Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Carbondale) | Photo Courtesy of Paul Jacobs website
Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Carbondale) | Photo Courtesy of Paul Jacobs website
In a March 26 Facebook post, Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Marion) shared information about Epilepsy Awareness Day.
“There are approximately 50 million people around the world living with epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological diseases globally,” he wrote. “Learn more about epilepsy this Epilepsy Awareness Day at epilepsy.com.”
Jacobs shared a link to Epilepsy.com. The link explains what epilepsy is: "Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes recurring, unprovoked seizures. Your doctor may diagnose you with epilepsy if you have two unprovoked seizures or one unprovoked seizure with a high risk of more. Not all seizures are the result of epilepsy. Seizures may relate to a brain injury or a family trait, but often the cause is completely unknown." The website also notes that epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in the world.
March 26 is Epilepsy Awareness Day, commonly called "Purple Day." According to PurpleDay.org, the day is the result of a grassroots effort to raise awareness about the condition. The site also notes that, "Canada is the only country in the world who officially recognizes March 26 as Purple Day through the Purple Day Act implemented on June 28, 2012."
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons posted that epileptic seizures could be tied to brain injury or genetics, adding 70% of epilepsy cases have unknown causes.
Epilepsy.com posted that the international awareness day, "Started in 2015 and is organized by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), the day provides a platform for people with epilepsy to share their experiences and stories with a global audience. The day also calls for all people to advocate for appropriate legislation that will guarantee human rights of people with epilepsy and encourages people with epilepsy to live to their fullest potential. The Epilepsy Foundation is a full member of IBE."
Jacobs was first elected to the Illinois House in 2020. A Republican, his legislative experience includes serving on the Tourism and Higher Education committees. Jacobs resides in Pomona.
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