National Epilepsy Awareness Month (Authored By: Epilepsy Foundation Communications on Tuesday, October 15, 2024)
Posted by TAMI FIERLE
Recognizing National Epilepsy Awareness Month
November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM), and the call to action is "Share Your Purple Power.” This year’s theme celebrates the unwavering strength, resilience, and courage of epilepsy warriors, alongside their families, caregivers, and advocates. By amplifying our purple power through personal journey stories, education, and awareness, we can foster a united community that breaks down stigma and empowers everyone in their journey. Together, we have the power to shine a light on the incredible strength of the epilepsy community and make a lasting impact for epilepsy awareness.
This NEAM, we’re focusing on four key themes to increase awareness and support the epilepsy community: Belonging, creating a supportive and inclusive community; Strength, celebrating the resilience of those impacted by epilepsy; Change, driving progress through education and advocacy; and Impact, making a meaningful difference by raising awareness and breaking down stigma. Together, Together, we can build a more inclusive, supportive, and empowered community, ensuring that no one faces epilepsy alone.
How Can You Share Your Purple Power?
"Share Your Purple Power" this National Epilepsy Awareness Month! Join the Epilepsy Foundation of America and our partners in celebrating the strength, resilience, and courage of epilepsy warriors, their families, and advocates. Together, we can break down stigma, amplify stories, and make a lasting impact for epilepsy awareness.
Submit an eJourney
Our eJourney blog is a place to share your experiences with epilepsy and the difficulties you've overcome. Your epilepsy story is powerful and can give people hope, empowerment, and safety. Submit an eJourney story.
Sign up for a free seizure first aid training
The Seizure Recognition and First Aid certification training provides information to increase the knowledge, skills and confidence in recognizing seizures and safely administering seizure first aid. Encourage your friends and family to register for a free seizure first aid training in honor of National Epilepsy Awareness Month. You and your family can also register our for our seizure first aid trainings in Spanish.
Share on Social Media
Social media can be a powerful tool to leverage in your epilepsy journey. Whether you’re a person with epilepsy or a caregiver, it can connect you with others going through the same things you are. Use #NEAM2024 and #ShareYourPurplePower and share facts, information, or your personal experiences with your followers on social to spread awareness during this special month. You can also encourage others to share the Epilepsy Foundation’s posts and re-share our content to help raise awareness! Connect, share, and educate on social media.
Quick Facts About Epilepsy
Sharing facts about epilepsy helps raise awareness and stop stigma surrounding seizures. By educating the public, we can promote understanding and encourage support for individuals living with epilepsy. Knowledge empowers communities to provide better care, offer assistance during seizures, and create a more inclusive and compassionate environment. We've compiled some facts about epilepsy and seizures for you to share on social media or with your friends and family to help them learn more.
1 in 10 people will have a seizure and 1 in 26 will develop epilepsy during their lifetime.
There are 3.4 million people living with epilepsy in the United States; 470,000 of them are children.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can affect any one of us regardless of race, age, or gender.
Seizures are a symptom of epilepsy. Not all seizures are the same. Many people with epilepsy have more than one type of seizure.
Misunderstanding and misinformation about seizures contribute to continued feelings of stigmatization and negative outcomes for people with epilepsy.1
People with epilepsy may experience "felt" stigma, which leads to shame about their condition and fear of discrimination if they talk about it.2
Felt stigma was linked to higher seizure frequency, younger age at epilepsy onset or longer duration, lack of knowledge about epilepsy, and younger age.5
Felt stigma can reduce the quality of life even when seizures are well controlled.6
References: Epilepsy & Behavior 2015 1, Epilepsia 2007 2, Epilepsia 2022 5, Epilepsy & Behavior 2021 6
We're Here for You
Epilepsy affects everyone, everywhere. Here's how we continue to help the epilepsy community:
Provide Programs and Education
From live On-Demand certification courses to 30-minute basic steps training, our seizure first aid program educates the public on approved procedures for recognizing seizures and responding to someone having a seizure.
Raise Awareness and Funds
Join us for the National Epilepsy Walk at the National Mall on March 13, 2025, or another local walk around the country. Everyone who participates in the National Epilepsy Walk — by leading a team, donating, sponsoring the event, or volunteering — is making an impact for people with epilepsy. Help raise money to fund research, programs, and access to specialty care for people with epilepsy: Walk to END EPILEPSY®
Advocate
Our Seizure Safe Schools nationwide initiative calls for state legislation for school personnel to have appropriate training and policies to support students living with epilepsy and seizures; to date, To date, more than half the states have passed some form of Seizure Safe Schools legislation. Some states have mandates, while other states encourage or raise awareness about the need for Seizure Safe Schools.
Invest in Research and Innovation
Applications are now open for the 2025 Research Ambassador Program! This newly launched program will give 30 selected ambassadors an inside look at the full research process. Take a trip to Washington DC for our Research Ambassador Bootcamp. Explore ways to engage the community in research, address barriers to participation, and much more.
Learn about eligibility and how to apply for the 2025 Research Ambassador Program.
***TRK Medical Products will take a % of your purchase price for the month of November and donate that money to the Epilepsy Foundation. To read about our story please go to www.trkmedicalproducts.com . Thank you for your support!***
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