Epilepsy's light shines on

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KNYSNA NEWS - The Epilepsy SA South Cape/Karoo's National Epilepsy Week festivities continued on 10 February with their traditional candlelighting ceremony.

Epilepsy SA's National Epilepsy Week kicked off on Monday 8 February, with the wrapping up the worldwide 50 Million Steps initiative.

The South Cape/Karoo branch elected to commemorate the day by holding a 'big walk' for residents of the centre, walking around the centre itself.

The focus did, however, shift on Wednesday when it came time to celebrating the annual candlelighting ceremony. Something that is very close to the hearts of those at the centre, the ceremony gives the centre the opportunity to honour those who battle with epilepsy, while also remembering those whose lives have crossed their paths but whose lights have since gone out, and also the staff at the centre that have worked so hard in the year prior.

Photo gallery: Epilepsy week celebrated in Knysna

Typically, the ceremony welcomes various members of the public that have contributed to the centre throughout the year such as benefactors and staff, and even regular visitors.

This year, however, no members of the public could attend due to Covid-19 regulations.

The ceremony also had a bit of a change. Instead of some form of entertainment from an outside source, residents of the centre put together informative skits about epilepsy for each, covering a vast array of topics related to epilepsy.

Photo gallery: Epilepsy SA's National Epilepsy Week

Resident social worker at the centre Gayle Schmidt lights the candles for the commemoration part of the ceremony. Photos: Blake Linder