation and pro-bono counseling sessions demonstrate my commitment to educating and supporting patients and their families. My communication skills have also helped me build strong global relationships and gain recognition from prestigious institutions.

Resilience and Problem-Solving:
My personal journey with epilepsy has instilled in me a strong sense of resilience. My mantra, “When faced with a problem, do not wait for the solution to be created; be a part of the solution creators,” reflects my proactive approach to problem-solving. This resilience has driven me to overcome challenges and continuously improve my initiatives to better serve the epilepsy community.

These skills, combined with my passion and dedication, make me a beacon of hope and a powerful advocate for those affected by epilepsy and mental health issues.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

To further my impactful work in epilepsy awareness, innovations and mental health advocacy, several partnerships and collaborations could be highly beneficial:

Healthcare Institutions and Neurology Clinics: Collaborating with hospitals and clinics in neurology departments, can enhance the reach and effectiveness of my awareness work under the purple glow foundation. These collaborations could come with financial support to allow even more of our awareness activists to man more clinics. One the seizure assistant app is launched, these could be places to expand the reach and perfect the app as it will have ready users waiting to use it.

Technology Companies: Partnering with tech giants could provide the resources and expertise to further develop and scale the Seizure Assistant app. Many companies often have programs supporting health tech innovations and could offer technical support, funding, and platforms for wider distribution.

International Epilepsy Organizations: Collaborations with said organizations can provide a global platform to share our work, gain recognition, and access a network of experts and advocates. These organizations can also help in organizing awareness campaigns and educational programs and help on the path to fund raising for furthering the works under seizure assistant and the wearables slotted for release.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Partnering with NGOs focused on health and disability rights can amplify advocacy efforts and provide additional resources for community outreach. These collaborations can help in organizing workshops, seminars, and support groups for patients and caregivers.

Academic Institutions: Working with universities and research institutions can facilitate studies on epilepsy and mental health, providing valuable data to improve the Seizure Assistant app. Academic partnerships can also help in training healthcare professionals and conducting awareness programs.

Government Health Departments: Collaborating with government health departments can help in integrating the Seizure Assistant app into national health programs. This can ensure wider accessibility and support from public health initiatives.
These partnerships can provide the necessary support, resources, and platforms to expand The Purple Glow Foundation’s reach and impact in the field of epilepsy and mental health advocacy.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

All images are taken by The Purple Glow Foundation Media Team

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