Initiated since 2015 by the International Bureau for Epilepsy and the International League Against Epilepsy, the next International Epilepsy Day will take place on Monday February 14.
It aims to raise awareness among the general public by informing about a neurological disease with multiple forms that is still little known, while it affects 50 million people of all ages in the world, including more than 700,000 in France.
The Therapeutic, Educational and Pedagogical Institute (ITEP) Tour ar C’Hoat, in partnership with the Épilepsie France association, defends this cause at the local level. The City of Quimper has also decided to support this event by giving it a spotlight. She will be associated with this initiative by lighting the facade of the town hall in purple on Monday February 14th.
The International Day of Epilepsy should make it possible to change society’s view of this disease towards more benevolence. The persistent negative prejudices about epilepsy are sometimes as difficult to live with as the illness, if not more so. The resulting stigma encourages many people to conceal their state of health and their difficulties for fear of being rejected or sidelined. Examples are not lacking unfortunately, whatever the country: difficulties in hiring, loss of employment, rejection of the family and social circle, denial on the part of the entourage, of the school environment.
The International Day is therefore also a privileged opportunity to salute the resilience of the people concerned and to send them a sign of encouragement.
L’ITEP Toul ar C’Hoat
On the heights of Châteaulin, the ITEP Toul Ar C’Hoat, Therapeutic, Educational and Pedagogical Institute, has been receiving for more than 60 years, in boarding schools and day care, young people aged 6 to 20 suffering from epilepsy, and among them many Quimpérois. Finistère can be proud to have the only center of this type on its territory, offering care and education each year to nearly 100 young epileptics who regain their confidence there.
An international mobilization
In 2021, 146 countries participated! Testimonials, sporting challenges or even creative actions: each person at their level is invited to feed the global momentum. Patient associations are also mobilizing; For 5 years Épilepsie-France has been leading a communication and advocacy campaign over this period to demand efficient management of the disease that integrates the dimensions of care, support and social inclusion.