Feature Stories
Bright Bwalya : epilepsy inspires innovation
In the heart of Zambia , Bright Bwalya , a software engineer and passionate poet , has turned a personal challenge into a transformative force for good . At 31 , his journey with epilepsy not only reshaped his life but spurred him to create the Purple Glow Foundation , providing hope for many .
It all began at Copperbelt University where , amidst his rigorous studies , Bright first experienced seizures . Unfamiliar and unprepared , he found himself at a crossroads during his final university project . The onset of epilepsy could have stalled his ambitions , but instead , it ignited a relentless drive to understand and manage his condition — not just for himself but for others . “ I ' m passionate about computer software programming , but I ' ve had to scale back because prolonged screen time can provoke a seizure ,” Bright shared . “ Similarly , I ' m a huge coffee person , but now I ' ve swapped out coffee for tea , as caffeine tends to exacerbate my symptoms . These are just a few of the adjustments I ' ve had to make .”
Amid the solitude of his condition , Bright realized the lack of awareness and pervasive myths surrounding epilepsy , particularly in Zambia , where seizures were often seen through a spiritual lens , misunderstood as demonic possession . “ In Zambia , a person falling down and shaking is considered demon possessed and in need of exorcism . People don ' t view it as anything else ,” he revealed . The condition affects relationships , from romantic ones to casual interactions . Some people fear physical contact , mistakenly believing they can catch the condition . It introduces a layer of complexity into simple human connections . This societal misinterpretation fueled his determination to foster understanding and provide support
to those silently suffering similar fates .
The creation of the Purple Glow Foundation marked a pivotal turn in his life . The foundation began as a simple idea to educate , support and empower . Bright started visiting hospitals , speaking directly to patients and their families , debunking myths and spreading knowledge . His message was clear and powerful : having epilepsy doesn ' t mean the end of your dreams .
However , Bright didn ' t stop there . His struggles led to a breakthrough innovation — a life-saving app called Seizure Assistant . Triggered by the onset of a seizure , the app sends alerts to designated contacts , provides bystanders with clear instructions in local languages and helps manage the crisis efficiently . This tool wasn ' t just practical , it was revolutionary , providing peace of
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