MARCH IS EPILEPSY AWARENESS MONTH IN CANADA

Montreal , March 1 , 2006 - Did you know that more than 300,000 Canadians have epilepsy? Each day, an average of 42 Canadians learn that they have epilepsy and about 60% of new patients are young children and senior citizens. Epilepsy is a physical disorder caused by sudden, brief changes in how the brain works. It affects people from all walks of life and it is the second most common chronic neurological disorder affecting humankind, after chronic headache.

For the third year, Epilepsy Canada and its partners are proud to adopt the lavender ribbon and flower as a national recognition for our cause. During the month of March, through the Lavender Ribbon Campaign, we hope to educate the public in order to eliminate the myths and stigmas surrounding epilepsy and to indicate the critical need for funding research into all aspects of epilepsy. “Despite the need for research in the area of epilepsy, other disorders (stroke, Alzheimer’s disease) are better researched – the reason is funding. Compared to other chronic neurological disorders, epilepsy is a grossly under-funded medical disorder”, explains Donald F. Weaver, president of Epilepsy Canada.

source : www.epilepsy.ca

I have placed my order for some lavender pins in support of epilepsy awareness in Canada. It does not matter where epilepsy awareness is promoted. It matters most that we must all give our support to such a cause that is underestimated by too many. Unless one is directly affected by epilepsy, one will never comprehend too well the social issues and medical issues related to epilepsy.