Encephalitis almost ended Chris Maxwell’s life. The scar tissue in his brain and life with epilepsy made him – and his family and friends – feel like the life they'd known changed suddenly and permanently. For Maxwell and the staggering number of people facing traumatic brain injuries, epilepsy, or other painful encounters, life is experienced through a different lens. Names are tough to remember. Medication is a common acquaintance. Exhaustion, seizures, and mood swings are daily traveling companions. Maxwell's writing and the stories of others offers hope. Hope that you're not alone, even when your experience underwater seems to change everything. “If any neurologist looks at Chris's MRI of the brain and then sees Chris, they can't believe they are looking at the same person. Chris could easily have gone into a deep depression over his illness. His tenacity to stubbornly refuse to lose is what made him into the winner in life that he is today. Don't let epilepsy or your illness define you. You can succeed in life if you believe in what you are doing and are willing to fight for it.