March 26th is

Epilepsy Awareness Day,

a.k.a. Purpleday!

 

It is estimated that 1:100 people have epilepsy. 

In more than 50% of cases, the cause is never known.

In Northern Michigan, hospitals don’t have pediatric neurologists. Children with epilepsy must endure long and tedious drives, sometimes 4 hours or more, to travel to the Helen De Vos Children’s Hospital, in Grand Rapids. These visits are usually scheduled 2+ times a year for a neurological assessment & evaluation by a doctor or nurse practitioner. Because of natural growth spurts, these children will need to have their prescriptions evaluated more frequently.

Flashing lights, bright sunlight, fast moving colors, certain smells and even sounds can be triggers for epileptic seizures. Getting good, quality sleep is paramount to the child’s neurological well-being and has been shown to lessen the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures. 

The Michigan weather is not always great to travel in. Wait 5 mins. and it will change. Sudden storms, high winds and traffic patterns can make driving difficult. So, sometimes, it’s necessary to break trips to the hospital up into 2 day events, making it easier for the patient, but not the parents. Moms & Dads frequently budget hard earned money for these trips. There is little or no help for these costs. Hotels, gas and food all need to be considered and during peak tourist seasons, this can get very expensive.

On Sunday, March 26th, I’ll be driving for Uber & Lyft during Epilepsy Awareness Purple Day.  I will be letting everyone know about www.purpleday.com

All tips collected will be set aside and used to help house, transport and feed a family during their child’s neurological visit in Grand Rapids.

As usual, your generosity will be lyfted up & uberly appreciated.

Thank you.

For more information about epilepsy, please visit:  

http://www.purpleday.org/epilepsy-resources

ciety.org.uk/purple-day-epilepsy-awareness#.WNUrqvnyvIU

www.epilepsy.com

March 26th is Purple Day!