Purple Day

Purple Day is an annual event, a day dedicated to the sensitization of the reality of Epilepsy. It’s a day when people of good will try to put their legs in the shoes of persons with Epilepsy and the need to assist Epilepsy survivors who cannot help themselves. As a mother of a grown-up man with Epilepsy who is almost weaned off medication, Purple Day has created a purposeful season for me, and I know for many mothers to look forward to. During the months leading to Purple Day, I go down memory lane: the confusion, the loneliness, the ignorance, the throwing money into the hands of herbalists and fake pastors, the all-night prayers and fasting in different churches, and I remember all the pains and my family felt and the dream I saw going down the drain. Now, writing this address and on this memory lane, I think God’s presence, I feel his touch, and I hear him telling me that all the pains, tears and hopelessness were worthwhile because all of these gave birth to ANGIE EPILEPSY FOUNDATION. Many people with Epilepsy never had a chance in life because of constant Seizures, ignorance, and stigma, but now, with the birth of the Angie Epilepsy Foundation, they have one. Many mothers are very much aware now that there is treatment for Epilepsy, and many girls and boys with Epilepsy know now that they can be married and that there is no need for self-pity.

Angie Epilepsy Foundation has affected many lives, and we hope to do more. We hope to stop mothers from sorrow and pain through serious awareness campaigns. We hope to take drives to the Barracks, Territory institutions, prisons, marketplaces, and transport companies. We are all touched by Epilepsy, whether a family, a co-worker, a friend or a neighbour. Epilepsy is a condition that affects millions of Nigerians every year. An average of 18 of 5500 persons are diagnosed with Epilepsy, and about 60 are diagnosed with Epilepsy daily. About 78% of new parents are young children and children of adolescents. Senior citizens are forced to retire from their excellent lifestyle because of Epilepsy. Those with loved ones suffering from Epilepsy are all too familiar with the fear surrounding this disorder. If you like, you can ask me. They fear for their loved ones and the powerlessness that accompanies a seizure. They fear that they will be in the wrong place when seizures occur.