As a neurologist, Julie Thompson-Dobkin, DO, never thought her work and her personal life would become so intertwined. But in 2005, everything changed when her son was diagnosed with epilepsy. His journey to gain control of his seizures inspired Thompson-Dobkin to raise awareness about the condition.
In 2012, she started the Hidden Truths Project, an arts nonprofit featuring the work of those living with epilepsy. The organization hosts national art exhibits and fundraisers that display art from the epilepsy community, and now includes more than 700 members from six different continents. Despite many medical advances, people living with the condition can struggle to fit into a world that has little understanding of what it’s like to cope with and manage epilepsy.
“Art became our common language to share the realities of epilepsy—the psychosocial issues, the aura, ictal, and postictal disconnect, stigma, discrimination, and loneliness,” Thompson-Dobkin explains. “We’re shining a light on the beauty of each unique voice.”
Much of the artwork aims to translate what it’s like to live with epilepsy to a larger audience. Fiber art of EEGs, music compositions, and even painted ostrich eggs have all been on display. Exhibit visitors can get a more intimate and nuanced understanding of epilepsy, which builds more empathy. This year, Hidden Truths will host 1:26 The Art of Epilepsy with exhibits in Newport Beach, California, Chicago, and Boston.
Since the pandemic, the organization has expanded to include scholarship programs, a movie series, and mindful-based art workshops. For Thompson-Dobkin, watching her idea grow and create a larger impact has made the long work hours worth it. “We’re providing a voice through a creative narrative and helping those with epilepsy contribute, build community, and integrate into the world,” she says.