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Mark your calendars for an empowering global event, International Epilepsy Day, taking place on February 12. This international observance aims to shine a light on the lives of those affected by epilepsy, promote awareness, and catalyze positive change globally. The event first kicked off in 2015 as a joint initiative by the International Bureau for Epilepsy and the World Health Organization. This powerful day is now celebrated in more than 120 countries around the world, making it a truly global affair! So, join us this International Epilepsy Day to spread awareness, support, and solidarity. Let's glow together as we help to illuminate understanding and rally for those battling epilepsy. This is not just a day, but a movement, and your participation counts!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>4000 BC</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Epilepsy in Ancient History</div><div class='timeline-text'>Epilepsy is one of the world's oldest known diseases, with ancient texts referring to it as the "Sacred Disease".</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Scientific Examination of Epilepsy</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the 19th century, scientists began to investigate and classify different forms of epilepsy, moving away from considering it a "spiritual" affliction.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1961</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of the International Bureau for Epilepsy</div><div class='timeline-text'>The International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) was established to improve the social and medical status of people with epilepsy.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>WHO's Global Action</div><div class='timeline-text'>The World Health Organization launched a global campaign "Out of the Shadows" with IBE and ILAE to increase epilepsy awareness and reduce stigma.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First International Epilepsy Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The International Bureau for Epilepsy and the World Health Organization jointly launched the inaugural International Epilepsy Day on February 12th.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Observance</div><div class='timeline-text'>Today, over 120 countries observe International Epilepsy Day, raising awareness and advocating for better care and understanding.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Show your support on social media</h3><p class='facts-text'>Change your social media profile photos to the International Epilepsy Day logo or another epilepsy-related image. Post updates sharing key facts from reliable sources about epilepsy to shine a light on the realities of this neurological disorder.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Do an epilepsy awareness fundraising run</h3><p class='facts-text'>Coordinate a charity run within your local community to raise funds for a local epilepsy organization. Not only is it an excellent way to spread awareness, but it also fosters community as everyone comes together made stronger by a common cause.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Hold an educational seminar</h3><p class='facts-text'>Invite a medical professional specializing in epilepsy or someone living with the condition to speak at your workplace, school, or local community center. This not only breaks down misconceptions, but also starts open, honest dialogues about the disease.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Donate to epilepsy research</h3><p class='facts-text'>Advanced research is the key to finding better treatment options and therapies. Donate to a trusted epilepsy research organization in honor of International Epilepsy Day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a local epilepsy organization</h3><p class='facts-text'>Give a portion of your day to help with frontline engagement or other roles in an epilepsy focused charity. Your time would not only support the organization but also individuals and families affected by epilepsy.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes awareness and understanding</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Epilepsy Day is a powerful platform for raising awareness about epilepsy, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The day encourages open discussions about epilepsy, dispelling myths and misconceptions, and fostering greater understanding and empathy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Encourages solidarity and support</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The day stands in solidarity with those who battle epilepsy, showing them they're not alone. By participating in International Epilepsy Day, we are extending our support to those who fight the battles of this condition every day, reassuring that their efforts are recognised, valued and supported.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Drives positive change</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Epilepsy Day actively encourages fundraising for research into epilepsy, making it not just a day of awareness, but one that can instigate real, tangible change. It's an opportunity for everyone to contribute to the progress towards better treatment options and ultimately, a cure for epilepsy. </p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Promotes Unity and Solidarity Globally</h3><p class='facts-content'>International Epilepsy Day brings people around the world together every second Monday of February. It helps to break down borders and barriers, promoting unity and solidarity in the face of shared challenges.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Provides a Platform for Personal Stories</h3><p class='facts-content'>It provides a space where those with epilepsy can share their stories, creating an opportunity for broader understanding and empathy by giving a voice to their lived experiences and personal journeys.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Partnerships with Other Organizations</h3><p class='facts-content'>The International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) partners with epilepsy organizations globally to amplify messages, resources and activities about epilepsy.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Annual Art Competitions for those with Epilepsy</h3><p class='facts-content'>The day also promotes the expression of those affected by epilepsy through art competitions. This fosters creativity and can provide therapeutic benefits for those living with the condition.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Coordinated Efforts in Over 120 Countries</h3><p class='facts-content'>International Epilepsy Day has been celebrated in over 120 countries, with coordinated events across the globe. This unity amplifies the messages of awareness, understanding and support.</p></div></div>
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