Stamping the stigma surrounding epilepsy

Gallery

KNYSNA NEWS - Last week, from 13 to 19 February, Epilepsy SA celebrated National Epilepsy Week. On a local level, the Epilepsy SA South Cape/Karoo Branch in Knysna held its two annual commemorative events – the Big Walk on 13 February and the candle-lighting ceremony on 15 February.

Both events also serve the important roles of helping to raise much-needed funds and spreading awareness of epilepsy and other neurological conditions.

This aligns perfectly with the theme for National Epilepsy Week this year, "Stamp the Stigma", as Epilepsy SA seeks to break down the barriers that hamper people who live with epilepsy and other neurological conditions.

For the Big Walk on Monday 13 February, residents, day care attendees and staff from the Epilepsy SA South Cape/Karoo Branch laced up their shoes for a walk around the centre.

Cumulatively the group managed to walk a total of 150km and raise a total of R9k that went towards the centre. They were also joined by dogs and volunteers from the Knysna Animal Welfare Society, and the residents loved interacting with them.

Next up was the candle-lighting ceremony at Woodmill Lane on Wednesday 15 February, which acts as a celebration of the strength of those who live with epilepsy, and is a reminder for them to continue letting their light shine.

It is also held in remembrance of those with epilepsy whose lives were lost in the past year. In recent years the centre has held the event on their premises, but in 2023 they wanted to take it to the public.

PHOTO GALLERY: National Epilepsy Week celebrated in Knysna

A number of candles were lit during last week's candle-lighting ceremony.

The event is aimed at raising awareness of Epilepsy SA among Knysna locals more than it is aimed at raising funds, and it served this purpose as a vast number of people attended the event.

The Knysna Community Band led a march to start proceedings, followed by a few performances by residents of the Epilepsy SA South Cape/Karoo Branch.

Thereafter there were informative talks from staff at the centre.

The worship team from the Knysna Vineyard church and the Knysna Primary School choir and marimba band provided delightful music with voice and instruments.

Finally the resident social worker from the Epilepsy SA South Cape/Karoo Branch, Gayle Schmidt, led the official lighting of candles. Members of the public could place candles they had purchased around and alongside those set up by the Epilepsy SA team.

If you'd like to get involved or make donations to Epilepsy SA, you can contact Ashleigh Smith on 044 382 2155 or via email on marketing.sck@epilepsy.org.za.

The Knysna Community Band led the opening procession.