This Month is Epilepsy Awareness Month. My youngest child has had it since his teens so I would like to add it to my lineup of this to post about.
Epilepsy Awareness Month
Purple Day: A Young Girl's Campaign for Epilepsy Awareness
On November 9th, 2008, Cassidy Megan of Nova Scotia, Canada, launched the first Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness.
She defied this expectation by becoming an active advocate for herself and others living with epilepsy. With the support of the Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia, she encouraged people to wear purple and learn more about the condition.
Purple Day quickly gained momentum, spreading across Canada and internationally. It became a platform for people with epilepsy, their families, and supporters to come together, share their stories, and educate the public.
Cassidy's initiative empowered countless individuals to speak openly about their experiences, fostering a sense of community and reducing the isolation often felt by those affected by epilepsy.
Her efforts challenged the prevailing narrative that epilepsy is something to be hidden or ashamed of. Instead, she promoted a message of acceptance and understanding, encouraging people to see beyond the diagnosis and recognize the individual.
Cassidy Megan's actions on that November 9th demonstrate the power of youth advocacy and the impact a single individual can have in raising awareness about a critical health issue. Purple Day continues to be observed annually, serving as a reminder of the importance of education, support, and inclusivity for people with epilepsy.
@TheNewsOwl This was inspiring to read, Owlie. I have shared it in its entirety. ππ
Great read π Thanks for sharing π
@JulesofJoy No problem at all. π€
@TheNewsOwl thanks for the reminder π (I have my FB account turned off currently so I wouldnβt see reminders from my neuro friends there)
My daughter was dx with epilepsy in 2007. It was a rough few years until 2012 when we finally found a med that got her seizures under control. A med of last resort due to potential serious side effects (like death π±). This was the seventh different med she tried so I wasnβt too hopeful but it worked! She still takes Felbatol but we did switch to generic.
@AverageCitizen So glad to hear she found one that worked for her. I was fortunate to find one as well for my son. β€οΈ β€οΈ β€οΈ
@TheNewsOwl the brand version is over $3000/month. Generic runs about 1000. Thank God she has Medicaid to pay for it! (Due to her disabilities)
I hope your son is well controlled as well. Itβs not a fun club to be in. π
@AverageCitizen @TheNewsOwl i've taken meds for seizures for 44 years. Lots of ups and downs, getting screwed by the insurance company which switched me to a dodgy generic, dealing with side effects and acquired tolerance, cures that were worse than the curse. Eventually I found a med that works that is available as an affordable and effective generic. I was lucky. My seizures started as a teenager. Childhood epilepsy is worse. Best wishes for your child's health and happiness
@GlennS @TheNewsOwl definitely dealing with insurance companies can almost be worse than dealing with the medical issues themselves! Wish it didnβt have to be that way. π
At just nine years old, Cassidy, who lives with epilepsy herself, took a bold step to raise awareness about the neurological condition and dispel the stigma surrounding it. She chose purple, the internationally recognized color for epilepsy, as a symbol of hope and understanding.
Cassidy's initiative was remarkable not only for her young age but also for challenging the traditional notion that children should be passive recipients of care.