March 26 is Purple Day

Art for a Cause
THIS PAINTING IS NOT FOR SALE 

Purple Day or International Epilepsy Awareness Day was founded in 2008  by then 9 year Cassidy  Megan. She has a simple message to help her school friend understand Epilepsy. "People with Epilepsy (or seizure disorders) are everyday people living ordinary lives." 

Epilepsy is one of the world's most common disorders, yet it is still widely misunderstood. Many people in the community do not understand what epilepsy is and what to do if someone is having a seizure.

Website 

Last year was the first year I was involve in purple Day and I learnt so much, though I myself have had a seizure disorder for more than a decade.  Did you know there are over 40 different types of seizure disorders.  While an epileptic seizure and its after effects can be debilitating for days, other seizures can be quiet mild lasting  only seconds and you and the person  may not even know that the patient has suffered a seizure.   

Other patients suffer from Chronic Toxinic Seizures that can last anywhere form a few seconds to hours. It is these types of seizures that need you to provide immediate first-aid and CALL 000 for medical assistance. While many misconceptions in the community exist around first-aid for a person having a seizure it is better you give some assistance rather than walk away leaving someone vulnerable to injury or mistreatment.  The very least you should do of someone in this situation is call 000 and describe as best you can what you are seeing, the operator can then direct and guide you to provide fist aide.

But here's a few do not's to help prevent injury to the person:-

Recovery Position

1. Do not restrict a patients movement - If a patient stiffens then any restriction can cause injury.
2. Do not put anything in the patient month. Patients swallowing their tongue is a myth.  Placing objects in the month can become a chocking hazard, and make breathing difficult.  Many patients suffering a grand mal seizure already have compromised airways.
3. Do not attempt to move the patient. Unless the patient is in immediate danger of falling. If possible it is better to remove obstacles away from the person.  If possible put the patient on their side.

 For specific information visit Download the First-Aid Fact Sheet . In many about 60% of case a patient seizures can be fully controlled with medications and the person can live a fully active life in the community.

Famous Australians living with Epilepsy include Wally Lewis channel nine news presenter and former Captain of the Queensland Rubgy League Team and Dr John Darcy, general medical practitioner and medical constant. Both Australians living in the public spot light despite their medical conditions.  

On March 26 2013 I will be auctioning a purple "butterfly painting"
(yet to be painted but a sample of my work is above.) The butterfly is symbolic of freedom. We want to see people with seizure disorders living and fully participating in the community without fear of judgement.   This auction for a cause will raise funds for Epilepsy Action Australia.  You can visit their website to make a direct donation or my fundraising page to make a donation to my tally.  I am not receiving any direct donations.  Receipts for donations will be directly emailed to you.

You can follow my fundraising page for all the art auction details and to see updates on my tally.  So stay tuned for the picture I will be auctioning on March 26 and details on how to bid.

Debbie Chilton

(Purple and Proud)  .