RELEASE DATE: 29 February 2024
‘Make March Purple’ to turn things around for epilepsy
Every 33 minutes a life is turned upside down by epilepsy, a neurological condition that can affect anyone at any time. This March, Australians will join footballing legend Wally Lewis to turn the nation purple and change lives.
“I wish I’d opened up about my condition to my friends and teammates, instead of keeping it to myself,” Wally said.
“If I had one wish for Make March Purple, it would be that it helps people with epilepsy to feel less alone. Because when you aren’t afraid to be open and honest about your experiences, it’s so much easier to access support and overcome whatever hurdles you’re encountering.”
Daniel Wessels is the CEO of Jacaranda Finance, which has signed on as the first official sponsor of Make March Purple 2024. He welcomed the partnership as a meaningful way to extend Jacaranda’s vision for supporting all members of the community in the pursuit of a better future.
“Too often, people with epilepsy experience difficulties when it comes to education, employment and social connection,” Mr Wessels said. “While living with epilepsy can be challenging, it shouldn’t be a barrier to achievement.
“As proud sponsors of this year’s campaign, we’re committed to driving change and helping people live lives without limits .”
Epilepsy Action Australia CEO Carol Ireland says that public awareness is critical to helping people navigate the complex experience of epilepsy.
“For a condition that’s been recognised in some shape or form for thousands of years, epilepsy remains a subject surrounded by myths and misinformation. Consequently, its full impact is often unseen, unrecognised, and unsupported.
“At Epilepsy Action Australia, we’re working hard to deliver individualised support to the people and families affected but, just as importantly, we’re upskilling organisations so that they can better meet the needs of people with epilepsy.
“Our training academy offers courses for schools, workplaces, and individuals across a range of epilepsy-related topics. Awareness through education is one of the best tools we have to battle the stigma that can accompany epilepsy.
“Our National Epilepsy Line offers free support from a registered nurse via phone, email, and telehealth for people with epilepsy, families, educators, employers, and healthcare professionals across Australia.
“No question is too small, and clients can count on accurate advice from experienced registered nurses from the moment they make contact.
“Ultimately, we want to build an Australia where people with epilepsy feel safe, supported and included, and empowered to achieve their potential.”
Join Epilepsy Action Australia to Make March Purple in 2024, by getting purple ‘mucked’, turning your profile picture upside down on social media and sharing your epilepsy story.
To find out more about how you can get involved, visit https://www.epilepsy.org.au/make-march-purple .
Media Contact:
Carol Ireland
CEO and Managing Director
Email: cireland@epilepsy.org.au
Phone: 1300 37 45 37
www.epilepsy.org.au
