Director, Alfred Ng, shares his son’s story this purple day

Written by Grandview Kids’ Director, Quality, Risk, Continuous Improvement, Alfred Ng

March 26 is Purple Day, a day created to increase understanding about epilepsy and eliminate its stigma.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures. A seizure happens when abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes an unwanted change in a person’s being or behaviour.

Affecting people of all ages and races – over 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy. With an estimated one in every 100 Canadians diagnosed, you likely know someone living with epilepsy.

My son, Cameron, has a very rare form of epilepsy called continuous spike wave syndrome. Cameron is a sweet, caring 11 year who loves music, video games and playing with his little sister Evelyn.

To know Cameron is to love him. But to see him, you would not immediately understand his daily challenges. Epilepsy is an invisible condition for many – it leaves little apparent visible differences but can affect a range of functions. Cameron has visited Grandview a few times, meeting staff and experiencing some of our special care and ‘sparkle.’ He was happy to tell #TeamGrandview more about epilepsy in recognition of Purple Day.

Dad: Cameron, what do you want people to know about epilepsy?

Cameron: I go to Sick Kids and take medications but other than that, people with epilepsy are just like everyone else – we just want to have friends and have fun. We do our best.

The key for interacting with individuals with epilepsy is, in many ways, the same for anyone. Do so with love, patience and empathy. Be a friend, have some fun, and do your best, as Cameron says.