| |
Province of Newfoundland and Labrador Proclaims
March 26th as Purple Day for Epilepsy
(Click here to see all the pictures from Purple Day 2013 on our Facebook Page)
Front row, left to right: Minister Susan Sullivan, Premier Kathy Dundardale, NL Purple Day Ambassador 2013 Joey Callanan
Back: Gail Dempsey, Executive Director Epilepsy NL & President CEA, Pam Anstey, Information Officer Epilepsy NL, Cindy Callanan, Laus Callanan
On March 21st, Premier Kathy Dunderdale, accompanied by Minister of Health and Community Services, Susan Sullivan, signed a proclamation designating March 26th as Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness in Newfoundland and Labrador, and encouraged everyone in the province to join her in wearing purple and showing their support on Purple Day, March 26th.
As well, during the March 21st session of the House of Assembly, Minister Sullivan had powerful and encouraging words of support for all those who live with seizures. In response, Andrew Parsons of the NL Liberal Party and Gerry Rogers of the NL NDP both reflected on the impact of epilepsy and encouraged people to participate in Purple Day on March 26th.
Excerpts from all three statements are below:
Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health & Community Services
I rise today to inform this honourable House that March 26 is Purple Day for Epilepsy in Newfoundland and Labrador.
On the twenty-sixth day of March, people are encouraged to wear the color purple to show their support for people with epilepsy and to increase public awareness of this disorder.
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions and approximately one in twenty-six people will develop this disorder at some point in their lifetime. More than 10,000 people in Newfoundland and Labrador are affected by epilepsy.
Mr. Speaker, Purple Day is intended to help raise the awareness of epilepsy and reduce any stigma that exists around the disorder. I encourage people to visit the Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador Web site to learn about epilepsy, the different types of seizures, and to become familiar with the correct methods of first aid.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to offer congratulations on behalf of the provincial government to Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador on its thirtieth anniversary. This organization continues to provide vital support and education to individuals with epilepsy and their families.
I invite the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador to participate in Purple Day activities in their communities and to wear purple next Tuesday as a show of support for people living with epilepsy.
Andrew Parsons, MHA Burgeo - La Poile
I also would like to say welcome to our special guests who are watching today. I am very proud to wear my purple wristband here today and I will make sure to have my purple on, on Tuesday as well.
Epilepsy is not a disease, as we know, but a disorder of the central nervous system. It is touching to read about the choice of the lavender flower, as it represents solitude. This would relate to the stigma around epilepsy stemming from not understanding the condition.
Epilepsy throughout history has typically been misunderstood and regarded with superstition, and in history it has also been mistreated in very strange ways. Purpleday.org provides very helpful information on helping someone who is having a seizure, and I would encourage everyone to read this.
I would also like to congratulate nine-year-old Cassidy; a fantastic idea from someone so young. She is obviously very wise beyond her years. Awareness is key, and with this and knowledge we can better equip people with an understanding that we need, and we can all do our part to raise awareness of epilepsy in this Province.
Gerry Rogers, MHA St. John's Centre
I will proudly wear purple next Tuesday to help raise awareness.
There is still stigma around epilepsy, and because of that often people are afraid to say if they or someone close to them has this condition. The fact is that people living with epilepsy can have full lives. With 10,000 people in the Province living with epilepsy, we need to do everything possible to combat this stigma.
I, too, congratulate Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador on their thirtieth anniversary. It is imperative that government support their effort to help both adults and children better understand epilepsy. I am sure everyone in this House would like to join me in saying: Bravo, Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador for the work you continue to do.
Purple Day For Epilepsy
MPs Gala in Ottawa
(Click here to see all the pictures from Purple Day 2013 on our Facebook Page)
Jack Harris - MP for St. John's East, Cassidy Megan - Founder of Purple Day,
Geoff Regan - MP for Halifax West and submitter of the Purple Day Bill to Parliament, which was enacted in 2012
Judy Foote - MP for Random-Burin-St. George’s, Cassidey Megan - Founder of Purple Day,
Geoff Regan - MP for Halifax West and submitter of the Purple Day Bill to Parliament, which was enacted in 2012,
Gail Dempsey - President of the Canadian Epilepsy Alliance and Executive Director of Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador
Gail Dempsey - President of the Canadian Epilepsy Alliance and Executive Director of Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador,
Justin Trudeau - MP for Papineau, Deidre Floyd - Chair of the Canadian Epilepsy Alliance Purple Day Committee and President of Epilepsy Nova Scotia
Find out all about Purple Day by clicking here
|
|
Previously Loved Clothes and Things