May 2008 - Epilepsy Australia

An interview with Little PossWhere did you come from?I was created by Anne Little (author)and Denise McMahon (illustrator). Mybirth certificate shows I was born inNingaloo in Queensland.I hope you won’t take this personally,but I have heard people debating whatspecies you areDon’t worry, I’m used to that. I’ve beenmistaken for a bunny, a cat and a rat,but I’m actually a brushtail possum. Myname is Little Poss, poss being short forpossum.Best friend?Buck (mascot of the Brisbane Broncos),Ruby Rosella and Gertie Goanna (readthe books!!).Pet hate?People pulling my tail.As this is an interview for Australia’sleading epilepsy publication, TheEpilepsy Report, I guess we should stopbeating around the bush and ask youwhat’s your involvement with the epilepsycommunity?I have epilepsy. It started when I fellout of a tree and bumped my head. Myepilepsy journey has involved scans, andEEGs to find out what was going on, andthen medication for treatment. As longas I look after myself and keep doing theright thing, my seizures are pretty muchunder control. I became the star in AnneLittle’s children’s books – the originalbook (1994) and the sequel are all aboutme – and epilepsy. The publications wereso successful there’s now a Little PossClub for kids, a website, merchandise,and activities too. And this all startedbecause Epilepsy Queensland's researchidentified there was a need to teachchildren about epilepsy to combat thelifelong stigma and discrimination thatcan be such a hurdle.What’s been the highlight?I thought we’d never top winning aninternational award for being the world’sbest not for profit site for kids at a timewhen many places hadn’t even venturedinto cyberspace, but there have beenmore highlights since. I’ve met moreVIPs than you could poke a paw atand been to some amazing events. TheBrisbane Broncos featured prominentlylast year – they hosted my birthday party.I got to meet Queensland icon WayneBennett and many Broncos players. Ieven helped entertain the crowd at aSuncorp stadium match – performing fora thirty something thousand strong crowdis hard to beat. I love signing autographsalthough it can be a bit tricky with mypossum paws. I have to cope with theusual problems associated with stardom- I can’t walk down the street withoutpeople pointing and staring! and thenthere's the paparazzi…. Just joking. But Iwas on the television news the other week– when we were involved in a Channel9 – 4BC event for the great Wally Lewis.The way he’s brought epilepsy out of theshadows is amazing.However, when I kick back and reflect,the biggest buzz of all is that I’ve helpedthousands of children with epilepsy.I know I help them understand whatepilepsy is, how to help people withepilepsy, and that people with epilepsycan achieve great things. I get beautifulletters from members of the LittlePoss Club sharing their experiences,frustrations, and hopes.How do you get to be in the Club?You have to be 12 years old and under.Members of Epilepsy Queensland getfree Club membership, or you can takeout a special membership for $10 peryear.If you could have one wish, what wouldit be?Just one wish? That this year’s Little PossAppeal will make a gazillion dollars sothat I can help more children. And thatAustralian children with epilepsy get allthe help and support they need.For more information:Epilepsy QueenslandP O Box 1457, Coorparoo BC Q 4151phone 07 34355000www.littleposs.comphoto: Wally Lewis and Little PossTHE EPILEPSY REPORT MAY 200827