Epilepsy Awareness Month
March is Epilepsy Awareness Month and throughout March we and our local chapters focus our attention even more strenuously on bringing epilepsy out of the shadows. We redouble our efforts to put an end to the plethora of myths and misconceptions that surround epilepsy and seizure disorders.
We do this in part by asking people to wear Lavender Ribbons throughout the month. The lavender flower is traditionally associated with solitude. Separated lovers would give each other gifts of lavender so they would not feel alone. This is particularly fitting as a symbol of epilepsy as isolation is one of the primary difficulties facing people with seizure disorders. They are isolated from family, friends and the community in general both physically and emotionally.
A recognizable symbol is essential to raising the profile of epilepsy associations across the country. Epilepsy is perhaps one of the most misunderstood disorders – a recent survey in London, England stated that 1 in 20 people believe that epilepsy is caused by evil spirits. Clearly, there is much work to be done.
This year, in addition to displays and awareness events being held across the province we have approached a wide variety of people in the public eye to wear a Lavender Ribbon on the March 1st and throughout the month. We hope that you too will wear a Lavender Ribbon in March and help us help people living with and affected by epilepsy.
If you would like more information on events in your community or how you can help contact us at 1-800-463-1119 or at info@epilepsyontario.org
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