Epilepsy Awareness grows in Davidson County through advocacy and community support
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The Epilepsy Association of NC – Davidson continues to expand its outreach and support efforts, thanks to the dedication of its members, volunteers, and community partners. With a mission to educate, advocate, and provide resources for those affected by epilepsy, the organization remains committed to making a meaningful impact across North Carolina.
Statewide Advocacy and Legislative Support
Support from key state leaders has been instrumental in advancing epilepsy awareness. Organizers say that representative Keith Kidwell and Davidson County Representative Larry Potts have shown ongoing support for the association’s efforts. Their involvement is helping push epilepsy education initiatives across the state, a crucial step toward ensuring that North Carolinians receive accurate information about the condition.
A Call for Support
The association is continuously seeking new members, volunteers, business sponsors, and donors to aid in its mission. Printing and distributing educational materials statewide is a costly endeavor, and community contributions play a vital role in sustaining these efforts. Paul’s Chapel Reformed Church in Lexington has generously provided office space and a venue for fundraising events, a partnership that has been essential to the organization’s work.
Upcoming Events
The association is preparing for two key events in March:
March 4 – Pancake Supper Fundraiser
The organization will host its first-ever Pancake Supper at Paul’s Chapel Reformed Church from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Community members are encouraged to attend and support the fundraiser.March 26 – Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness
Supporters are asked to wear purple on this day to help raise awareness about epilepsy.
Additionally, the association’s vice chairman, Amber Echerd, will be honored with the first-ever President’s Award in recognition of her dedication and service to the community.
Expanding Community Outreach
In addition to advocacy and education, the association is working on direct support initiatives. This month, efforts include securing a seizure watch for a young girl and providing clothing and cleaning supplies to the Father’s Storehouse in Thomasville, which assists individuals struggling to afford basic necessities. Many of those receiving aid are unhoused residents of Davidson County.
The organization has also announced plans for a major event next month, aimed at providing further resources and support for individuals living with epilepsy. More details are expected soon.
Educational Efforts and Awareness Campaigns
To help raise awareness, the association has produced three new educational videos in partnership with Tim Kincaid. These videos share real-life experiences of individuals living with epilepsy. One video was created specifically for Wake County, focusing on epilepsy in children and the challenges they face in schools.
The Reality of Epilepsy
Epilepsy remains one of the most misunderstood and underfunded neurological conditions. The numbers highlight the urgency for increased awareness and support:
There are an estimated 120,044 people in North Carolina living with epilepsy.
Over 3 million Americans and 60 million people worldwide have epilepsy.
One in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime.
One in 10 people will experience a seizure at some point in their life.
One in three people know someone with epilepsy.
More people die each year from epilepsy than from breast cancer.
Epilepsy is the third most diagnosed neurological condition.
Davidson County alone has an estimated 6,370 residents living with epilepsy.
Despite these numbers, misconceptions persist. Until the 1960s, individuals with seizure disorders in North Carolina were forcibly sterilized due to outdated beliefs. Even today, epilepsy is often misunderstood and overlooked in education and healthcare systems.
Challenges in North Carolina
Despite its prevalence, epilepsy remains a forgotten condition in North Carolina:
Epilepsy awareness is rarely covered by local television stations.
The state has never officially recognized November as Epilepsy Awareness Month.
North Carolina health departments previously had no educational materials on epilepsy—an issue the association is working to change.
There is no state-appointed advocate for individuals with epilepsy.
Most teachers are not trained to recognize seizures in students, leading to misdiagnoses and lack of proper support in schools.
The association has urged state leaders to officially recognize Epilepsy Awareness Month in November, a step many other states have already taken. However, North Carolina has yet to make this proclamation.
A Mission to Keep Moving Forward
The Epilepsy Association of NC – Davidson remains steadfast in its mission to educate, support, and advocate for those affected by epilepsy. Through legislative efforts, community outreach, and fundraising events, the organization continues to push for greater recognition and resources for epilepsy awareness across the state.
As the association looks ahead to its upcoming large-scale event next month, it remains committed to ensuring that epilepsy is no longer a silent condition, but a widely recognized and supported cause in North Carolina.
For more information on how to get involved, donate, or support the Epilepsy Association of NC – Davidson ,contact:
Toney Kincaid
Founder & CEO, Epilepsy Awareness Davidson
Email: toneyekincaid@gmail.com
