Grace Edwards Inspires Epilepsy Day at BYMS
“So I figured that while we were at the place of learning, we might as well learn about Epilepsy because it is so common, (1 in 26 people),” stated Grace Edwards, an eighth-grade BYMS student on what inspired her to help create Epilepsy Day. On November 30, 2016, Epilepsy -Wear Purple Day occurred at BYMS.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, which causes abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Epilepsy also stands for “seizure disorder”. “A neurological disorder is any disorder of the body nervous system,” according to disabled-world.com.
“Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder and affects people of all ages,” epilepsy.com. There are 65 million people in the world with Epilepsy. In fact, 1 in 26 people in the United States will develop Epilepsy at some point of their life.
“When I was nine years old I thought the best way to spread awareness was with talent and fashion shows. While people are there we teach them about epilepsy, and seizure first aid,” later added Grace Edwards.
Edwards runs a non-profit organization called Talent for Epilepsy. This organization creates family friendly events that promote Epilepsy awareness. All proceeds go to those who have Epilepsy.
If you encounter someone who is having a seizure, you can help by remembering the 4 S’s of seizure first aid. The first thing to do is to lay the person on their side. Then, you place something soft under their head. After that, you must stay with the person. Finally, you always need to remember to be safe.
To raise awareness for Epilepsy, wear purple on March 26th, Purple Day. “Purple Day is an international grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide,” according to purpleday.org.
More ways to help, learn more, and donate go to talentforepilepsy.com or epilepsy.com.
Justin Ehrman • Feb 3, 2017 at 1:16 pm
I know several people with epilepsy it is nice to hear people reaching out to the cause.
Ryen Hernandez • Feb 2, 2017 at 8:57 pm
great article! I learned a lot about neurological disorders.
Marine Barret • Feb 2, 2017 at 7:28 pm
Nice Job Grace!
Carter Topel • Feb 2, 2017 at 6:02 pm
I think Grace is a very kind and nice person, but I never knew this about her. I find it fantastic that someone our age it doing so much to spread awareness about this disorder. Nobody in my family suffers from epilepsy so we’re very lucky, but I hope all the people who do have this disorder are feeling well!
Nice job Grace!
Jonathan Hanson • Jan 31, 2017 at 3:06 pm
I think it is a good thing that grace is inspiring epilepsy day.
Kylie Toblesky • Jan 31, 2017 at 3:01 pm
I thought that this was great because even though it’s common not that many people know what it is and how it affects people.
Elyzabeth Andersen • Jan 31, 2017 at 1:45 pm
After reading your article, I would like to know more about other forms of neurological disorders.
Kaylee • Jan 31, 2017 at 1:21 pm
This was a great article. Informative and well written. Good for you, Grace!
Emily Jackson • Jan 31, 2017 at 11:05 am
I have never heard this much of information about Epilepsy. Grace is doing a very good thing for people who have Epilepsy. Go Grace!!!