National Epilepsy Week (16 - 21 June 2004)

'Light a candle for epilepsy'! On 21 June 2004 Epilepsy South Africa will celebrate their second National Epilepsy Day.

This day was chosen as it coincides with the longest night and shortest day of the year and Epilepsy South Africa would like to take epilepsy out of the shadows of misconception and 'into the light' of understanding.

Epilepsy is the most misunderstood neurological condition, affecting over 1% of the country's population. Of that 1% about 70 to 80 percent will have their epilepsy controlled by medication whereas the other twenty-percent, or about 105 000 South Africans, will not achieve seizure control in spite of trying all available medications. People with epilepsy experience many difficulties; the biggest being the attitude of society towards people living with the condition. People with epilepsy are not viewed as people but rather as a condition. That attitude needs to change!

Epilepsy South Africa would like to dispel the myths, misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding epilepsy by embarking on an epilepsy awareness-raising campaign. In addition to our usual awareness raising programmes, we will run a special public education programme during National Epilepsy Week, which takes place from 16th to 21st June 2004 and incorporates National Epilepsy Day.

Western cape Branch will be celebrating epilepsy week through the following activities and programmes:

• Poster exhibitions and information desks at CHC in khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Mitchell's Plain and Hanover Park and other CHC's
• Poster displays at Red Cross Hospital (Neurology Dept)
• Poster displays at Constantiaberg Medi-Clinic (Neurosurgery)
• Exhibitions and poster displays at Dept of Health in Dorp Street and Parliamentary Office in Wale Street (in collaboration with the Chronic Care Directorate)
• Talks at Orley Foods and Old Mutual
• Radio talk shows on the local stations
• Press releases in the local community newspapers
• Director' s challenge which involves the director donning her overalls and working at the workshop/project on Thursday 17th June
• Candle lighting ceremony and official opening of the new extension at Care Craft Workshop, Lansdowne on 21st June.

The organisation aims to celebrate the "solstice" with the official opening of the new building extension at Care Craft lansdowne. The Workshop offers employment opportunities for +- 55 people with disabilities from various communities in the Metropole. A candle lighting ceremony will symbolise our commitment to the development and expansion of services to people with epilepsy and related disabilities.

We aim to invite significant role players in the Health and other sectors in order to inform them about the services rendered by the organisation and to discuss the need for the formation of a Forum for Epilepsy.

Please join us on 21st as we share the company of the Minister of Health and Solly Philander, comedian and a person who had epilepsy. Please refer to the attached invitation. RSVP to Berenice Berry @ wcape@epilepsy.org.za by 11 June 2004.

Dedicated to securing equal opportunities for people with epilepsy and related disabilities

Epilepsy South Africa celebrates National Epilepsy Day on
21st June 2004
at Care Craft Workshop, 69 Lansdowne Road, Wetton

14h00 - 15h00
1. Welcome (Prof Roland Eastman, Chairman of the Board))
2. Opening of new building
   (Hon P Uys, Minister of Health)
3. Candle Lighting Ceremony
   (Mr Solly Philander- Comedian)
4. Overview of services
   (Wendy Nefdt, Regional Director & Noel Hendricks, Workshop Manager)
5. Partnership with Dept of Health
   (Esme Kennel, Deputy Director; Chronic Care)
6. Closure
   (Marti Nel, Longstanding member of the Board)


15h00 - 15h30

7. Tea
8. Visit of Workshop

RSVP: Berenice Berry, Tel: 021 447 3012