The Warwick Town Hall, Stanthorpe Administration Building and Stanthorpe’s Weeroona Park London Plane trees took on more than a tinge of purple this week all in the name the International Day of Epilepsy Awareness.
In the month of March, including Purple Day on 26 March, landmarks around Queensland were lit up at night with purple lights to raise awareness and share information about one of the world’s most common and disabling neurological conditions: epilepsy (AIHW, 2022).
Globally, more than 65 million people live with epilepsy and in Queensland, 30,000 people are currently living with this diagnosis according Epilepsy Queensland chief executive Chris Dougherty.
He said epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes unpredictable seizures, which can negatively impact a person’s employment, education, relationships, social participation and daily life.
“Every 33 minutes an Aussie will have their life turned upside down by an epilepsy diagnosis and, in that moment, Epilepsy Queensland are there with understanding, information, and support to help turn things around,” Mr Dougherty said.
“Each year we answer more than 4,000 calls for help.”
He said the funds raised during March contribute to free education sessions to help families understand and manage epilepsy.
“We have been working in the community for over 50 years to help people live well with epilepsy,” Mr Dougherty said.
“We are there for the 3000 newly diagnosed Queenslanders each year whose lives are turned upside down by this challenging and unpredictable condition. We help turn things around by providing information, education, and comprehensive support to help reduce the daily impacts of epilepsy. We do this so people with epilepsy and their families can get the most out of life.”
“Our epilepsy educators deliver free education sessions for newly diagnosed people and their immediate families, so they can better understand and manage their condition. We also train employers, schools, education centres, allied health and disability organisations in seizure first aid and how to be Epilepsy Smart.
“Our community want us to raise awareness of the impact epilepsy can have, not just on the individual, but on their families and wider care and support networks. Epilepsy is not just seizures, it can present challenges to employment, education, relationships, and social participation. We aim to create a world where epilepsy is understood, barriers are broken down, stigma is smashed and the 30,000 Queenslanders living with this common neurological condition can participate safely and fully in life, education, and the workplace.
“By helping us Make March Purple, you keep people safer at home, because we can teach family and loved ones seizure first aid and how to administer life-saving medication.”
