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KNYSNA NEWS - Epilepsy SA's South Cape/Karoo branch once again held their annual Candlelighting Evening at the branch in Rio Street on 12 February as part of International Epilepsy Week, honouring those with epilepsy as well as the lives of those they have lost.
Every year, the people of South Africa have two days on which they can commemorate those who battle epilepsy – International Epilepsy Day (10 February) and National Epilepsy Day (21 June).
South Africa's primary organisation looking out for those with epilepsy, Epilepsy SA, only commemorates one day, however – International Epilepsy Day.
According to Epilepsy South Cape/Karoo director Lee-Anne van den Bergh, they do so for a particular reason.
"It always used to cause so much confusion for everyone when we celebrated both days," she said. So, it was eventually decided a few years ago to publicly commemorate only International Epilepsy Day. "This doesn't mean we forget about the national day, though, we just don't openly commemorate it as we do the international." The international commemorations mean not only a one-day affair, but rather a week-long event known as International Epilepsy Week.
It is every year during this week that Epilepsy SA South Cape/Karoo holds its Candlelighting Evening, something that is very close to the hearts of those at the centre. "This evening always means so much to us, because it gives us the opportunity to honour those who battle with epilepsy, while also remembering those whose lives have crossed our paths but whose lights have since gone out," Van den Bergh said during the opening of the evening.
Photo gallery: Epilepsy SA Candlelighting Evening
The residents of the centre as well as visitors (who were praised by Van den Bergh, as they mean a lot to the residents), sponsors of the centre, and naturally the staff from the centre were treated to a special evening. There was a brief show from Ace Models Knysna and Sedgefield, followed by lovely singing from the staff at the centre. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly a beautifully heartwarming performance from the residents, who danced along to the Hokey Pokey song.
The evening was naturally ended off with the lighting of candles, before everyone enjoyed boerewors rolls.
Ace Models Knysna and Sedgefield put on a small show for the evening. Photo: Blake Linder
Candles which were lit on the evening.
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