March 25 is Purple Day, a day of epilepsy awareness. People across Canada and around the world are encouraged to wear purple and fly Purple Day flags! Joined us at Regina City Hall on March 25, 8:00 am -9:30 am.  On March 25, 2022, Saskatchewan Epilepsy Inc. had a flag raising ceremony at Regina City Hall, to help promote Epilepsy awareness around the world. The flag was sewn made by Marie Brigidear (shown on the right of the picture), one of the RSCC’s Sewciables Quilting Group.

Swift Current City Council illuminates illness with proclamation

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City Council paid attention as they were presented a winning argument for this week to be declared Epilepsy Awareness Week in Swift Current.

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Epilepsy is a neurological disorder where brain activity can become abnormal, resulting in seizures or periods of non-typical behaviour, sensations and even loss of awareness. What many people do not know is that anyone can develop epilepsy, including men, women and children alike.

Jack and Mary Hoffart both co-direct Saskatchewan Epilepsy Inc, and presented during city council their argument for why Epilepsy Awareness Week needed to be proclaimed, and attested to some the truths of epilepsy

"Saskatchewan Epilepsy Month is the month of March," informed Jack. "The Epilepsy week is March 21 to 25."

Jack then presented some t-shirts with epilepsy awareness designs and slogans. He had his wife, Mary, read one out for the gathered councillors.

"You learn just how long 30 seconds really is when you're watching someone you love has a seizure," Mary read aloud. "30 seconds seems like forever when somebody is having a seizure and believe me, that's the truth."

Saskatchewan Epilepsy Inc. has been advocating for the care and treatment of those affected by epilepsy in Saskatchewan since 1982. For the last 40 years, they have endeavoured to invest in and fund epilepsy research, treatments, and care for those who suffer from the disease and their families.

"When I suggested a possible charitable donation to Saskatchewan Epilepsy Inc., the reaction that I've got is 'Well, I have a son or daughter with epilepsy', 'One of my grandchildren has epilepsy', and 'my son or daughter has a friend in school that has epilepsy' or 'my neighbour down the street'," described Jack.

More people live with the disease than most folks ever realize. Approximately1% of people in Canada live with epilepsy.

"Believe it or not, they're very cautious about talking about that until I bring up the idea that a charitable donation might be a helpful thing to do," established Jack.

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That's the whole idea behind the City of Swift Current recognizing Epilepsy Awareness Week. By embracing the week and helping to raise awareness in the city, more people affected by it may end up receiving support from those around them.

If you would like to inquire about more information or donating, you can learn more on the Saskatchewan Epilepsy Inc. website.