TAMPA, Fla. — A Bay area teen's struggle with epilepsy has inspired her to help others struggling with similar issues. 

  • Teen doesn't let epilepsy stop her from helping others
  • Brittany Vanhook created 'Brittany's Blankets' to help
  • Epilepsy Services Foundation

For about half her 15 years, Brittany Vanhook has been dealing with a frightening enemy named Epilepsy. 

But with her positivity and caring spirit, you'd never guess it. 

"I do have seizures but most of my seizures aren't in the daytime," Vanhook said. "I've only had one so I'm lucky because a lot of people have them during the day."

The day she did have a seizure was in a mall. She vaguely remembers people everywhere standing there staring at her. 

"When you have a seizure, you don't have much privacy," she said. "Especially like 12 (years) and under. So i wanted to make a blanket for others girls or guys or just any kids who need the blanket so they can have privacy." 

That led her to invent the Epilepsy Blanket that people can carry in a small backpack and use for privacy if the need arises. The blanket also has a pillow and pouches to keep needed medication handy. 

But the blankets don't end there. 

Vanhook also makes and gives out comfort blankets to a host of groups including children in hospitals, the homeless and animal shelters. 

To date, Vanhook has given out more than 15,000 Brittany Blankets. Her efforts were recently recognized by the Tampa Bay Lightning as a community hero. 

"They put me on a screen in front of the whole stadium," she said. "Which was really crazy. I was really nervous. I just stood there and waved." 

Vanhook said helping people with epilepsy is her focus. 

"I don't do Brittany's Blankets to get attention," she said. "I do it to help other people. My mom always teaches me life is about serving others, not serving yourself."