Wear Purple On March 26th, Global Epilepsy Awareness Day
On March 26th the world celebrates purple day, a grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about the neurological disease called epilepsy. People all over the globe will wear purple and host events to support epilepsy awareness.
Purple day was the idea of 9-year-old Cassidy Megan from Nova Scotia in 2008 when she was no longer invited to sleep overs with her friends after she had developed seizures. In Cassidy's own words: "I wanted people all over the world to come together and teach each other about epilespy."
Sixty-three thousand or up to 1 in 26 Ohions, 3 million Americans and worldwide 63 million people suffer from epilepsy, a neurological disorder manifesting with unpredictable seizures that can occur at school, in the home, on the street, in a store. Educating the public about simple safety issues can go a long way to reduce the burden of this disease on those affected.
In Cleveland, the Epilepsy Association is a non-profit that exclusively provides community-based education and support services to people of all ages and their families in North East Ohio affected by epilepsy. A number of events and programs centered around purple day are being hosted. The offices are located at 2831 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, 44115. Email Colleen Saunier for more information at csaunier@epilepsyinfo.org or call 216 579 1330. The website gives more information about resources, fun events and fundraisers spread throughout the year: www.epilepsyinfo.org. This includes a fundraising event at VOSH on May 3rd.
Ingrid White has resided in Lakewood for 10 years. She was born in South Africa, lived and traveled in Europe, is a retired pediatric neurologist and epilepsy expert, sails Lake Erie in the summer, grows orchids, practices Ikebana, is an activist on women's and social justice issues. She is a member of Lakewood Womens' Club and the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. She is on the Board of Trustees of the Epilepsy Association, a not-for-profit that exclusively provides resources to people with epilepsy.
ingrid white
reside in Lakewood for 10 years, born in South Africa, lived and travelled in Europe, retired pediatric neurologist and epilepsy expert, sail lake Erie in the summer, grow orchids, practice Ikebana, activist on womens' and social justice issues. Member of Lakewood Womens' Club, Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. On the Board of Trustees of the Epilepsy Association, a not for profit that exclusively provides resources to people with epilepsy.