Epilepsy WA’s Purple Walk 4 Epilepsy in 2019.
Camera IconEpilepsy WA’s Purple Walk 4 Epilepsy in 2019. Credit: Supplied/Supplied,

Epilepsy WA replaces annual walk with virtual fundraiser

Staff WriterJoondalup Times

EPILEPSY WA has decided to hold a virtual fundraiser after the coronavirus pandemic affected plans for its annual Purple Walk 4 Epilepsy this month.

Hundreds of Perth families dress up in purple each year for the Purple Walk, which was scheduled for March 29, to raise awareness of epilepsy and tell their stories of overcoming challenges living with the neurological condition.

Organisers have decided to make it an online fundraiser instead in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, which saw the Federal Government ban events with more than 500 people from March 16.

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Epilepsy WA chief executive Emma Buitendag encouraged supporters to paint Perth purple via social media for epilepsy awareness and share their experiences firsthand.

“Wear purple and share #PurpleWalk4EpilepsyWA pix (sic) and stories tagging @epilepsywa,” Mrs Buitendag said.

“Walk laps around local parks, along the beach, pound the pavements, and get entries in for best dressed team.”

Epilepsy doesn’t hold active 11-year-old Alex Browne back.
Camera IconEpilepsy doesn’t hold active 11-year-old Alex Browne back. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Iluka resident Alex Browne (11) and her family were among those who planned to take part in this year’s walk to raise awareness of the condition.

Despite having seizures from epilepsy since she was three, Alex is active in surf lifesaving, girl guides and at school camps.

She has to carry emergency medication with her at all times, and be supervised around heights and water in case of seizures.

Alex was diagnosed with epilepsy aged five, and her family has received help from Epilepsy WA over the years to provide moral support, access to information and assist with the transition into Year 7 at high school.

Her mother Aoife said epilepsy did not hold her back from experiencing a normal childhood thanks to the charity’s ongoing support and encouragement from family and friends.

Mrs Browne said her daughter’s new school, Prendiville Catholic College in Ocean Reef, had also been supportive, developing an emergency management plan based on resources supplied by Epilepsy WA.

All Perth schools are being encouraged to become Epilepsy Smart via an accreditation program by Epilepsy WA to train teachers and school staff beyond first aid response.

Alex Browne pictured at last year’s Purple Walk 4 Epilepsy WA with her parents Adrian and Aoife and brother Ewan.
Camera IconAlex Browne pictured at last year’s Purple Walk 4 Epilepsy WA with her parents Adrian and Aoife and brother Ewan. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Epilepsy WA will broadcast on Facebook on the morning of the March 29 online fundraiser.

Register at www.purplewalk4epilepsywa.com.au or call 1300 852 853.

Landmarks around WA are also due to light up in purple on the evening of March 26 for Purple Lights 4 Epilepsy WA to shine a spotlight on epilepsy during International Purple Day.

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