November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month and this year, Becton’s Key Club was excited to get the whole school to show their support!
Started in 1969 by the Epilepsy Foundation, they wanted to reduce the stigma surrounding people afflicted with epilepsy. In 2003, Congress passed a formal resolution that officially declared November as National Epilepsy Awareness Month!
Epilepsy is also referred to as a “seizure disorder,” or a nerve cell disorder that disturbs brain activity and causes seizures. Nationwide, about 3.4 million people are affected by epilepsy; 5 million adults and 470,000 children. Currently, 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime.
Lavender is recognized internationally as the flower of epilepsy, due to its symbolization of isolation and loneliness, which epilepsy is also associated with. Cassidy Megan, a young 8-year-old girl with epilepsy from Nova Scotia, Canada, created Purple Day in 2008 to help others with epilepsy realize they are not alone. This is also why we at Becton wore purple on November 8th!
Key Club advisor Chef Kimberly Damelio holds this cause very near to her heart. With someone in her own life affected by epilepsy, she believes that raising awareness for the condition would result in more funding and research. “I think knowledge is power and getting the proper training is a huge first step,” she states. “Knowing how to help during a seizure and keep everyone safe is so essential.”
“It’s more prevalent in our community than you would think,” so it’s important to take the time to be mindful. Take a class on how to assist a person with epilepsy, or just spread the word; you never know who it could help!
