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
