Friday, March 21, 2014

Press Release: Paint The State Purple

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Utahns “Paint the State Purple” for Epilepsy Awareness
Support for Families with Seizure Disorders Widespread


WEST JORDAN, Utah- Wednesday, 26 March – Families and communities across Utah will “paint the state purple” for Epilepsy Awareness Day this Wednesday.

The Epilepsy Association of Utah (EAU) is encouraging communities throughout the state to support those with seizure disorders by displaying purple. “We hope to see an overwhelming amount of purple on Facebook profiles, Twitter, Blogs, apparel, and signs to increase awareness that one in every 26 people live with epilepsy,” said Katie Nelson, EAU Board Member. Those who tag Epilepsy Utah on Facebook will be entered to win a t-shirt. Utahns can also support the EAU by eating at Chili’s simply by printing a flyer from the website: http://epilepsyut.org and bringing it into the restaurant. A percent of proceeds benefit the EAU.


For the first time in Utah, EAU events Wednesday will include an Epilepsy Awareness Walk. “Please come out in your most ‘purplicious’ attire and support the 120,000 people in Utah that are living with epilepsy and other seizure related disorders,” said Nelson. The walk will be followed by a balloon launch and an Epilepsy Awareness Community Art Project. The balloon launch will include attached cards, honoring those battling epilepsy and celebrating a major win for Utah’s epilepsy families this year in the passing of HB105, Plant Extract Amendments. Festivities will have a suggested donation for each event and begin at 5 p.m. at Smith’s at 4080 W 9000 S, West Jordan. Concessions and “swag” will be available for purchase.


A parent group working in tandem with the EAU, Hope 4 Children with Epilepsy, has already garnered immense support this year for their children with intractable epilepsy by petitioning for HB105. Although the Bill was initially highly debated, supportive letters poured in to local representatives. Letters came in from all over the state, both from families with epilepsy and even many families without epilepsy, who just saw the need for change. Utah lawmakers passed HB105, known as Charlee’s Law, allowing families to access Alepsia as a treatment option recommended by a board certified neurologist. It is anticipated that the Governor will sign the bill on 25 March in honor of International Epilepsy Awareness Day, the day prior to Utah’s Paint the State Purple for Epilepsy Awareness Day.


ABOUT THE EPILEPSY ASSOCIATION OF UTAH
Founded in 1973, The Epilepsy Association of Utah is a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all individuals living with Epilepsy and seizure disorders. One in 26 people will develop Epilepsy at some time in their lives leading to over 100,000 people in Utah alone. Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the US after migraine, stroke, and Alzheimer’s. The Epilepsy Association of Utah offers a public education program, statewide support groups, personal and professional advocacy, college scholarships, art exhibits, educational conferences, summer camp and more.  Visit http://epilepsyut.org for additional information.

Press Contact:        Jennifer May
Email:                     info@epilepsyut.org

Website:                 www.epilepsyut.org

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