By Colin Longworth | United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona
I was 27 when my doctor delivered the news: I had epilepsy.
At that age, most people are focused on their careers, social lives and maybe even their dating prospects — not grappling with a life-changing diagnosis. Until that moment, I knew almost nothing about epilepsy.
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, it’s the fourth most common neurological disorder, caused by surges of electrical activity in the brain that lead to recurring seizures.
But to me, epilepsy wasn’t just a medical definition. It meant giving up things I once took for granted, including common stimulants like caffeine, pre-workout supplements and amino acids. I had to make sure I was getting enough sleep and eating enough to avoid triggering my seizures. Eventually, I had to stop driving.
That was the hardest part. After more than a decade of independence, the freedom to hop in my car and go wherever I pleased was suddenly gone. It was humbling. While I take medication to manage my seizures and can often sense one coming 30 to 45 seconds in advance, the idea of controlling a 4,000-pound vehicle wasn’t a risk I was willing to take. My life — and the lives of others — means more.
Giving up driving changed my world, but I learned that loss could lead to new beginnings in time.
I first heard about Waymo nearly a year and a half ago. A friend had posted about it on social media, and I was immediately intrigued. Up until then, I relied on rideshare services with human drivers to get around town.
As the corporate philanthropy officer at United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona, I spend much of my day traveling between meetings across Phoenix. I also work as a sports marketer, often taking phone calls with high-profile athlete clients. Having those conversations in a traditional rideshare, with a driver just feet away, isn’t ideal — maintaining privacy is nearly impossible.
But it isn’t just the lack of privacy that poses challenges. I’ve been diagnosed with ADHD and am autistic, which makes it difficult to stay focused when someone is trying to engage me in conversation. While most drivers are friendly, even the smallest chat can pull me away from my work.
When I learned about Waymo’s autonomous driving technology, the concept felt like a dream. The idea of riding free from distractions seemed like the perfect solution. It’s no secret to my coworkers and friends, who know just how much I use Waymo.
The technology didn’t just give me a new way to get around — it restored my sense of control and comfort. If I can work for an hour in the car, that’s an hour of my life back when I get home. It’s like my own personal mobile office. To date, I’ve spent 622 minutes riding with Waymo. That’s 10 hours of my personal time back while on the road.
On this National Epilepsy Awareness Day, March 26, sharing my story feels more important than ever. Epilepsy can present countless challenges, but advancements like autonomous driving technology are opening new doors for people like me.
Waymo has given me back a sense of mobility, independence and peace of mind. It’s a reminder that innovation isn’t just about convenience — it’s about creating opportunities for those who need them.
Editor’s note: Colin Longworth is corporate philanthropy officer for United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona and a dedicated Waymo rider. He lives in Scottsdale. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
