Shining a light on epilepsy

Epilepsy South Africa Geduld and Daggafontein branches celebrated their annual candle-lighting ceremony on February 15.

It was held as part of the National Epilepsy Week from February 12 to 18, The candle-lighting ceremony is a celebration of the strength of those who live with epilepsy and a reminder for them to continue letting their light shine.

The aim of National Epilepsy Week is to change the perception of those who live with epilepsy and other neurological conditions.

Aileen Langley, director of Epilepsy Geduld, expressed that each candle signified hope that every person with epilepsy can reach their potential.

“You are just not epileptic. You are a human being, a parent, a sibling, a child, or a friend,” Langley said.

“Also, today is part of celebrating the Integrated Global Action Plan, which means the World Health Assembly and the World Health Organisation recognise epilepsy as a serious medical condition.”

“This is part of a 10-year plan to ensure that not only us living here but people in the community living with epilepsy have better access to service and also know what their rights are, and to ensure we work on the stigma surrounding epilepsy.”

The centre remembered members who have departed, namely Gail Muller, Yolande Groenewald, Annete Venter, Kevin Pauline, Ntombifuthi Zwane and Fani du Toit.

Encouraging the patients, Langley said while they were celebrating everyone, they should never forget that they are unique.

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