Bubbling Bedfordview resident is competiting in the Miss Teen SA pageant
MISS Teen SA finalist Nicole Laxton, 17, is an epileptic.
One of 12 finalists from Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Western Cape, Laxton exudes warmth and her infectious laughter seems to go on forever.
Laxton's evolving life story has the potential to change the way people view challenges and could serve to encourage others to achieve just about anything they set their minds to.
The energetic, bubbly Laxton - from Bedfordview, Gauteng - is apparently popular among her peers at St Andrews School for Girls.
As National Youth Ambassador for Epilepsy South Africa, Laxton has a demanding schedule.
"This motivates me to show others that living with epilepsy does not mean they cannot achieve their dreams," she said.
"People can lead happy and productive lives as long as they take their medication diligently and take full responsibility for their health."
Laxton thinks she stands a good chance of winning Miss Teen SA. "I will communicate my goals and values to the judges," she says boldly.
With her outgoing personality, Laxton spends a lot of time with her family and friends, but adds that she is totally focused on her charities - Epilepsy South Africa, the SKY Foundation in Kliptown, Soweto, Baragwanath Paediatric Wards and the SPCA among others.
"These are very close to my heart," she says.
"This condition gives me the opportunity to talk to other teenagers with epilepsy."
Laxton also sits on the editorial board of EPINews, a newsletter circulated to people living with epilepsy.
Approximately one in 100 people have epilepsy, Laxton tells this scribe.
"Iconic cricketer Jonty Rhodes is also an Ambassador for Epilepsy South Africa. I have great admiration for him," she says.
- All 12 finalists will meet for the first time on December 6 at the Sun International head office in Sandton. They will be whisked off to the L'Oreal Hair Studio to have their hair done before boarding a bus to Sun City.
A lass with pluck - Epilepsy no barrier
Bubbling Bedfordview resident is competiting in the Miss Teen SA pageant
MISS Teen SA finalist Nicole Laxton, 17, is an epileptic.
One of 12 finalists from Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Western Cape, Laxton exudes warmth and her infectious laughter seems to go on forever.
Laxton's evolving life story has the potential to change the way people view challenges and could serve to encourage others to achieve just about anything they set their minds to.
The energetic, bubbly Laxton - from Bedfordview, Gauteng - is apparently popular among her peers at St Andrews School for Girls.
As National Youth Ambassador for Epilepsy South Africa, Laxton has a demanding schedule.
"This motivates me to show others that living with epilepsy does not mean they cannot achieve their dreams," she said.
"People can lead happy and productive lives as long as they take their medication diligently and take full responsibility for their health."
Laxton thinks she stands a good chance of winning Miss Teen SA. "I will communicate my goals and values to the judges," she says boldly.
With her outgoing personality, Laxton spends a lot of time with her family and friends, but adds that she is totally focused on her charities - Epilepsy South Africa, the SKY Foundation in Kliptown, Soweto, Baragwanath Paediatric Wards and the SPCA among others.
"These are very close to my heart," she says.
"This condition gives me the opportunity to talk to other teenagers with epilepsy."
Laxton also sits on the editorial board of EPINews, a newsletter circulated to people living with epilepsy.
Approximately one in 100 people have epilepsy, Laxton tells this scribe.
"Iconic cricketer Jonty Rhodes is also an Ambassador for Epilepsy South Africa. I have great admiration for him," she says.
- All 12 finalists will meet for the first time on December 6 at the Sun International head office in Sandton. They will be whisked off to the L'Oreal Hair Studio to have their hair done before boarding a bus to Sun City.
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