It’s National Epilepsy Awareness Month! 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. If you know more than 26 people, chances are that someone in your life will deal with seizures. Do you want to stand by their side? This month, we’ll be sharing our purple power and working together to show that no one with epilepsy is alone in their fight.
But how did it start?
Epilepsy has always existed, with evidence of seizures tracing back to early societies. For much of human history, this diagnosis has been met with a vicious stigma that led to fear and shunning of those with the condition. People believed the false ideas that seizures were caused by supernatural means, and they engaged in harmful practices to try to “cure” them. Scientific investigation on the cause of seizures became more prominent in the 1800’s, and only in the last century have we had anti-seizure medications that do not cause serious side effects. As research and awareness initiatives have continued to develop, more people finally understand that epilepsy is a neurological disorder originating from electrical impulses. Though researchers have investigated neurons, seizure triggers, treatments, and surgeries, this has not stopped the discrimination.
National Epilepsy Awareness Month was established in 1969 as a way to bring knowledge of epilepsy to the forefront. No one deserves to feel silenced and about the challenges they face.
In 2003, the campaign was officially recognized by Congress, and every year since, the community has banded together to improve the lives of those with epilepsy, helping them to live in a safer, more inclusive, and more educated world.
Though our community has made tremendous strides, our work is not finished. As long as there are people who are made to feel unsafe or unwelcome because of their seizures, we will continue our fight. During NEAM, we can all work to increase awareness about epilepsy, advocate for ourselves and those we love, raise funds, and pave the path to new treatments.
Looking for ways to get involved this November? The EFNENY team is here to help!
Educational Opportunities:
- Wednesday, November 6th: Exercise and Wellbeing for People with Epilepsy Webinar with Dr. Frawley.
- Wednesday, November 6th: Seizure First Aid Certification Webinar.
- Thursday, November 7th: Annual Awards Luncheon- Duo at the Dunes (Italian American Community Center) .
- Tuesday, November 19th: Dinner with a Doctor with Dr. Pugh at Moscatiellos in Troy.
- Saturday, November 16th: 3rd Annual NYS Epilepsy Coalition Conference
Looking for more educational opportunities or a specific program? Reach out to EFNENY Health Educator Rachel Yattaw to learn more about hosting an in-person or virtual training session. Training sessions are FREE! Email ryattaw@epilepsyneny.org to learn more.
Fundraisers:
Kick off National Epilepsy Awareness Month in a delicious way across Northeastern New York by attending a “Dine to Donate” Fundraiser!
- Friday, November 1st: Blaze Pizza, Albany
- Friday, November 15th: Panera, Plattsburgh
- Wednesday, November 20th: Chipotle Mexican Grill, Poughkeepsie
- Thursday, November 21st: Recovery Sports Grill, Capital Region Locations
NEAM is the perfect time for our community to share our experiences with seizures and Change Our Epilepsy Story. So spread the word! It is also an opportunity to educate the world on how to be prepared and act safely if someone has a seizure.
Learn more ways to recognize this November as NEAM by staying up to date by following @EFNENY on social media platforms! For more information, call the Epilepsy Foundation at 518-456-7501 or visit: https://efneny.org/national-epilepsy-awareness-month/
