Taking a tragic loss and turning it into a way to create awareness about Epilepsy a neurological disorder that touches of the lives of many.
Saturday dozens laced up for the first ever Epilepsy Waterloo-Wellington’s Memorial Walk and Run held at Waterloo Park Pavilion in Waterloo.
Event and Volunteer Coordinator Jennifer Lyon was thrilled with the event’s turnout.
“I can’t believe how many people came out to support us.” Lyon says.
It was one year ago today Raissa De Monte passed away from complications related to Epilepsy. Saturday’s event was created in Raissa’s memory.
Her mother Tamara Shydalowsky remembers Raissa as a beautiful, caring and creative woman with a bubbly and unique sense of humour. “We plan to make this an annual event.”
Organizers hope the event will increase awareness about Epilepsy in the community and show those who are living with the disorder that they are not alone.
15,000 Canadians are diagnosed with the disorder annually. There is no cure but can be controlled by medication. The seizures are unpredictable and the person’s health can change on a daily basis.
Money raised from Saturday’s walk and run will go towards maintaining a youth support group as well as purchasing seizure dogs for some of the youth.
