November is Epilepsy Awareness Month!

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Two years ago today {11/11/11} my cousins lost their son from epilepsy. On November 11, 2011 at the age of 24 Spencer Webster died very unexpectedly after having a seizure in his sleep. The cause of death was SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy). It broke my heart to see someone I loved lose a child like this. That is when I found out more about epilepsy. I researched Epilepsy Awareness and made a donation to support the cause. Because it is now a cause dear to me I wanted to promote it on the blog this month in support of Epilepsy Awareness .

Epilepsy affects millions!

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What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a medical condition that produces seizures affecting a variety of mental and physical functions. It’s also called a seizure disorder. When a person has two or more unprovoked seizures, they are considered to have epilepsy.

A seizure happens when a brief, strong surge of electrical activity affects part or all of the brain. One in 10 adults will have a seizure sometime during their life.

Epilepsy Facts:

Almost 500 new cases of Epilepsy is diagnosed every day.

Epilepsy affects more than 3 million americans of all ages… that is more than Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, and Parkinson’s Disease –COMBINED!

It is estimated that up to 50,000 Americans die from seizures and seizure related causes every year in the US.

What is SUDEP?

Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) refers to the death of a person with epilepsy, without warning and where no cause of death could be found.

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Most people with epilepsy live a full and healthy life, however they should be aware that epilepsy can be fatal. Some people with epilepsy may lose their lives from accidents or the underlying cause of their condition, such as tumors or genetic syndromes. But the leading epilepsy-related cause of death is believed to be Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy, also known as SUDEP. This frightening reality is too often hidden or ignored because the topic is difficult to discuss and the cause is unknown.

GET THE FACTS

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The Epilepsy Foundation is an excellent source for Epilepsy Awareness.

Another site I found to be a very informative and inspiring source for Epilepsy Awareness is the Chelsea Hutchison Foundation. Chelsea was a victim of SUDEP at the age of 16. The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation provides grants for seizure-response dogs and epilepsy monitors for those in need, educate the public about SUDEP, and provide support to those who have been affected by SUDEP. Donations can be made on the website HERE.

Please view this touching Smilebox video shared on Chelsea’s website. You will see many faces of those you have died from SUDEP as well as some wonderful facts and information for Epilepsy awareness. Spencer is also in this video. He is slide #28 of 117.

Free slideshow design customized with Smilebox

These faces are real.

The cause is important.

Please find out more or donate if you wish. 

Here are some free prints from inkhappi that can be shared on your social media sites or printed and posted as a reminder of Epilepsy Awareness. {For other causes I have suported go —–>>HERE}

Support the cause

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stationary for the cause

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I hope this post has helped somehow to raise Epilepsy Awareness. Please share this message! 

Enjoy! 

Jillene