Shea’s cousin’s son was profiled by the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital for National Epilepsy Awareness Day.
Rylan’s seizures started at the young age of two. They indicated something serious, but at that point nobody knew it would take such a toll on his future development and quality of life. As his mom Jacqui helplessly observed her son’s troublesome moments, she knew that parenthood was going to look different than what she had anticipated.
Meanwhile, I got a visit from one of my favourite patrons today who also suffers seizures among his various other health challenges.
Although I didn’t wear purple myself (I only have a purple dress shirt which isn’t really my style at work!), I do think awareness days are important. But even more important is treating people who are facing challenges – epilepsy and otherwise – with kindness, compassion and acceptance.
