Epilepsy Ontario: 50 and Fabulous
In January 1956, Epilepsy Ontario was incorporated as a provincial and federal charity. First called the Ontario Epilepsy Society, it has been involved in delivering community and provincial based programs for the last 50 years. Although the first documented case of epilepsy was thousands of years ago, it is still a highly misunderstood neurological disorder. "The general public still holds age-old misconceptions that we have spent the last 50 years trying to clarify" says Dianna Findlay, the Provincial Executive Director.
In 2006, people with epilepsy are still discriminated against. "We are trying to de-stigmatize the disorder" says Findlay, "with support and medical management people with epilepsy can live happy and productive lives - we need to educate the public to allow them to do this." In Canada, as recently as 30 years ago, people, and children in particular, were locked away or institutionalized for having epilepsy. Some people within certain cultures still believe that a seizure is a sign of a demonic possession. There has been some progress, but not enough.
In order to increase awareness and provide more information, Epilepsy Ontario is planning a number of year long special 50th Anniversary initiatives. We have launched our "50 dollars for 50 years" individual donor campaign. We are encouraging individuals to help us in our fight against ignorance by donating $50.00.
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